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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure Yudanaka Onsen has a long history as a hot spring resort, dating back hundreds of years. Although it has seen development in recent years, it still retains its traditional atmosphere. Right inside the station is the Kaede no Yu public bath, allowing visitors to start enjoying the area's hot spring water immediately upon arrival. There is a free footbath located just outside the station for travelers not quite ready to completely submerge in the water. Yudanaka is also well known for being the starting point for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous Snow Monkeys, who bathe in the park's natural hot springs. Jigokudani literally means ‘hell’s valley’ due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground, and it is in the baths of this boiling water that the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak in on. The monkeys live in large social groups, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions. Accustomed to humans, they can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests.
Experience the exhilaration of skiing and snowboarding like never before at Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, a true haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the stunning Japanese Alps, this vast ski paradise offers an unparalleled playground for adventure seekers. With its extensive network of well-groomed slopes, ranging from gentle trails for beginners to challenging runs for experts, every level of skier and snowboarder can find their perfect descent. But it's not just about the slopes; Shiga Kogen's charming alpine villages, cozy lodges, and inviting hot springs provide the ideal après-ski relaxation. Whether you're carving down pristine powder, savoring the local cuisine, or unwinding in the soothing onsen baths, Shiga Kogen promises a memorable winter escape that will leave you craving for more.
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