The Jigokudani Yaen-koen snow monkey park in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, will cap daily visitors at 1,200 starting next month after overcrowding and incidents of tourists bathing with the monkeys, park officials announced.
Overcrowding and Misconduct Prompt Action
The park, famous for its wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, has seen a surge in visitors in recent years. Staff reported multiple cases of tourists entering the hot springs with the monkeys, harassing them, and leaving trash behind. The new cap aims to reduce stress on the animals and preserve the park's natural environment.
According to park director Toshio Hagiwara, the daily average of visitors has reached 1,500 during peak seasons, far exceeding the park's comfortable capacity. "We want to ensure both the monkeys and visitors can enjoy the experience safely and respectfully," he said.
New Rules and Enforcement
In addition to the visitor cap, the park will enforce a strict no-bathing policy for humans in the monkey hot springs. Signs will be posted in multiple languages, and staff will monitor the area. Violators may be asked to leave or face fines.
The park will also introduce timed entry slots to manage flow. Visitors must book in advance online, though same-day tickets may be available if capacity allows.
Impact on Tourism and Conservation
The snow monkeys, known for bathing in the park's hot springs during winter, are a major tourist attraction. However, overcrowding has led to concerns about animal welfare and habitat degradation. Conservationists have praised the new measures, saying they balance tourism with protection of the macaques' natural behaviour.
"This is a positive step for both the monkeys and the long-term sustainability of the park," said Dr. Yukari Matsuzawa, a primatologist at Kyoto University. "It sets a precedent for wildlife tourism worldwide."
The park expects the cap to reduce visitor numbers by about 20% initially, but officials hope it will improve the quality of the experience and reduce negative incidents.
