Snow Monkey Hierarchy: The Top Monkeys

The famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are in fact Japanese macaques. This is a highly intelligent species of monkey which lives in large troops of over 100 individuals and is what are considered to be ‘matrilineal’ societies, meaning that a specific monkey’s lineage and status is traced through its mother.

Learn more about the fascinating social structure and power struggles that the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys exhibit on this page, which includes the following subsections:

ー The Structure of Snow Monkey Society

ー How to Become the Alpha Male

ー Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park

ー Need Assistance While at the Park?

THE STRUCTURE OF SNOW MONKEY SOCIETY

An estimated 60 to 70% of the monkey troop is female, with different family lineages grouped together within one overall ‘dominance hierarchy’. Though mostly female, at the top of this hierarchy sits an ‘alpha male’ – the No.1 monkey and boss of the troop. Every monkey within the troop is named by park rangers with its lineage accounted for, with specific monkeys holding the highest ranks.

Many males, particularly those who are young or physically weak, will live apart from the main troop. Being unable to compete in the sometimes harsh male monkey social hierarchy, these monkeys will band together in their own smaller groups. They may eventually reunite with a larger troop, or travel for better opportunities. At the park, you can often see these monkeys nearby the entrance in smaller groups.

As for the higher ranking, more powerful monkeys, they can of course be seen inside the park. You will often know who they are by their large body size, steely gaze, and the reactions of other monkeys when they walk by. These are the top monkey power players in the park:

THE APLHA MALE: TOAMI 00

©Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Born in 2000, Toami placed the old alpha, Tomamu, in 2019. Through the 1990s, many males were born into the troop and Toami is one of the youngest of that generation. He is aggressive toward the other monkeys and asserts his power through constant confrontations. His distinguishing facial feature is his prominent, protruding forehead. He is young, strong, and looks determined to hold on to his position as alpha for years to come.

THE NO.2: TOKEI 95-05

©Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

The second in line to the throne of the Jigokudani kingdom is Tokei 95-05. Born in 2005 he is notably younger than Toami. Tokei is slightly built with somewhat black fur. Despite his slight and younger appearance, Tokei has a countenance permanently set to threatening. Young and confident, Tokei appears ambitious however hasn’t displayed the drive of Toami to establish himself as the alpha (at least, not yet).

HOW TO BECOME THE ALPHA MALE

To understand how one male monkey becomes the alpha of the entire troop, you need to know a little about how the troop functions. Within the troop, the rank of females is often determined by the rank of their mother with female monkeys inheriting the status of their mother. The rank of males on the other hand, changes all the time. Males usually leave their birth troop upon early maturation – usually between five to eight years of age. From that time on, they will enter and leave several troops or even stay by themselves for years. Usually the rule is, the longer a monkey is with a troop, the higher its rank is within that troop. Also, male monkeys who develop a good relationship with the alpha female, will also rise in status and have more chance to become the alpha male.

The most typical way to become alpha is by death of the former alpha or if the former alpha leaves the group. The alpha male could also lose his rank because of another monkey being stronger and more suitable for the role. The alpha male is dominant and respected by other monkeys, but he is not the only male monkey with status and there are often multiple mature males with their eyes set on becoming alpha. For some, they will see it as a waiting game and bide their time while others might try to force the issue and challenge the alpha. So while Toami is alpha now, he always needs to keep on-top of what is happening around him and always needs to watch his back… as the saying goes, ‘the crown lies heavy’.

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO THE MONKEY PARK

As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, we are proud to offer multiple tours that combine a visit to the Snow Monkey Park with other fun local activities. No matter the season, we can help you make the most of your time in Nagano. Whether with your family or friends, or on your own, we are sure to have something that suits your needs!

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:35 – 17:35
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only)
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Our most popular offering is our “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano“. Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to Sake Tasting and a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.

With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun In Shiga Kogen
Period	December to March
Time	08:45 – 17:30/18:00
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Snow Monkey Park Area
Adult Rate	¥21,800
Child Rate	¥13,300

For those guests coming in the Winter, we also offer the “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen“, combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!

1 Day Tour

[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
Period	April
Time	09:35 – 17:30/18:30
Meeting Place	Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Another unforgettable tour is our “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano“. Including two of Japan’s most amazing natural spectacles, the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms and the hot-spring loving monkeys of Jigokudani, this offering is the easiest way to enjoy a relaxed spring day in Nagano.

Private Tour

[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30
Meeting Place	Any location in Nagano City
Price	¥122,000 ~ / group

For those who want a more customized experience, we also offer private tours of the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions such as Zenkoji Temple. For more information, please click the link above or send us an inquiry describing your ideal itinerary.

CHARTER A VEHICLE TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK!

For those interested in private charter services, we would be pleased to provide a vehicle and propose an itinerary to suite your needs! Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can can start planning your journey together.

NEED ASSISTANCE WHILE AT THE PARK?

Need assistance while at the park? The Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop is located at the entrance of the trail leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Offering a range of services including winter rentals and English language information, luggage storage, along with monkey merchandise and souvenirs including official Snow Monkey Resorts products, the SMR Info & Gift Shop has you covered when visiting the park. Open from early October until late May, 9AM to 5PM, English-speaking staff can answer your questions on your way to and from the park including bus timetables and information about nearby attractions.