Japanese Snow Monkeys

The Japanese macaque or as they’re also commonly known, the Japanese Snow Monkeys, of Jigokudani Monkey Park (Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan), each day come down from the deeply forested hills of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to soak in the warm waters of the hotspring here. Spending some time with them is fascinating and soon you can clearly distinguish the personalities of each macaque as the young run around the edge of the pool and play, whilst the adults relax in the waters of the hotspring. The area is dotted with onsen (hotsprings) for humans and it’s a nice thought to know that enjoying the mineral rich, hot waters aren’t bound by species.