Snow Monkeys in Japan are also known as
Japanese Macaque. These types of primates live in
areas
where for months on end are covered in snow.
The Jigokudani Monkey Park in
Nagano Prefecture is
the place where you can see Snow Monkeys bathing
in
a natural hot spring. The park is within the natural
habitat for the Japanese Macaque, which is
Jigokudani
Valley in Yamanouchi. It is close to the onsen towns
of
Shibu and Yudanaka. To give better access to people
wanting to see the snow monkeys they built a man
made onsen (hot spring) for the primates to enjoy.
Snow
monkeys are known to have thick coats of fur for the
cold weather. The color of their fur is of a brown-grey
variety and their faces are red. They have short tails
and
as species they are referred to as Nihonzaru.
Jigokudani Monkey Park was first established in 1964
near the Yokoyu River. Jigokudani translates to Hell
Valley and it is called that because of the steam
coming
from the natural hot springs resembles mythological
description of it. Back before the park opened the
snow
monkeys would sneak into onsens at hotels, hostels,
and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) to stay warm
during the winter. The Japanese Macaques can be
found in different parts of Japan, but in the Jigokudani
Monkey Park their unusual love for the onsen can be
seen. Thousands of visitors go to the area to take
photos the snow monkeys relaxing in the heated
water.
Please see below for tours
that include Snow Monkeys:
