Kanbayashi Snow Monkeys

Day one of proper tourism in Japan now.

After a day of skiing on Monday 11th, we took the train from Myoko to Nagano, stayed in a cheap and not so cheerful hotel for one night, then took a bus trip out to see the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

On the way there I was wondering if we would get to see any snow monkeys. On arrival we spotted some on roof tops and climbing up the gulley from the river. So at that point I was pleased we saw one or two. Then on walking right in to the Monkey Park proper, there were dozens and dozens if not hundreds. They were clearly used to having humans around, but not in a dependent way, i.e. they were not threatened or were expecting food.

Very odd experience sharing such a close space with monkeys.

Plus the best part was a bunch of them soaking in a hot spring onsen. Clearly not abiding to the human rules the Japanese have created for onsens; and there were definitely no separate male / female sections.

Here's a short video clip of them bathing!