These Japanese macaques are famous for keeping warm over the winter by sitting in the warm thermal water.
Constant grooming is obligatory
The best place to see these monkeys in the Jigokudani Monkey Park which is near Nagano. A warning though the last stage of your trip is up a very steep, bendy and exceptionally narrow road.
The SatNav instructions provided by Japan Campers suggested leaving the motorhome at the bottom of the mountain and walking about 3km to the Monkey Park. It is possible to drive up, though be warned its a narrow bendy road and, rather scarily, it is not one way. If you park at the top there is still a rough path and steps to take before you reach the monkeys.
You can combine a visit to the monkeys by exploring Shibu Onsen which is a twee little place with a street with tiny public baths. You pay your money and are given a key to the individual baths. Remember to park at the bottom of the hill though.
The SatNav instructions provided by Japan Campers suggested leaving the motorhome at the bottom of the mountain and walking about 3km to the Monkey Park. It is possible to drive up, though be warned its a narrow bendy road and, rather scarily, it is not one way. If you park at the top there is still a rough path and steps to take before you reach the monkeys.
You can combine a visit to the monkeys by exploring Shibu Onsen which is a twee little place with a street with tiny public baths. You pay your money and are given a key to the individual baths. Remember to park at the bottom of the hill though.
low cloud and steam provided interesting atmosphere.
The Monkey Park charges ¥500 for parking, and then ¥500 each to get in, and the low cloud and steam (and smell) from the boiling water provided a wonderfully atmosphere. The monkeys were excellent in that they ignored the visitors completely - even when you were very close - and spent their time grooming each other and eating the results. By recent standards it was a cold day, but not cold enough to tempt the monkeys into the hot water pool.
Onsen, ladies to the left
Onsen,gents to the right
Monkey nuts?
