Japanese macaques. Soaking in onsen has become a routine park of the monkeys' lives. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Jigokudani Monkey Park. The snow monkeys can be found in Joshintetsu Kogen National Park in the Nagano Prefecture. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Winter wonderland. Many visitors base trips in Nagano to ski, but a stop in Jigokudani Monkey Park is a great break from the slopes. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Ryokan life. A visit to the area isn't complete without a stay at a traditional Japanese inn. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Barrel of laughs. It's hard not to have a good time visiting the monkeys. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Snowy days. The macaques like the snow. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Fur coats. The cold temperatures typical of the Nagano Prefecture are fine for the monkeys. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Bath time. Onsens natural hot water is said to be a stress reliever — for monkeys and humans. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Little guy. If you're lucky, your visit to the park will reveal the baby monkeys. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Don't feed to monkeys. Unlike Japan's Nara Deer Park, where feeding is encouraged, there's a rule against feeding here. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Wrestlemania. Delight in watching two monkeys go at it in true playful fashion. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Camera-ready. The monkeys are accustomed to human visitors, and some even appear to pose for pictures. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Taste test. Sometimes the creatures even take a bite of fresh snow to wet their tongues. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Monkey see. January and February are prime visiting months. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Courtesy Joshua Mellin Family of three. It's not uncommon to see a group hanging out together near the onsen. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Quintessential Japan. Jigokudani Monkey Park's pool-side views offers visitors a delightful insight into this unique behavior. Courtesy Joshua Mellin Prev Next
