Snow Monkeys

The world famous Jigokudani wild monkey hot-springs is home to about 200 wild monkeys who spend their days soaking in the natural hot springs, keeping warm from the harsh winter. The park was opened in 1964 and is considered to be one of the only places in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in the wild. The hike to the hot-springs takes about 20 – 30 minutes each way.
What exactly are snow monkeys?
The Macaca fuscata, or Japanese snow monkey, is the world’s most northernmost living non-human primate. Native to Japan, these monkeys are known for their intelligence, which can be displayed by their affinity to washing food as well as making snowballs. You can find these special creatures bathing in the onsen (hot springs) of Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in the mountains of Nagano.