Description
This snuggling trio of young Japanese macaques – aka snow monkeys – may have a touch of frost in their fur, but this spot has just the cure for winter chills. When the weather outside is frightful, snow monkeys of all ages descend from the forest and soak in the hot springs, known as onsen, found here at Jigokudani Monkey Park. It's said that in the 1960s, someone tossed an apple to a monkey who then chased it into an onsen. Rather than bound back out, the monkey stayed put for a steamy soak, and since its fellows followed suit, generations of these simians have been hooked on spa days.