Story:
The winter of 2008 was especially fun for us, we had a great New Year and we kept the momentum going by starting to snowshoe. While in Nagano we made an overnight side trip to the famous Monkey Onsen.
The onsen is tucked up into a valley behind a museum and small neighborhood that have a few hotels mixed in. The onsen is home to Japanese macaques, which are among the northern-most primates on earth. The monkeys have become quite accostomed to being around people, and while in their onsen they allow people to literally get face to face with them. Away from the pool they are a bit uncomfortable and generally shy away from people.
Many people make this a day trip, but the onsen house is quite nice and has good food. It also allows you to arrive early and stay late without worrying too much about it being dark.
The winter of 2008 was especially fun for us, we had a great New Year and we kept the momentum going by starting to snowshoe. While in Nagano we made an overnight side trip to the famous Monkey Onsen.
The onsen is tucked up into a valley behind a museum and small neighborhood that have a few hotels mixed in. The onsen is home to Japanese macaques, which are among the northern-most primates on earth. The monkeys have become quite accostomed to being around people, and while in their onsen they allow people to literally get face to face with them. Away from the pool they are a bit uncomfortable and generally shy away from people.
Many people make this a day trip, but the onsen house is quite nice and has good food. It also allows you to arrive early and stay late without worrying too much about it being dark.
Tips:
Bring fast lenses and wide angles, and bundle up, it feels cold when you are looking at the nice warm monkeys!
Bring fast lenses and wide angles, and bundle up, it feels cold when you are looking at the nice warm monkeys!
Tags:
japan, nagano, Jugokudani, photography, monkeys, snow
japan, nagano, Jugokudani, photography, monkeys, snow
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