Jigokudani Monkey Park

Our trip to Nagano in February of 2003 gave us a fantastic chance to see my favourite animal in the world: that's right, I'm talking about monkeys.

Even though our trip to Nagano was largely for the purpose of hitting the Jigokudani Onsen, my interest in monkeys is such that I would like to do a whole other page dedicated solely to them. This is in part so that I can justify the ridiculous number of pictures that Laura and I took.

Jigokudani is a small valley tucked into the mountains of Northern Nagano Prefecture, and is accessible only on foot. Translated - or so I hear - as 'Hell Valley', the area gets its name from the abundant hot spring water that bubbles to the surface throughout the valley.

While the steaming hot sulphur baths are immensely popular with people hoping to soak away their aches and pains, they are equally renowned among the resident monkey population. Simian tour groups can often be seen heading into the valley from far and wide, and most primate travel literature rate the area with the prestigious "Five Banana" rating; guaranteed to impress the members of any troupe.

Though you might think that this clash of the species might result in some serious minkey-shenanigans, both humans and monkeys alike seem to be able to enjoy the valley together, with only minimal mischief. The monkeys tolerate all of the cameras being shoved in their faces, while we humans get treated to the rare treat of seeing the monkeys in their rare leisure hours outside of their monkey offices.

Monkey activity of choice in Jigokudani? No question here: it's all about chillin' in the hot springs.

The Jigokudani hotsprings and valley are particularly famous for the sight of the snow monkeys coming down from the mountains each morning to soak themselves in the steaming water before setting off to the office for the day. I myself was somewhat doubtful that we would actually be able to see anything of the sort, but sure enough, the large outdoor tub near our inn was full of monkeys relaxing in the bath.

Even as we approached the 'monkey park', we were assured of its authenticity by the group of monkeys hanging out on the front steps. The place is literally crawling with the little guys, and I had to pick my way through them just to get to the ticket counter.

The monkeys of Jigokudani park are so accustomed to the presence of humans that they scarcely payyou any attention as they go about their business, giving you a rare chance to see them at ease in their natural environment. Highlights were seeing the wet monkeys dragging themselves out of the hot springs, and seeing the little kid monkeys playing pranks on eachother and running around like crazy (Action Monkey was one of these).

I can't really afford to get any of my film developed this month, so my thousands of monkey pictures will have to wait until March...but for now, I hope that you can share my amusement looking at these pics from Laura's camera!