Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Yaenkoen

スノーモンキー

On a recent visit to photograph the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Yaenkoen in Nagano Prefecture, nature writer Mark Brazil sent us this amazing image of a trio of Japanese Macaques huddling together to keep warm.

Sometimes a thick winter coat just isn't enough protection against the elements. Then, huddling together conserves extra warmth - and makes for wonderfully photogenic moments.

© Mark Brazil & Japan Visitor


Access

Jidokudani-Yaenkoen

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. Change to the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka (40 minutes by express or 1 hour by local train). From Yudanaka, catch a local bus (15 minutes) or take a taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen. From here it's a 20-30 minute walk to Jigokudani Yaenkoen (Entrance 500 yen).

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Japanese macaque in Hakone

ニホンザル

Japan has its own native species of monkey, the Macaca fuscata, commonly known as the Japanese macaque, or, in Japanese, the nihonzaru ("Japan monkey"). A subspecies, the Macaca fuscata yakui, is confined to the island of Yakushima.

Japanese macaques are 50-60cm in body length and weigh about 11kg. They range in color from yellowish brown, to brown, to gray. They have a pink face and a short stumpy tail.

Males and females of the species are distinguished by several traits such as size, the males being a little bigger; lifespan, the males living 5 or 6 times longer than the females, who usually live only about 6 years; and habitat, the males being ground-based while the females are tree-based.

The estimated nationwide population of the Japanese macaque is one million. They are found in almost every part of Japan except Hokkaido. 

Japanese macaques are not endangered, being on the "least concern" end of the endangered scale. They have natural predators such as dogs, raccoon dogs and hawks. They are also hunted when they threaten human crops. An estimated 100,000 are killed every year.

Because of their pest value, feeding monkeys in Japan is strongly discouraged. The above photo is a sign in the resort town of Hakone, and says えづけ禁止　or "Feeding prohibited."

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