Japan – Snow Monkeys
Japanese macaques inhabit Japan's central mountainous regions. During winter, temperatures often drop below -15 °C and snowfall can be heavy. A particular group of monkeys has found a way to relax in this harsh weather. Every day they visit the Jigokudani hot springs near Nagano.
Japanese Macaques groom each other to maintain social relationships within the group. Buy this print
Snow monkey relaxing in the warm hot spring water.
Monkey getting groomed by a younger group member.
Portrait of a Japanese macaque, also known as snow monkeys.
Not all the monkeys love the warm water. Some go in, some just stay somewhere around the hot springs.
Snow monkey enjoying his bath and groom.
Young snow monkey playing in the hot water spring in the cold central Japan winter.
Grooming is a way for monkeys to form and maintain bonds within their group.
A thick fur protects the monkeys against the cold.
This monkey is teaching her little one the custom of hanging out in the hot water springs.