Dzhigokudani - Park snow monkeys, Japan

Monkey Park Dzhigokudani or park snow monkeys (Jigokudani Yaen-koen, Jigokudani Monkey Park) - an unusual place, lying at an altitude of 850 meters in the valley of the river Ёkoyu (Yokoyu) on the island of Honshu, Japan. It is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, and is a part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. He became famous thanks to Dzhigokudani colony of Japanese macaques that live on its territory and show a very original behavior.

Due to the steep cliffs, dense forests of cold, rising from the ground steam and boiling water that spills out of the slots on the frozen soil, the ancient people called this place the Valley of Hell (Dzhigokudani) from what happened and the current name of the park. Third year the local area covered with snow. However, despite the harsh conditions and a large number of active hot springs, monkey park Dzhigokudani for several centuries, it is home to the famous colony of Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. Their number in the territory of the sights can be up to 200 individuals. The main highlight Dzhigokudani - love monkeys in hot springs (onsen), in which they are swimming pools, as if in a huge bath, luxuriate, press close to each other and, as can be seen in many photographs obtained from this process a lot of fun.

According to official figures provided by nature spa snow monkeys began to develop around 1963. The opening of the park dates back to 1964 year. Since its inception, he rapidly began to gain popularity worldwide as the only place where you can watch the swimming Japanese macaques in the wild. The "bath" season (late November-March) in the monkey park is drained huge number of tourists. For photographers and researchers visiting Japanese Dzhigokudani - a unique opportunity to watch the monkeys up close, studying their appearance and habits in the wild.

Local say that the first time a hot bath took one of the female - to see in the water spilled the beans, she reached into the water for potential prey. Its example was followed by other primates, beginning with his appearance of new attractions.

Visitors to the park snow monkeys can watch its inhabitants at arm's length - pools do not have fences, and primates have become accustomed to the presence of humans and are not afraid to approach them closer. But the administration forbids Dzhigokudani around animals, feed, touch or look them in the eyes, because this behavior is interpreted as hostile to the monkey world. Guests should not make sudden movements that can scare the animals. And here is a photo and video shooting is permitted, but not desirable to get the equipment out of the case next to the monkeys, because these actions may cause aggression on their part.