Nagano

These Japanese Macaque or Snow Monkeys live in the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. These Old World monkey species that is native to Japan, can survive very cold temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). These snow monkeys have brown-gray fur, a red face, and a short tail.

During the winter season for about 4 months, the monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm waters of the onsen (hotsprings) and return to the security of the forests in the evenings. In the warmer months, the monkeys will forage elsewhere in the national park.

Jigokudani meaning "Hell's Valley" due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold and hostile forests, is only accessible via a narrow 2 kilometer footpath through the forest.

Japan - Nagano