My First Impressions of Nagano (3): Monkeying Around at Jigokudani Monkey Park::Japan::Kanto

During this trip, "Jigokudani Monkey Park" was a sight that I both loved and feared, as I’ve been afraid of monkeys since childhood. But every time I see these monkeys soaking in the hot springs during Japan’s snowy season, their carefree expressions make me want to take a closer look. After nearly 30 minutes of driving and walking, I found myself envying the monkeys' worry-free life of soaking in hot springs every day.
 

To see these monkeys up close, first head to the mountain-side entrance, buy a ticket, and then hike up. The path you take is lined with beautiful woods, and in this season, they’re painted with yellow and red hues, making for a relaxing and pleasant walk. When you reach the park’s visitor center, you’ll be surprised to see several monkeys sitting like little lords by the railing, completely unfazed by the gasps and gazes of visitors. There are about 200 monkeys that come to soak in the hot springs at Jigokudani, and they arrive and leave just like clockwork—showing up around 9 a.m. and heading out around 4–5 p.m.
 

It’s hard not to find the monkeys adorable as they take turns getting in the water, scratching each other, looking for lice, and closing their eyes in enjoyment. Occasionally, a couple of monkeys argue by the roadside, but soon they’re back to happily sharing food and chasing each other around. This place should really be called "Paradise" instead.