When it comes to winter travel, Japan is unlike anywhere in the world- especially when it comes to monkeys. 

Wild monkeys enjoy hot springs in Nagano prefecture, and it's incredible. They follow etiquitte much like humans do in hot springs- you can observe their bathing rituals and relaxation from up close. 

Although Jigokudani is called a "monkey park," even though all of the monkeys there are wild. 

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Park is located at a canyon near Yokoyugawa River, in the northern part of Nagano prefecture, where winter is cold and long. In fact, it is covered by snow for four months. This park provides food to attract monkeys, and although it is a facility, the monkeys can come and go freely. Because they are wild monkeys, it is interesting for visitors and researchers alike to see their behavior, and it's a completely different experience from any kind of zoo. 

The monkeys that live around this park are Japanese macaque. They live in family groups and often visit the hot springs as such, too. 

Visitors can take a peek at how monkeys are spending their time in the wild at this park. They eat, run, play and relax. The most relaxing scene is certainly the one where monkeys are taking a bath in natural hot springs. Nonetheless, while people enjoy the hot springs even during summer, the monkeys, who live around this area, do it only when it is cold. In other words, they come to the hot springs simply to warm up. It’s quite unique and really heartwarming! If you're lucky, you can even see the monkeys having snowball fights, but be careful- they've got great aim. 

Some tips for travelers: 

As for taking photos, note that using a selfie stick is not allowed, because sometimes the monkeys feel they are being threatened by it. It’s important to remember that these are wild monkeys. Tripods are acceptable as long as they are used some distance from the monkeys.It is important to keep warm and wear shoes or boots that are slip resistant, as it can be quite a hike up tot he park. Since Nagano prefecture has many ski resorts, it is a good idea to take a day, or even half a day off from skiing and visit Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Park to see the famous hot spring monkeys.