Japanese macaque. Snow monkeys or Japanese macaques (photos and videos)

Animals

It is impossible not to admire these primates. So this year we offer to evaluate the new wonderful photo series of snow monkeys by Japanese photographer Kiyoshi Ookawa, and at the same time learn about it amazing view a little more detail.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen or Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park was opened in 1964 to attract tourists around the world eager to see the famous snow monkeys (Japanese macaque).


The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) is the only species of monkey that lives in the Nagano Mountains on the island of Yakushima. There may be snow there until four months per year, and average temperature winter is?5 °C.

They are one of the most cold-resistant primates, able to survive at temperatures below -15 ° C. Their bodies are covered with brown-gray fur, there is no hair on the face and hands and red skin is visible. Although macaques spend almost all their time in the mountains, they love to take baths in hot springs. Sometimes in the park you can see up to 200 monkeys taking hot baths.


According to local legend, one of the females was the first to take a warm bath, as she climbed into the water to get scattered beans. And after her, the rest of the monkeys learned this.


Japanese macaques are not that big. The average height of males is approximately 80-95 centimeters, weight - 12-14 kilograms. Females are shorter, and females' body weight is approximately 1.5 times less. The tail of Japanese macaques is short, no longer than 10 centimeters. One of distinctive features The appearance of the Japanese macaque is red skin. Dense fur of a dark gray color with a brown tint covers the entire body of the animal, with the exception of the muzzle, arms and buttocks.


Monkeys living outside the park, during particularly cold weather, are immersed in water up to their necks, where they sit most of the time. When it gets warmer, they go looking for food. If a wet monkey gets out of the water, then in severe frost the fur becomes covered with ice, and it becomes even colder. For such cases, monkeys have a duty system. Several animals with dry fur bring food while others sit in the water.


Macaques feed mainly on plant foods - leaves, fruits, roots, but sometimes even small animals, insects and bird eggs.


Japanese macaques live in flocks of 10 to 100 different-sex animals, usually 20-25. During rest, if there is no place for swimming, they huddle together and warm themselves against each other.


The pack maintains a strict hierarchy. The leader in the pack is the main one, but order among his brothers is usually maintained by his assistant - his deputy. If the leader dies or for some reason leaves the pack, then his place is taken by a deputy.


Macaques live on average 25-30 years, in captivity they usually live longer.


Japanese macaques have long been accustomed to close proximity to humans. Despite this, the park administration warns visitors not to even try to touch the animals or look them directly in the eyes, as in the monkey world this is considered a sign of hostility.

Jigokudani Valley (translated as "Hell Valley") in Nagano Prefecture, northern Japan. The name of the area is associated with numerous thermal springs and geysers gushing out of the ground. Now these geothermal waters are a popular resort where you can plunge into natural healing baths - onsen - in the lap of relict mountain nature. The remarkable qualities of the geothermal waters of these places are appreciated not only by Japanese and foreign tourists, but also by local aborigines - Japanese macaques, who take warm water treatments in onsen all day long in winter, when the temperature drops below zero.
(Total 28 photos)

2. The Japanese macaque is the only species of monkey that lives on Japanese islands. These are the northernmost monkeys on Earth.

3. Japanese macaques live mainly in northern Japan, where snow can lie for up to four months a year, and the average winter temperature is −5 ° C

4. Thick and dense fur of a dark gray color with a brown tint, which nature has endowed them with, helps them withstand the cold.

5. Fur covers the entire body of the animal, with the exception of the muzzle, arms and buttocks. If you look at the ruffled macaque, it seems that it is quite fat and heavy. In fact, Japanese macaques are not that big.

6. The height of males is approximately 80-95 centimeters, weight - 12-14 kilograms. Females are shorter, and their body weight is approximately 1.5 times less. The tail of Japanese macaques is short, no longer than 10 centimeters.

7. One of the distinctive features of the appearance of the Japanese macaque is red skin

8. Japanese macaques are not afraid of any cold, thanks to the warm geothermal baths in which they spend most of their time in winter.

9. According to local legend, one of the females was the first to take a warm bath, and she climbed into the water to get scattered beans. And after her, the rest of the monkeys learned this

10. During particularly cold weather, they are immersed in water up to their necks. They sit like this most of the time, and when it gets warmer, they go looking for food. If a wet monkey gets out of the water, then in severe frost the fur becomes covered with ice and it becomes even colder. For such cases, monkeys have a duty system. Several animals with dry fur bring food while others sit in the water

11. Macaques are excellent swimmers and divers.

12. “Now say wheeez.”

13. Macaques feed mainly on plant foods - leaves, fruits, roots, and sometimes also small animals, insects and bird eggs.

14. Some monkeys wash their food in the sea before eating it.

15. From time to time, macaques raid peasant fields, and for this they are exterminated

16. On the one hand, Japanese macaques are unique animals listed in the Red Book that need to be protected, on the other hand, they are pests that farmers have to fight to preserve the harvest

17. Japanese macaques live in flocks of 10 to 100 different-sex animals, usually 20-25. During rest, if there is no place for swimming, they huddle together and warm themselves against each other.

18. Pregnancy of Japanese macaques lasts 170-180 days, one baby is born weighing about 500 grams. The birth of two or more children at once is rare. Macaques live on average 25-30 years, in captivity they usually live longer.

19. The unique monkey resort has no analogues in the world. The monkeys of Jigokudani made it their domain. Outsiders are not allowed here. They say that macaques from other mountains, having heard about the amazing healing properties of the springs, tried to move here to the waters. But they were expelled in disgrace by the local inhabitants.

20. "Wait. I haven't combed my hair yet."

Due to the steep cliffs, cold dense forests, steam rising from the ground and boiling water that splashes out of cracks in the frozen ground, ancient people called this place Hell Valley (Jigokudani), from which the current name of the park comes. For a third of the year, these areas are covered with snow. However, despite harsh conditions And large number active hot springs, Jigokudani Monkey Park has been home to a colony of the famous Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, for centuries. Their number on the territory of the attraction can reach 200 individuals. The main highlight of Jigokudani is the love of macaques for hot thermal springs (onsen), in the pools of which they, as if in huge baths, bask, huddle together and, as can be seen in many photographs, get a lot of pleasure from this process.

According to official data, snow monkeys began to explore the spa provided by nature around 1963. The opening of the park itself dates back to 1964. Since its inception, it has rapidly gained worldwide popularity as the only place where you can watch Japanese macaques swimming in the wild. During the “bath” season (late November-March), a huge number of tourists flock to the monkey park. For photographers and researchers, a visit to Jigokudani in Japan is a unique opportunity to observe macaques up close, studying their appearance and habits in natural conditions.

Locals say that one of the females took a hot bath for the first time - seeing beans scattered in the water, she climbed into the water for potential prey. Other primates followed her example, laying the foundation for the emergence of a new attraction.

Japanese macaques are the northernmost species of monkey that can withstand temperatures below -15°C. They are distinguished by particularly thick gray-brown fur, which warms them in the cold of winter. In northern Japan, where the average winter temperature is -5°C, the Japanese macaques of Honshu Island find additional warmth in the hot waters of thermal springs. Because of their outstanding habits, they have become one of the main attractions of Nagano Prefecture. This type monkeys are on the verge of extinction and are protected by relevant organizations.

In spring and summer, Japanese macaques spend time in the high mountain forest, traveling from tree to tree and collecting various delicacies. When the winter cold sets in and the area is covered in a thick layer of snow, the animals descend down the mountain slopes and stop at the hot springs of Hell Valley, enjoying a relaxing natural spa. In the warm season, their love for water does not disappear - monkeys find small bodies of water where they cool off and have fun, just like people do.

In the natural pools of Jigokudani Monkey Park, entire families of Japanese macaques splash around, warming themselves, relaxing and closing their eyes in pleasure. On particularly cold days, primates become hostages of their hot baths - when they go out into the frosty air to get food, their wet fur becomes covered with ice, which makes the animals even colder. For such cases in order to provide food for a group of animals basking in the waterClever monkeys have thought out a unique system of duty - macaques with dry fur bring food to their wet relatives directly to the pools.

Sitting in hot water up to their necks, snow monkeys spend most of the day there and only after lunch, when the sun warms up the air as much as possible, can they go out onto land to eat and dry off. Macaques dry themselves in a rather unusual way - they sort through and clean each other's fur, as if catching fleas. In fact, in this way they express their love to their relatives. When darkness falls, the snow monkeys return to the protection of the forest.

Diet of Japanese macaques winter period consists of roots, berries, leaves and insects, which they find in the frozen ground under the snow, as well as needles, bark and buds of trees. In other, richer seasons, they feed on fruits, roots, fresh leaves, small animals, bird eggs and insects.

Visitors to the snow monkey park can observe its inhabitants at arm's length - the pools have no fences, and the primates are already accustomed to the presence of people and are not at all afraid to come closer to them. However, the Jigokudani administration prohibits approaching the animals, feeding, touching or looking into their eyes, as such behavior is interpreted as hostile in the monkey world. Guests should not make sudden movements that could scare the animals. But photography and video shooting is allowed, but it is not advisable to take the equipment out of the case next to the monkeys, because such actions can cause aggression on their part.

The path to the thermal lakes with macaques cannot be called easy - to get to the Jigokudani monkey park, you will have to climb to a height of 850 meters, walking along a narrow forest path about 2 km long, while these places are often covered with heavy snowfalls. Despite all the difficulties, the Japanese macaque reserve in Nagano remains the most popular place in the region.

During winter, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is open from 9:00 to 16:00, and from April to October it is open from 8:30 to 17:00. There are no official holidays in the schedule, but unfavorable weather conditions may force the administration to close the entrance to the territory without prior warning.

The cost of visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park for adults is 500 yen (~$4), for small guests - 250 yen (~$2). For children under five years of age admission is free.

Snow Monkey Park is located 255 km northwest of Tokyo. From the Japanese capital, it is best to head to the city of Nagano, to which you need to travel approximately 230 km. Then from Nagano Station you need to take the Dentetsu electric train heading to Yudanaka. Distance – about 30 km. Next, you can take a regular bus or taxi to the town of Kanbayashi Onsen. There begins a walking path along a narrow path into the mountains through the forest to the main entrance national park Joshinetsu Kogen is 2 km long.

It is impossible not to admire these primates. We invite you to evaluate the new wonderful photo series of snow monkeys by Japanese photographer Kiyoshi Ookawa, and at the same time learn a little more about this amazing species. Jigokudani Yaen-koen or Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park was opened in 1964 to attract tourists around the world eager to see the famous snow monkeys (Japanese macaque).
The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) is the only species of monkey that lives in the Nagano Mountains on the island of Yakushima. Snow can lie there for up to four months a year, and the average winter temperature is −5 °C.
They are one of the most cold-resistant primates, able to survive at temperatures below -15 ° C. Their bodies are covered with brown-gray fur, there is no hair on the face and hands and red skin is visible. Although macaques spend almost all their time in the mountains, they love to take baths in hot springs. Sometimes in the park you can see up to 200 monkeys taking hot baths.
According to local legend, one of the females was the first to take a warm bath, as she climbed into the water to get scattered beans. And after her, the rest of the monkeys learned this.
Japanese macaques are not that big. The average height of males is approximately 80-95 centimeters, weight - 12-14 kilograms. Females are shorter, and females' body weight is approximately 1.5 times less. The tail of Japanese macaques is short, no longer than 10 centimeters. One of the distinctive features of the appearance of the Japanese macaque is its red skin. Dense fur of a dark gray color with a brown tint covers the entire body of the animal, with the exception of the muzzle, arms and buttocks.
Monkeys living outside the park, during particularly cold weather, are immersed in water up to their necks, where they sit most of the time. When it gets warmer, they go looking for food. If a wet monkey gets out of the water, then in severe frost the fur becomes covered with ice, and it becomes even colder. For such cases, monkeys have a duty system. Several animals with dry fur bring food while others sit in the water.
Macaques feed mainly on plant foods - leaves, fruits, roots, but sometimes even small animals, insects and bird eggs.
Japanese macaques live in flocks of 10 to 100 different-sex animals, usually 20-25. During rest, if there is no place for swimming, they huddle together and warm themselves against each other.
The pack maintains a strict hierarchy. The leader in the pack is the main one, but order among his brothers is usually maintained by his assistant - his deputy. If the leader dies or for some reason leaves the pack, then his place is taken by a deputy.
Macaques live on average 25-30 years, in captivity they usually live longer.
Japanese macaques have long been accustomed to close proximity to humans. Despite this, the park administration warns visitors not to even try to touch the animals or look them directly in the eyes, as in the monkey world this is considered a sign of hostility.

Opened in 1964, Jigokudani Yaen-koen is considered the world's largest snow monkey reserve. The reserve, located in the mountains of Honshu Island, is home to 160 Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). In harsh climatic conditions, where snow lies for up to four months of the year, monkeys bathe in the hot springs of Jigokuya Onsen, taking hot baths.

The steam rising from the water warms the animals, which spend most of the day in natural pools. Macaques splash in the water with the whole family, closing their eyes in pleasure, and on the shore they sort and clean each other’s fur. You can watch the monkeys at arm's length: the springs are not fenced, and the primates are so accustomed to people that they are not afraid to come closer to visitors. The uniqueness of the place is the opportunity to see Japanese macaques in natural environment habitat, among steep cliffs and inaccessible forests.

Opening hours and cost of visiting

From April to October, Jigokudani Yaen-koen is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. IN winter season(November to March) park opening hours are from 9:00 to 16:00. It is open daily; There are no fixed days off. But bad weather conditions can make adjustments to the operation of the reserve - and it may be closed during severe snowstorms and snow storms. Please note: park opening and closing times are approximate and subject to change without notice.

The cost of visiting Jigokudani Yaen-koen is 500 JPY (~$5.0) for adults and 250 JPY (~$2.5) for children. Admission for children under five years of age is free. A group ticket (from 20 people) will cost 420 JPY (~$4.2) for adults and 210 JPY (~$2.1) for children. The cost of an annual subscription is 3000 JPY (~$30.0) for adults and 1500 JPY (~$15.0) for children.

If you visit the park in winter, you should take care of warm clothes and shoes; It's quite cold and dank in the mountains. In spring and autumn it is worth choosing waterproof shoes. The period from June to August is not best time to visit the reserve. During the warmer months, Jigokudani Yaen-koen offers the classic smell of a summer zoo; Moreover, during these months, monkeys practically do not swim in natural pools.

Feeding monkeys or showing them food is prohibited in Jigokudani Yaen-koen Park. Visitors should not make sudden movements that could frighten the macaques. You should not touch animals, including curious babies, even if they themselves have shown interest in you. Most aggressive behavior primates can be observed during the autumn months; at other times they behave calmer.

Entry into the park with other animals, including dogs and cats, is prohibited.

Video and photography (including using flash) is permitted. But you shouldn't take the cameras out of their cases near the monkeys; such actions can frighten animals.

A brochure in English, French, Chinese and other languages ​​for visitors to the reserve can be downloaded from the official website of Jigokudani Yaen-koen.

Information on how to get to Jigokudani Yaen-koen, as well as tips, maps and descriptions of the place are available on Zeno's Guide blog.

How to get there

Jigokudani Yaen-koen Snow Monkey Park is located at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level, in the territory of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park (also known as Shigakogen), 255 kilometers northwest of. The railway service connects Tokyo and Nagano (the distance between the cities is 230 kilometers). High speed trains Shinkansen depart from JR Tokyo Station and go to JR Nagano Station. Travel time is from one and a half to two hours.

Next, at JR Nagano Station you need to transfer to the Dentetsu electric train, which goes to Yudanaka (the distance between the cities is 33 kilometers). Travel time is about an hour. Next, you can take a taxi or a regular bus to the small town of Kanbayashi Onsen (4 kilometers from Yudanaka).

You can get from Kanbayashi Onsen to the main entrance to Jigokudani Yaen-koen only on foot along a narrow path leading from the main entrance and laid through the forest; travel time is about half an hour. The length of the trail is about two kilometers.

Detailed information about train schedules and fares can be found on the website www.jorudan.co.jp. The service is available in English.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen can also be reached by car. Descriptions of routes from different cities of Japan can be found on the reserve's website. Kanbayashi Onsen has free parking for visitors. You can also park your car near the main entrance to the park, but this option is only available for small cars; the cost will be 500 JPY (~$5.0) per car. Travel time from the parking lot to the main entrance of Jigokudani Yaen-koen is 15 minutes.

Location

Jigokudani Yaen-koen Snow Monkey Park is located in the Yokoba River Valley, in the north of Nagano Prefecture (Honshu Island), in the central part. Exact coordinates: 36°43"58 N, 138°27"46 E.