NAGANO JAPAN
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS
logo_circle
CONTACT
BLOG
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN SEPTEMBER 2018
  • PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN SEPTEMBER 2018

    Another month has slipped-on by and with that, summer has ended and the early hints of autumn are in the air. With the summer heat having faded away, days have regularly been punctuated by drizzle and mountain mists creeping into the valley, giving recent visits to the Snow Monkey Park an atmospheric beauty.

    Snow Monkeys_180915_0344

    Located in the foothills of the expansive Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the monkeys feel right at home in rolling mist and autumn showers that slip in and out of their valley this time of year.

    Snow Monkeys_180915_0345Snow Monkeys_180915_0338

    The cooler temperatures and atmosphere of early autumn make it a great time to visit, and visitors through September have enjoyed seeing the monkeys spending their days dozing and grooming (with occasional bursts of energy!).

    Snow Monkeys_180915_0341

    The baby macaques are growing quickly – in both their size and independence – and relish their ability to explore the park with confidence. With the onset of autumn, the park and surrounding mountain forests are increasingly full of wild vegetables, fruits, and nuts, encouraging both young monkeys and old to scour the undergrowth, bushes, and trees for tasty surprises.

    Snow Monkeys_180918_0325

    But in the cooling weather of early autumn, the monkeys spend their days mostly dozing and grooming – an endless activity which builds and maintains the social bonds with family members and potential mates that will sustain them through their years.

    Snow Monkeys_180918_0349Snow Monkeys_180918_0350

    As we head through September and into October the valley will slowly turn red, amber, and gold as autumn takes hold. Known as “kouyou” in Japanese, viewing the changing colors is a traditional and extremely popular past-time in Japan, and a great reason to head to the Snow Monkey Park in October and November.

    Snow Monkeys_180920_0355

    Snow Monkey Resorts operates tours throughout the year including autumn, combining a visit to the park with lunch at a nearby restaurant and afternoon activities, led by an English-speaking guide. With the backdrop of the changing leaves of autumn, we’d love to welcome you to Nagano and meet its famous monkeys!

    Snow Monkeys_180918_0352