Nagano has been in the news a lot this week given the impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the region. Sadly, the typhoon wrought considerable damage and many people have been affected. Our thoughts are with everyone affected and we working toward getting things back to normal as soon as possible.
We are happy to report that as of October 17th, our tours will be operating as usual and we look forward to taking many new friends to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. While the park was also impacted – with considerable damage to the trail and park itself – staff have worked hard to restore access and it is once again open to the public. Repairs are ongoing so should you choose to visit the park in the coming days and weeks, please be mindful of your safety and follow instructions.
October is always a beautiful time to visit the Snow Monkey Park as the autumn leaves are now slowly turning and soon the region will be awash with stunning tones of gold, amber, brown and yellow. The monkeys – always reflecting on the transience of life and symbolism of the changing seasons – show their appreciation of the autumn beauty by acting as they usually do – carefree and enjoying wrestling, foraging, endlessly grooming, and of course, soaking in the hot spring.
Autumn fills the forest with a delicious mountain menu of wild nuts, fruit, berries, and tasty looking twigs. It’s a time of year that the monkeys relish as they feast of the tasty treats of the forest and plump-up for the long, cold months of winter.
This year’s baby monkeys are now approaching six months of age and (seemingly) supreme confidence. As they form gangs to tackle their world together, nothing entertains them more than climbing the same fragile and battered branch at the same time, wrestling over the same precious stone or twig or generally, just being adorable.
As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, Snow Monkey Resorts is happy to announce that things are now getting back to normal and we look forward to welcoming many new friends (and hopefully a few old ones) to the region through the rest of October and into November.
Should you like to join us, our award-winning 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour operates everyday through autumn and into winter. We hope to see you son in beautiful Nagano!
