The New Year found us partaking in the best ITT tour to date. The Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park) in Nagano was our 5th ITT tour since arriving in Japan and by far the most fun. It was a bit of a ride, about 3 hours by bus, but this time we were joined by Chief and her family. Chief works with Doug at FSS, she is an awesome lady and keeps Doug on his toes.
With the ride being fairly long, we took a couple breaks on the way. One stop was a bus stop/restaurant a few miles away from the park. We got to order a hot lunch there and purchase some of the famous Nagano apples. The Nagano apple is the monster in "A"'s right hand. Compare it to the everyday gala apple in her left. That is an apple on steroids.
After lunch and apple purchases we headed up to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Jigokudani means "Hell's Valley" and is named so because of the steam rising from the hot vents that surround the snow covered valley.
It's a little bit of a hike, about a mile, to where the snow monkeys are and the path is narrow but it isn't too difficult and if you take your time and enjoy being outside, it's actually quite exhilarating.
There are a few steep steps and the trail can get muddy with the snow and heavy foot traffic,
but the gorgeous views make it all worth it.
Here is a photo of a hot spring that gives the park it's name. There are hot spring pools that people can soak in also. If you look very closely at the photo on the right, you will see some Japanese gentlemen enjoying a bath. I had no idea they were in the shot until after I took it. *eek*
After about 30 minutes of hiking through beautiful woods, we were ready to see some monkeys, but where were they?
Eventually, one came out and walked along the path with us. We were so excited that we followed this one little monkey for a few minutes. Finally, it got bored with us and moved on. Was that it? We walked on...
We hiked a little further to the some hot springs and hit the jackpot. The monkeys weren't stupid, it was cold out so they were warming themselves in the steamy water.
The monkeys were coming and going from the pools. They seemed oblivious to the humans and would walk right by us, sometimes fighting with each other and rolling between our legs. It's quite unnerving because when they are fighting you remember that they are wild animals. In the beginning, the guides told us to not have any food on us and to never stare the monkeys in the eye or they will attack. Nice.
And here is the actual footage I took. I love this video because it shows how the monkeys just come and go, completely ignoring the humans that are gawking at them.
After about two hours visiting with the snow monkeys it was time to head home.
We boarded the bus and said goodbye to Nagano. It is beautiful there and a snow enthusiast's dream. Once again, we hope to return to Nagano and explore more of what it has to offer.
Eventually, even the scenery outside the bus window was not enough to keep us up, it was a long day.
So, another adventure done and over with. We can't wait to share the next one with you. Until then,
The Hickey Family
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