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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Macaque

It is rainy season right now in the Philippines but it still feels like summer. I kind of miss the Japan weather and made me remember one of the the last trips I had - a date with the Japanese macaque or popularly known as snow monkeys.

pensive


I went at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park last January twice. First one was via bus tour, second one was via a private car. I must say I enjoyed the latter. This is because you can take control of your time, and you are not in a hurry. In case you take the bus tour, the tour company gives you a limited time and considering that there are lots of bus tours, expect the place to be overcrowded. Going to the place takes time already. You cannot enjoy it that much. The park is closed every Monday, entrance fee is 500 yen. 

wintershoot
photo by Manong
The Jigokudani Yaen-koen is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River which takes its water from Shiga-Kogen of the Jyoshinetsu-Kogen National Park in the northern part of Nagano prefecture. Looking at the very steep cliffs and the fountains of hot water, people started to call the valley ‘Jigokudani (Hell valley)’. The altitude is 850 meters, winter seasons in Jigokudani is so harsh, for example, temperatures drops to 10 degrees below zero and snow falls over 1 meter. more here
affection

the warmth of hot springs
a refuge to snow monkeys
and loveless humans

/totomai

Going back there with a friend via a private car, we arrived before the park opens so we were able to roam around the area. And when the park opens, we were the first one to enter. It was completely different as if the park was all ours. We got a chance to take photos of the snow monkey freely. When we decided to go down, that is time bus tour companies had arrived.  Snow monkeys in hot springs up close!!!

onsenrelax

Also, don't be disappointed if you there will be no monkey when you visit. The park cannot control the monkeys to show up. It’s their sanctuary of sort. Snow monkeys roam freely in the area and are used to the presence of tourists.

comfort

Here’s the video of my last winter trip in Japan. Ah, memories.



 /totomai 
 2017/07/25 

 Photos taken with Nikon D7000 
 lenses: 18-300 mm VR
             105 mm 2.8f

24 comments:

  1. Beautiful and stunning photos indeed. Greetings!

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  2. What a treat! This post is a sanctuary to me now. Beautiful, beautiful Totomai. Thank you :)

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  3. What SPECTACULAR photos!!!!!!! Oh my goodness! I adore the haiku as well. Sigh. Thank you for this visual feast, Totomai! You are so gifted a photographer.

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks Sherry. I hate to admit, but suddenly I miss snow haha

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  4. Thank you so much, I loved the post. I remember years ago in Japan, when we saw the snow monkeys. Thanks for the memories.

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    1. Amazing snow monkeys. They are not afraid of tourists. Thanks annell

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  5. May the snow monkeys ALWAYS have their sanctuary, whether visitors can see them or not. Beautiful photos, Totomai.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Mary. Some tourists were mad if snow monkeys don't show up.

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  6. What a unique approach to the prompt. Love the photographs and haiku.

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  7. What an enjoyable post Totomai. You certainly made the most of your time in Japan.

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  8. Gorgeous photos and love the video and the music on it. A beautiful place indeed. Love your Haiku as well Hot pools are wonderful. We have them here as well. Must go there again sigh

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    Replies
    1. We all deserve to soak in hot pools once in a while, Marja.

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  9. W O W !!!!
    Perhaps the humans must be loveless, but a few--if only a few--are there for love and loving. Your photos show the monkeys came to you and gave you their best sides.

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    Replies
    1. We were lucky to be there before the bus tours arrived. Thanks Susan

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  10. Thank you for sharing the gorgeous photos. Wonderful to see.

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  11. What amazing animals. Thank you for your words and stunning photos.

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any thoughts to distill?

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