Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves, but if you want more information, you can get it here.  Just click on the English link if that is your language of choice.

They find onsens relaxing too.  

I think this monkey was the leader of the group.  

This was feeding time.  The monkeys kind of blend in, but there are many, many in this picture.

We were warned to refrain from making eye contact, but it was so hard.  They were under foot. Can you see the monkey on the railing?  He heard it was dinner time.

Look closely at these pictures.  This was posted over the building where you purchase your tickets.  We had a good laugh.

The day we went, 20 December 2008, there was no snow, but there had been a dusting the week before.  The trail that you take up to the park entrance is about a 20 - 30 minute hike.  It was a bit muddy on the hike up, but doable in sneakers.  I'm told that when it's icy, the hike can take around an hour.