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Reasons You Should Go Visit the Japanese Snow Monkeys

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Via: robert-in-ohio • 10 years ago • 5 comments

Reasons You Should Go Visit the Japanese Snow Monkeys

In the Spring, photographers visit Japan to photograph the gorgeous cherry blossoms blooming around the beautiful temples in Kyoto. But when Winter rolls around, the reason to visit gets a bit harrier.

The reason you and your favorite camera should visit Japan in the Winter can be summed up in three words: Japanese Snow Monkeys .

These little gals and guys, officially known as the Japanese macaque, are a particularly expressive species of monkey native to Japan. They earned their nickname snow monkey because, to quote Wikipedia, no other non-human primate is more northern-living, nor lives in a colder climate.

Facebook Update by Marsel van Oosten on 500px

This is probably the most popular photo of a Japanese macaque ever taken. It was captured by 500px user and wildlife photographer Marsel Van Oosten , who shared the story behind the shot in this ISO article .

Japanese Snow Monkeys live in areas where snow covers the ground several months out of the year, and the ones youve probably seen in pictures live in Jigokudani Monkey Park where they spend a lot of time warming up in the hot springs during the winter months.

That, in and of itself, should be enough reason to go visit these interesting creatures, but if you need more inspiration, weve put together a list of the Top 15 reasons to go photograph the Japanese Snow Monkeys this winter:

1. Theyre huggers

cool... by mommam 777 on 500px

2. You havent lived until youve been flipped off by another species

Japanese Macaque showing middle finger by Jari Peltomäki on 500px

3. Sometimes they stare at a light source like zombies us humans can probably relate to that.

Watching Television by Marsel van Oosten on 500px

4. They, too, were disgusted by that one thing Kanye said.

Oh Shit, I'm Gonna Be Sick.... by Edwin Kats on 500px

5. How could you say no to that face!?

First Winter II by Ben Torode on 500px

6. Theyre probably the only other species on Earth that has at some point tried to make a snowman snow monkey? snow monkey.

Carrying the Snowball by Masashi Mochida on 500px

7. Theyve mastered the art of relaxation

Nakama by Jason Arney on 500px

8. Theyll come say hi if youre having a rough day

Monkey Day Spa by Robert Mullner on 500px

9. You could accurately describe them as majestic as f***

Steamy Bath by Marsel van Oosten on 500px

10. They dont mind closeups

Hot spring feels really good by Masashi Mochida on 500px

11. They wont judge you for snacking on the job they do it too

cold air and hot bath by Stefano Sitzia on 500px

12. They take good care of their kids

Mother and Her Baby by Kenji Yamamura on 500px

13. Family photos are totally okay and super intimate

8 Eyes, 1 Vision by Ade Photography on 500px

14. They, too, go to the dentist who also happens to be their neighbor, massage therapist, and mom

Dental checkup by Masashi Mochida on 500px

15. Just look at them! Theyre lonely!

The aliens by Julia Wimmerlin on 500px

Want to see more snow monkeys? Click here and browse away! And if you have your own photo of the Japanese macaques being quirky or just being drop a link in the comments down below!

https://iso.500px.com/15-reasons-you-should-go-visit-the-japanese-snow-monkeys/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+500px-blog+ (500px+%E2%80%94+Blog)