We decided that whilst in Japan, we should do as the Japanese do: Eat like them, sleep like them, and bath like them!
We embarked on a journey away from Tokyo, to more rural parts of Japan - Nagano - which is well known for its mountains, traditional ryokans (like very old Japanese B&Bs) and snow monkeys!
We arranged a trip to visit the indigenous monkeys and witness them enjoying their favoured past time - relaxing in natural outdoor hot springs. As part of the experience, we also stayed in a nearby ryokan that offered local "cuisine" and was equipped with it's own outdoor hot spring (you can imagine where this is going...)
We embarked on a journey away from Tokyo, to more rural parts of Japan - Nagano - which is well known for its mountains, traditional ryokans (like very old Japanese B&Bs) and snow monkeys!
We arranged a trip to visit the indigenous monkeys and witness them enjoying their favoured past time - relaxing in natural outdoor hot springs. As part of the experience, we also stayed in a nearby ryokan that offered local "cuisine" and was equipped with it's own outdoor hot spring (you can imagine where this is going...)
Introducing the Snow Monkeys
The snow monkeys were incredible! It was snowing so heavily when we visited, verging on blizzard conditions, but they were content submerged in the hot water of the the natural spring, complacently "nit picking"!
They were also very mischievous, and you'll notice from the photos below that one even managed to acquire a new iPhone from an unsuspecting spectator!
They were also very mischievous, and you'll notice from the photos below that one even managed to acquire a new iPhone from an unsuspecting spectator!
Jigokudani Ryokan
We had a bit of a treacherous hike through the snow blizzard, but when we finally reached the ryokan we were speechless!
Surrounded by a beautiful snow covered forest, it was one of the most charming places I have ever visited. Upon arrival, we donned our yukata (casual kimono and compulsory wear)..... and went about exploring the premises. We enjoyed the inside hot springs, dined on some very interesting Japanese cuisine, and randomly stumbled across a ping pong room in the attic!
Surrounded by a beautiful snow covered forest, it was one of the most charming places I have ever visited. Upon arrival, we donned our yukata (casual kimono and compulsory wear)..... and went about exploring the premises. We enjoyed the inside hot springs, dined on some very interesting Japanese cuisine, and randomly stumbled across a ping pong room in the attic!
Getting intimate with the Snow Monkeys...
After visiting the snow monkeys and becoming extremely wrinkled from spending too long in the relaxing ryokan baths, we bravely ventured outside to the natural hotspring...
Immediately faced by seven staring monkeys, we tip-toed very slowly through the freezing snow and made our way into the scorching hot water. Boiling hot but afraid to move, we proceeded to "act casual" as to not aggravate the monkeys, and enjoyed the surrounding view of the mountains. All seemed well for about ten minutes until, what we can only assume was a dominant unhappy male, appeared at the foot of the bath. In an instant the dynamic changed, some of the monkeys started screaming and splashing around, and I somehow managed to capture the moment one leaped across the bath to escape... You can see the fear in Toto's eyes!! Hehe
As you can imagine, we immediately, but acting "naturally" and unaffected by the commotion, tip-toed back up the snowy steps to the safety of our little wooden changing rooms and warm ryokan! Hope you enjoy the pics!
Immediately faced by seven staring monkeys, we tip-toed very slowly through the freezing snow and made our way into the scorching hot water. Boiling hot but afraid to move, we proceeded to "act casual" as to not aggravate the monkeys, and enjoyed the surrounding view of the mountains. All seemed well for about ten minutes until, what we can only assume was a dominant unhappy male, appeared at the foot of the bath. In an instant the dynamic changed, some of the monkeys started screaming and splashing around, and I somehow managed to capture the moment one leaped across the bath to escape... You can see the fear in Toto's eyes!! Hehe
As you can imagine, we immediately, but acting "naturally" and unaffected by the commotion, tip-toed back up the snowy steps to the safety of our little wooden changing rooms and warm ryokan! Hope you enjoy the pics!