Snow Monkey Tour
Upon arriving in Nozawa Onsen, we discovered there were really only four things to do in this little Japanese village; ski, snowboard, eat and visit snow monkeys. Considering we had all indulged in the fine sushi and udon, skied, snowboarded and in some instances even kamakazied or snow ploughed all the way down some red runs, mum and I decided to spend some time with the Clair's and get to know their extended family. And so, Mum, myself, Laura, James and Adam ventured down to the snow monkey office, bought our tickets, received our complimentary (although hardly a compliment to our day) "Japanese" coffee and jumped onto the shuttle for our 45 minute trip to the mountains.
The journey was picturesque, a canvas of white with the occasional footprints of what we can only describe as a ‘geer’ a name we gave to this mythical looking creature that we understand as being half goat, half deer (to assist with the understanding of such a beast, think of cat dog, the loveable cartoon aired in the early 1990’s of which the main character was half dog, half cat).
We arrived at our destination and began our 1.6km journey along a manicured footpath surrounded by tall trees, small rocks and a flowing stream which looked colder than the look mum gave me the morning after James and I went out drinking in Osaka.
We finally spotted our first furry little friends. We were welcomed to the park by one monkey lying spread-eagle on the footpath while another monkey slowly ruffled through its fur picking out and eating what we were told to be lice. They were everywhere, what a sight! Climbing up along the mountain side, running through the snow and even taking a bath in the man made Onsen.
James quickly learnt to not get to close to the little guys. As he tried to creep closer to one particular monkey, the little fur ball quickly looked up and made a face that I can only describe as one that a vampire would give just before latching onto your neck, minus the fangs and hissing sound.
We also spotted a large recording device which had the following website printed on a plaque below: www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp which is apparently a monkey live cam. Haven’t checked it out yet but jump on and have a look…
All in all, a great day, loved getting up close with the monkeys and it was great to meet so much of the Clair family.
Tessa
Nice pathway.
Hmmm, nice, LONG, pathway!
Are, there they are.
The monkey is the one on the right !!
Hear no, see no, speak no evil....
Nice and warm day.
The humans...
And we thought Frank had gone skiing !!
See how tame they are.
...NOT!!
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