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.”
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 you’ve 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, we’ve put together a list of the Top 15 reasons to go photograph the Japanese Snow Monkeys this winter:
1. They’re huggers…
2. You haven’t lived until you’ve been flipped off by another species
3. Sometimes they stare at a light source like zombies… us humans can probably relate to that.
4. They, too, were disgusted by that one thing Kanye said.
5. How could you say “no” to that face!?
6. They’re probably the only other species on Earth that has at some point tried to make a snowman… snow monkey?… snow monkey.
7. They’ve mastered the art of relaxation…
8. They’ll come say hi if you’re having a rough day…
9. You could accurately describe them as “majestic as f***”…
10. They don’t mind closeups
11. They won’t judge you for snacking on the job… they do it too
12. They take good care of their kids…
13. Family photos are totally okay… and super intimate
14. They, too, go to the dentist… who also happens to be their neighbor, massage therapist, and mom
15. Just look at them! They’re lonely!
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!
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