Which primate species is famous for bathing in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park?

The Japanese macaque is the primate famous for bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. Also called the snow monkey, Macaca fuscata enters the warm onsen waters during Japan’s cold, snowy winters.

Jigokudani lies in Nagano Prefecture, in the Yokoyu River valley within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. The name means “Hell’s Valley,” referring to the steam, boiling water, cliffs, and harsh winter landscape. The macaques are Japan’s only native nonhuman primate and naturally live farther north than any other nonhuman primate except humans.

The hot-spring behavior became especially well known after macaques began using the park’s pool in the 1960s. It is most strongly associated with winter, when snow can cover the ground for months, although the monkeys may be seen there year-round. Park attendants feed them, which helps keep them near the viewing area.

The alternatives are different macaques: crab-eating macaques inhabit South and Southeast Asia, rhesus macaques have a much broader Asian range, and Barbary macaques are native to North Africa and Gibraltar.