Yes, this is a snow monkey. I went on vacation to Japan over the summer and after seeing this from falc I contacted him on this picture and how to get there from Tokyo.
We traveled about 5 1/2 hours to get to the park (with the last part walking for 30-40 minutes). When we got to the park, the ranger said that the monkeys were not there but up in the mountains. After traveling so far I told the ranger that I would wait.
While waiting, a really nice Japanese gentleman, who didn't speak English, seeing that I was there to take pictures gave me a packet of pictures he had taken... all of them very good. I suspect he didn't want us to leave without pictures since the monkey's were not there.
Fortunately, they had sent some rangers into the mountain to find the monkeys and after about 45 minutes of waiting they showed up... a lot of them. And they have no fear of humans walking right by you.
So we spent the next several hours with the monkeys taking pictures. Part of the time was difficult because a cloud engulfed the area but I was able to get a bunch of pictures.
Although it was the summer, the monkeys still went into the onsen. It was a highlight of our Japan trip and I would recommend it to everyone (although I still want to go in the winter).
Also, there is a monkey webcam. We monitored this webcam every day.
Directions from Tokyo to Monkey Park:
1) Take the Tokyo to Nagano Shinkansen.
2) Exit JR station down flight of stairs to street. In front slightly to the left is the Nagano Dentesu Rail station.
3) Catch train to Yudanaka.
4) At Yudanaka exit out to the right to bus station or taxi and ask for Monkey Park.
5) You might get dropped off at a gas station outside Roman Museum. Walk up side road to your left until you come to a T junction. Turn right and follow road up until first sharp hair pin bend. There will be a well marked foot path off into the woods.
6) Follow this path for 20-30 minutes (a couple of miles) until you reach the steps to the monkey park.
Now specifically, you want to take a very early shinkansen to Nagano so you can catch a limited express to Yudanaka. Ideal time is the 6:24am which will get you into Nagano at 8:04 am so you can catch the Yudanaka limited express at 8:56 am. That will get you into Yudanaka at 9:48 and to the park by 10:30 or 11am.
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Oh man, David! This is amazing! I'd think I'd died and gone to Heaven to get a shot like this! I certainly hope before I die, I get to go to Japan and see this.
It's nice to see you here again :) What are you up to these days? Are you still crazy busy with scouts?
Regarding your comment in the outtakes thread, I think you were right. I gave this an 8, I think the one your wife picked would have gotten a 6 from me.
interesting capture , does not quite evoke the same feeling that I normally get when I see shots like this. I think I miss the coldness from the shot. 6
I've seen magazine stories and some nature shows showcasing these 'snow-monkeys' who bathe in the warm springs for warmth. I bet it is even more impressive seeing it live:-). I like that you captured this monkey looking staring back at us. Established eye contact can add visual interest as we connect with the subject. He's staring at me while I watch him. I also like all the wonderful details from the wet spikey hair to the nose and water pooling on the fur/hair around the mouth.
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