Snow Monkeys

• A Snow Monkey relaxes in the hot springs at Jigokudani-Onsen (Hell Valley) in Jigokudani, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Japanese Macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are the most northerly nonhuman primate in the world.
  
  
  

  Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images

• Japanese Macaque monkeys dip in a hot spring in the snow at Jigokudani-Onsen (Hell Valley). Some 250 monkeys in two groups, inhabit the nearby mountains and are fed in the park.
  
  
  

  Koji Sasahara, AP

• One of Japanese Macaque monkeys is having a relaxed moment at the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in central Japan.
  
  
  

  Koji Sasahara, AP

• Japanese Macaque monkeys groom each other, sitting in a hot spring in the snow.
  
  
  

  Shuji Kajiyama, AP

• A Japanese Macaque (macaca Fuscata) leaps into a hot spring. In 1963, a female Macaque ventured into the hot springs to retrieve some soybeans. This behaviour was adopted by other monkeys, and eventually by the entire troop.
  
  
  

  Roy Toft, National Geographic/Getty Images

• A Japanese Macaque looks up as he enjoys himself sitting in a hot spring. Snow monkeys survive winter temperatures below 5 degrees Farenheit, and are perhaps most famous for the amount of time they spend relaxing in naturally heated volcanic hot springs.
  
  
  

  Timothy G. Laman, National Geographic/Getty Images

• Japanese Macaque monkeys groom each other, sitting in a hot spring in the snow.
  
  
  

  Shuji Kajiyama, AP

• A Japanese Macaque monkey and her infant bathe in the hot springs at Jigokudani-Onsen (Hell Valley).
  
  
  

  Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images

• A man relaxes alongside Japanese Macaque monkeys in the hot springs at Jigokudani-Onsen (Hell Valley).
  
  
  

  Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images

• A Japanese Macaque monkey relaxes in the hot spring at Hell Valley Monkey Park. The hot springs are said to help relieve nerve pain and fatigue.
  
  
  

  Koichi Kamoshida, Getty Images