p.1 #1 · Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen and Monkey Park, Kyoto
Noticed some member has posted some pictures back in March 2012, there was lots of snow at that time, however, just 2 weeks ago, there isn't snow anymore...and the weather was lovely for a good hike up both Jigokudani. Both of these monkey places are great to visit and each provides me with a different experience, which was one of my goals when I decided to visit Japan few months ago. To get to Jigokudani took a bit of work and the whole day from Tokyo, however, when I was in Kyoto, to get to the Monkey Park, it was just a short walk from the Bamboo Forest area. This was one of the best vacation that I had...with lots of walking...but very enjoyable.
p.1 #7 · Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen and Monkey Park, Kyoto
Birdie,
#1 and #2 are from the park in the higher mountain area, the Jigokudani Park, and those monkeys are more friendly to human, I guess because they're more used to people/visitors. However, the #3,4,5 are from the Monkey Park near Kyoto, and they were not as friendly. The park ranger warned us not to get too close and also don't make eye contact with them, which could make them aggressive. The #3 actually got a little aggressive when we tried to exit the park and in the process, I had to make eye contact when passing by it. The park ranger had to lead first to make sure that we got out safely. All of this sounded more scary than it actually was, and both places were actually pretty safe. Thanks for the compliment and yes, the trip was one of the best I made, albeit a little more tiresome than previous ones elsewhere.
p.1 #10 · Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen and Monkey Park, Kyoto
Wonderful set Binh. These monkeys have great physical characteristics and are photogenic. Being able to get relatively close also helps. Really nice work.
p.1 #12 · Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen and Monkey Park, Kyoto
Yes, #2 and 3 looked scary, but they were not a real threat when I was there, especially #2, he was enjoying his bath in the hot spring despite the fact that I was about 3 feet from his face, and he just ignored me and other people around him...amazing. For #4, one monkey was asking the other one to allow him/her to pick ticks/flees off and ate them...yikes! And I actually witness that process of asking permission and that was very interesting to see. All in all, it was great experiences and I was so excited (more than them of course) to be so close to these them than any other places, without feeling really unsafe ( only a little when walking far away from the park keepers at the Monkey Park), but I guess anything could happen with the wild animals...
p.1 #16 · Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen and Monkey Park, Kyoto
Looks like #2 and #5 are the most popular one...Thank you all for making comments and compliments, I appreciate it. This trip for me was a departure from my normal US National Parks trips, however, I enjoyed these different photographic experiences greatly and hopefully can expand on this aspect of photography more in the future. But, I do know that every time waiting for sunrise and sunset, seeing the light changing within seconds in front of me while trying to capture those moments, my heart will still be pounding!
