Snow Monkeys on the Mount

Bright and early (and still drunk) we checked out of the hotel and jumped on the bus to see the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park.

The 30-minute walk up to the monkey park was breathtaking. We were on a well-maintained path through a thick forest. I couldn't take a bad shot if I tried.

The monkeys in the park are Japanese snow monkeys. Year-round they come to bathe in the hot springs on this particular mountain.

Now those that know me well know that I do not like monkeys, but these were very well-behaved specimens. No bites, scratches or feces thrown!

In fact, some of them were downright chill.

Walking back through the adjoining town we saw giant bushes of hydrangea in all shades.

The little town was just incredible! It was what I pictured a more traditional Japanese town to be.

I should mention that it was pouring while we hiked and visited the monkeys, but the cool air did me good. What's more, I was actually prepared with my handy pop out owl umbrella courtesy of my sister.

Stopping for a quick bite of udon in a sketchy restaurant in town, we waited for the train back to Nagano. I'm pretty certain the noodles gave me (and a fellow traveller) mild food poisoning as I was in a lot of digestive discomfort later that day as we boarded the train to Matsumoto.

I took the free evening to rest and recuperate. Jeff and friends raced off to the Ukiyoe museum before it closed and went for dinner. The local specialities of Matsumoto are eel steamed in rice and bamboo shoots as well as buns stuffed with a variety of mixtures.

They would have to wait until tomorrow as Captain Cat and I had some napping to do.