Jigokudani Yaen-koen 1

Nagano and the snow monkeys of the Jigokudani Yaen-koen

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October 8th 2008
Nagano, like the few Japanese cities that I have so far experienece has lots of wide avenues lined by tall buildings that are lit up very colourfully at night. The main attraction for me was the ease with which one could get to Jigokudani Yaen-koen. Apparently it is the only place in the world you can witness monkeys (Japanese macaques) bathe in hot springs. On the way to Jigokudani Yaen ... read more

Asia » Japan » Nagano

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more