Have you ever seen wild monkeys?
For Japanese people, especially those living in rural areas like me, encountering monkeys is a common occurrence.
However, globally, wild monkeys are only found in Central and South America, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
Therefore, seeing wild monkeys is quite a rare sight worldwide.
Ah, and of course, humans, who are found all over the world, are also part of the monkey family (lol).
Today, let’s talk about Japanese monkeys.
Japanese Monkeys Unique to Japan
The only species of monkeys found in Japan are the Japanese macaques, which are native to Japan (and humans).
Japanese macaques are said to be the northernmost-living wild monkeys in the world.
They inhabit all but four of Japan’s 47 prefectures: Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Nagasaki, and Okinawa.
While you won’t see troops of wild monkeys in major urban areas, they are relatively common in other regions.
Even in my home of Shima Onsen, monkeys that live in the mountains frequently appear in the hot spring town.
You can often spot monkeys during my walking tours or nature guide tours.
Japanese Monkeys as Tourist AttractionsLocation
There are many places across Japan where Japanese macaques are a significant tourist attraction.
Snow Monkeys
For example, at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, you can see monkeys that have the habit of bathing in hot springs, introduced to the world as “snow monkeys.”
Tourists from around the globe come to see these monkeys soaking in hot springs amidst the snow.
Northernmost Monkeys
Among the northernmost-living wild monkeys in the world are those in the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture.
Monkeys living in the snow create a rare and picturesque sight.
Takasakiyama
At Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in Oita Prefecture, you can observe large troops of wild Japanese macaques.
Monkey Performances
Japan has a long history of “sarumawashi,” or monkey performances, where monkeys are trained to perform tricks for audiences.
While there is debate about this practice from an animal welfare perspective, places like the Nikko Saru Gundan in Tochigi Prefecture still offer venues where you can watch these performances.
Monkeys in Japanese Culture
Monkeys, having long been residents of Japan, are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. There are many folktales featuring monkeys, such as “The Monkey and the Crab” and “Momotaro.”
There are also numerous proverbs involving monkeys, such as “Even monkeys fall from trees,” meaning that everyone makes mistakes, and “Monkey see, monkey do,” meaning to mimic someone else’s actions exactly. Another example is “Even a monkey can understand,” indicating that something is very simple.
In the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, there is a tradition of “sarubobo” dolls, modeled after baby monkeys. These dolls are made with hopes for safe childbirth, marital harmony, and the healthy growth of children and can still be purchased in the Hida area.
At the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, you can see numerous carvings of monkeys, including the famous “Three Wise Monkeys.”
Monkeys are also popular characters in Japanese animation and toys, such as “Osaru no Monkichi” and “Monchhichi.
Japanese Monkeys as Nuisances
Japanese macaques also have a troublesome side, as they can damage crops.
Unlike other pests like bears and deer, monkeys travel in troops, causing significant damage at once.
They are also very clever, quickly figuring out and avoiding human deterrents and traps.
Most monkeys are afraid of humans, but some lose their fear and may bite, steal food, or invade homes, causing various problems.
In some tourist areas, monkeys have been known to snatch food from visitors.
If you encounter monkeys during your travels, please do not feed them.
Feeding them will only increase the number of monkeys that are not afraid of humans.
With this knowledge in mind, spotting wild monkeys and capturing them in photos or videos can become a memorable part of your trip.
Enjoy your time in Japan and don’t miss out on the monkeys!
Comments