How Japanese Monkeys Ended Up Using Hot Springs 

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The Jigokudani Monkey Park is renowned for its extraordinary monkeys who possess a unique distinction-they are the sole known primate troop in the world that indulges in the luxury of hot spring bathing. Originally established for the purpose of conservation and safeguarding these monkeys, the park became an unexpected stage where the curious primates observed humans relishing the outdoor 'onsen' (natural hot spring) at a nearby guesthouse called Korakukan. This guesthouse had long been favored by their distant relatives, humans, owing to its naturally enriched mineral properties. Intrigued by our behavior, the monkeys soon followed suit and began leaping into the inviting waters themselves.
Since then, the park has gained immense popularity among visitors from various corners of the globe. While winter remains the peak season, as the monkeys spend an extended duration in the hot springs, they grace the park with their presence throughout the year. Recent studies have revealed that their immersion in the onsen is not solely for pleasure. Pregnant females and those attempting to conceive find solace in the hot springs during winter, utilizing it as a means to alleviate stress.