Species profile
About this species
The Japanese Macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a medium-sized primate native to Japan & one of the most northerly-living non-human primates in the world. It is easily recognised by its thick brownish-grey fur, red face & bare red bottom, which become more vivid in adults during the breeding season. These highly social animals live in troops & are well known for their intelligent behaviours, including the famous habit of bathing in hot springs during winter.
Japanese Macaques inhabit temperate forests, including broadleaf & coniferous woodland, across the main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku & Kyushu. They are highly adaptable & can thrive in mountainous, snowy regions as well as subtropical coastal areas, making use of forests, shrublands & areas near human settlements.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
In the field, David Miles, Ian Roberts & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months from December to March offer the most iconic photography opportunities, particularly at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, where macaques gather in thermal pools. Early morning light provides soft, warm tones & the animals tend to be most active & relaxed at this time.
Position yourself at a low angle near hot spring pools in winter to capture steam rising around the macaques, creating atmospheric & dramatic compositions. Use a telephoto lens of at least 200mm to allow the animals to behave naturally without disturbance, & focus on facial expressions to convey emotion & character. In snowy conditions, dial in positive exposure compensation of +1 to +2 stops to prevent the camera metering from underexposing the bright white snow.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Japanese Macaque
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
