News Discussion

Snow Monkeys Warm Up in Hakodate Hot Springs

At the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Hokkaido, Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are enjoying a soak in an open-air bath. The annual winter event, held every winter, is a popular attraction for visitors and runs through early May.

On January 14, as light powdery snow fell, tourists watched the monkeys relax in the steaming bath, their relaxed expressions offering a soothing sight. Some balanced clumps of snow on their heads like towels, resting their hands on the edge of the pool as they gazed outside, while others quietly groomed one another.

Kumi Norimine, a homemaker visiting from Fukuoka City, smiled as she watched. When they get out of the water, they look so cold — it makes you want to towel them off, she said.

Staying at a nearby hot-spring inn with her family, they had also enjoyed an outdoor bath in the snow. Her daughter, Mei, said she soaked in an open-air bath last night too, so she knows exactly how good it feels.

According to the garden, about 80 percent of its 33 macaques regularly use the hot spring. Some are such enthusiastic bathers that they even sneak in for a soak at night. This annual winter event draws crowds as the monkeys relax in the open-air bath, with some even sneaking back in for a soak at night.

1. 1. soak 入浴する
   After a long hike, she decided to soak in the tub to relax her tired legs.
2. 2. annual 毎年の
   Our school holds an annual festival where everyone brings homemade food.
3. 3. attraction 名所
   The old castle became a popular attraction for tourists from around the world.
4. 4. steaming 湯気の立つ
   Yuko held the steaming bowl of soup on the table to warm her hands.
5. 5. regularly 定期的に
   Kazuki regularly calls his grandparents to check on their health.

1. 1. How long does the winter event last?
2. 2. According to the article, what do some monkeys do at night?
3. 3. About what percentage of the macaques regularly use the hot spring?
4. 4. How do you feel about animals being attractions for tourism?
5. 5. What are some positive and negative points of taking trips in the winter to see wildlife?

北海道函館市の湯の川温泉にある市熱帯植物園で、飼育中のニホンザルが露天風呂に漬かるイベント「サル山温泉」が行われている。14日、粉雪が舞う中、ほっこりとした表情を見せるサルたちに多くの観光客が癒やされていた。5月上旬まで。

雪をタオルのように頭にのせたサルたちは、風呂のへりに両手をかけて気持ち良さそうに外を眺めたり、仲間と毛繕いをし合ったり。

福岡市から観光で訪れた主婦乗峰久美さん（57）は「湯から上がると寒そうで、拭いてあげたくなる」とほほ笑む。親子で近くの温泉宿に泊まっているといい、娘の芽生さん（26）も「昨晩雪の中で露天風呂に入ったので、心地よさが分かる」と見守った。

園によると、33匹のサルのうち、温泉に入るのは8割ほど。中には夜間にこっそり入りに来る風呂好きもいるという。