Limited Time! 500 Monkeys Gather Around a Ball to Keep Warm - "Mystery Offering Ceremony" for Visitor

Located in Tonosho, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, the Choshikei Monkey Park (銚子渓お猿の国) becomes a mesmerizing sight each winter as large groups of monkeys huddle together for warmth. With over 500 wild Japanese macaques residing in the park, visitors can witness these adorable creatures engaging in their unique behavior during the cold months.

The Beauty of Huddling Monkeys

As temperatures drop, particularly during the season known as daikan (大寒), which marks the coldest days of the year in Japan, the monkeys can often be seen cuddling closely together to conserve heat. This heartwarming sight has led to playful descriptions of them as "monkey dumplings" by visitors and staff alike.

猿団子の季節がやってきました☺️大きな猿団子は太陽が隠れている寒い日によく見ることができます👀暖かい格好でお越しください🐵✨#小豆島 #銚子渓お猿の国 #ニホンザル#猿団子 #冬の風物詩 pic.twitter.com/F0rmsJgJyM

— 小豆島 銚子渓お猿の国　スタッフ募集中‼︎‼︎ (@osarunokuni_dan) 2022年12月18日

Seasonal Changes and Visitor Experience

The park regularly shares delightful photos on social media, showcasing this phenomenon. As winter progresses and sunlight becomes scarce, the monkeys gather in clusters, creating an enchanting view reminiscent of fluffy balls of fur from a distance. The park encourages visitors to dress warmly before coming to enjoy this spectacle.

From Winter to Summer: A Year-Round Attraction

The huddling behavior is prevalent during the colder months but diminishes as temperatures rise in spring. In summer, visitors can observe the monkeys swimming and cooling off in water—another captivating aspect of their behavior that changes with the seasons.

今日から池遊び解禁しました🐵💦　子ザル達は準備中で水深が浅い時から遊びにきていました🤗
もしかしたら、泳いでいる姿が見れるかも⁈#小豆島 #銚子渓お猿の国 #ニホンザル#ニホンザルの魅力 #池開き pic.twitter.com/IJWEjx65e6

— 小豆島 銚子渓お猿の国　スタッフ募集中‼︎‼︎ (@osarunokuni_dan) 2023年7月16日

Conclusion

The Choshikei Monkey Park offers a unique opportunity to observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat throughout the year. Whether it's witnessing their cozy winter gatherings or their playful summer swims, this park provides a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these remarkable animals.