'Snow monkeys' soak up warmth of open-air hot spring bath in Nagano

'Snow monkeys' soak up warmth of open-air hot spring bath in Nagano -- Wild monkeys here know how to survive the severe winter -- basking in an open-air hot spring.

Wild Japanese monkeys relax in a hot spring bath at a park in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. (Mainichi)

Wild Japanese monkeys relax in a hot spring bath at a park in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. (Mainichi)

At the Jigokudani Yaen Koen in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, taking a bath in a hot spring is a favorite pastime for the approximately 160 Japanese monkeys living in the park.

Known as "snow monkeys" abroad, visitors -- including many foreign tourists -- enjoy watching the apes' relaxed expressions as they are soaking in the outdoor tub. On sunny days, the monkeys are often spotted sunbathing.

The park is open everyday, from around 9 a.m. until around 4:30 p.m. during the winter. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children. ( mdn.mainichi.jp )