Located in the mountains of Nagano live a group of snow monkeys in an area called Jigokudani (Hell Valley). You can see the famous snow monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park). These particular snow monkeys are used to being around people and living as if they are humans. There is an outside hot spring that was made just for the monkeys, and in the winter you might see snow monkeys soaking themselves in the hot water while the snow falls on their heads. Somedays they stay up in the mountains, but if you’re lucky you can see them bathe or swim in the hot springs.

Below you will find a selection of stunning images of this incredible experience by photographer Ron Gessel. Ron has graciously shared his amazing snow monkey photographs on two separate series on Behance entitled:
Snow Monkeys and Snow Monkeys 2

Both series have more pictures, be sure to check them out for all of the photos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Ron Gessel studied graphic design in Utrecht, The Netherlands. He started his career as art director and has worked on several major advertising agencies as FHV BBDO, LOWE and Baas en van Haastrecht. He frequently came in contact with several advertising photographers to shoot advertising campaigns.

Nowadays Ron is a Freelance art director/photographer. Ron travels a lot and during his travels he is touched and fascinated by the country and its inhabitants. He is a street photographer in heart and soul. Photos of him are not staged because he wants to show real life.