The Monkey Onsen.

Nagano is famous for several things, its raw horse, its mountains and its hot water springs called "Onsen". They are probably one of the best things about living in the area.

The most famous Onsen is in an area called Shiga Kogen which the local Japanese call amusingly "The Valley of Hell." This is because apparently in winter "the steep cliffa and hot water, bursting from the Earth's surface resemble hell. This place is a paradise for monkeys, 200 of monkeys inhabit the area at present." (Taken from the guide leaflet.) The monkeys were on the cover of the US magazine life in the 70's or 80's and thats why so many Americans want to go there, apparently. Anyway me and Stu went with this other JET called Mary, whose a bit mental. I really mean it. You are told not to get into the Onsen, apart from the glaringly obvious. Theres only one thing that the monkeys are going to do when they get in there. Hint: They throw it with their hands...