Nagano Snow Monkeys

Another busy day.  This morning we took a slippery hike through some snowy mountains to see Japan's famous Snow Monkeys -- Japanese Macaques who have learned to warm themselves in the geothermal waters here.  They are not the least bit interested in all the humans who come to see them, and just go about their normal business of searching for food and relaxing in the warm water.

Later, (see extra) after a delicious Japanese lunch, we drove to the town of Obuse and thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating museum there devoted to the works of the famous woodblock artist Hokusai.  Afterwards, we visited Ganshoin Temple -- a Buddhist temple nearby with a stunning ceiling painted by Hokusai some 177 years ago which still looks brand new.  (No photos allowed in the temple, unfortunately!)