In operation since 1964 and showing its age, thousands flock here each year to see the over-photographed troupe of Japanese macaques who are lured into the pools with food. They're at times a little savage as they run wildly around you on the paths to the man-made onsen. The monkeys are a few hundred steps climb from the car park, which is itself at the end of a 1.6km winding uphill road.
The ruse is most convincing in winter when snow hides the industrial debris by the river; although the only way in is via a limited operation shuttle bus on that slippery, windy road.
