Early December marks the start of Taisetsu, or “Big Snow” in the traditional Japanese calendar, indicating the time of year when snow starts accumulating over much of the country. Just like their human counterparts, Japan’s native macaques can often be found enjoying the many natural hot springs during the winter months.

The National Diet Library has more in-depth information about the traditional Japanese calendar, its origins, and the relationship to the modern-day calendar. To learn more, please visit their site: https://www.ndl.go.jp/koyomi/e/