Starry Eyes Dreamy her nickname is, her nickname name came about due to the fact that she always stares right into my camera lens and eyes without her being agitated. On a few occasions while I am experiencing ‘Shirin-Yoku,’ ‘natural therapy’ or ‘forest bathing,’ she has brushed by or nudged me. I have become an accepted guest in my over 20 years visiting with her snow monkey troop, I have established a rapport with the Japanese macaques, and I know most of the local tribe on sight as well as being accustomed to their rank and behaviors. It took some years before I was able to approach a wild Japanese snow monkey troop while they were away from the hot springs, without being viewed as a threat. Making eye contact with the Japanese macaque, I do not recommend as they may consider you as a possible threat, they probably will flee or make a stance and protect their territory! I am happy to report my mishaps have been minor, once I was hissed at for making eye contact with a snow monkey, and once the Alpha bumped into me for being on his pathway during mating season. Starry eyes is about 20 years old, she and I go a long way back. In the coming weeks, I will be visiting and introducing her to my new film crew and clients and friends from Dubai and Europe.

Probably will only be visiting the snow monkeys once. You would do well having a local guide and pro photographer guiding you on this wildlife journey. Please feel free to contact me for your Japan photography guide quote. Or visit my Japan photo tours page, we visit the snow monkeys every season.