The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is the northernmost-living non-human primate and is famous for its habit of bathing in hot springs during the winter.

Niigata is a city located on Japan's western coast, and is known for its delicious seafood, sake, and snow festivals.

Shizuoka is a city located southwest of Tokyo, and is known for its beautiful scenery, hot springs, and tea plantations.