One of the charms of visiting Japan, especially in Winter, is by relaxing in an open-door spa 
called onsen in Japanese. Tourists are often allured by the snow monkey ads they see on travel brochures, but this is a gross misrepresentation of the local culture, since no one actually bathes with monkeys.
There is no such thing as a snow monkey. Never was. Just monkeys that use the hot spa for healing purposes. These animals are not supposed to be disturbed in their natural habitat, but unfortunately, many tour groups see easy money by selling tours to see so-called snow monkeys. Monkeys have been using hot spring spas since the dawn of evolution, but that does not mean it is related to Japanese pastimes.
The true hot spring spa experience has been enjoyed by humans all over the world for centuries. Even the Romans enjoyed such modes of respite.
There are over 30,000 hot springs in Japan, and most are enjoyed by humans and less than 1 percent by animals. The Japanese have refined an aesthetic of how a hot spring should be in nature and how to enjoy it.
The business I am writing about is located in a suburb of Kawasaki city and is famed for its mineral rich hot spring, which is perfect now in Winter. People come here to soak away their joint pains and to soften skin. It is perfect.
