Travel is one of the best ways for people to broaden their horizons, get to know other cultures better, and understand that we are not much different from the others with whom we share the planet. There's a popular anonymous quote that says, "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." With the advent of new technologies, travel in the 21st century is more accessible to more people than ever before. Even so, the world seems more divided than ever. However, when we put aside real or perceived differences, we can discover what really makes each country different. We might even find some quirky, unique places.
Japan is known for its deep cultural roots and has been unaffected for centuries. During the period of isolation, Japan developed a traditional tea ceremony and samurai culture, which remain part of the image associated with the country. Today, Japan is modern and has a vibrant economy. Japanese people also know how to have fun and make a deep impression.
These monkeys belong to the restaurateurs
Kaoru Otsuka is the owner of a traditional Japanese restaurant called Kayabukiya Tavern, not far from Tokyo. What makes this restaurant famous is its furry friendly macaques acting as waiters, paired with plaid shirts. Monkeys aren't always five-star waiters, but customers seem to be more willing to ignore a few overturned cups than waiters are human. Otsuka and customers compensate the monkeys with bananas and soybeans.
Macaques are actually everyone's pets. When her monkey, Fuku-chan, mimicked the first monkey-turned waiter and brought a napkin to one of the tables herself, she had the idea of having them be waiters. In an interview, the monkeys were "closer than my family." Monkeys have been serving in restaurants and pleasing customers for thirty years.
Some Japanese macaques live in the colder parts of the country
Japanese macaques are native to many parts of Japan and can even live in the cold mountains of the islands. That's why some people call them snow monkeys. To thrive in cooler temperatures, they bathe in hot spring pools. Macaques can also be found in the evergreen forests and subtropical regions of Japan. Like other primates, macaques can be born with their thumbs and can walk on their hind legs. They are social, usually live in groups of 20 to 30 people, and usually behave peacefully. Some have even been observed making snowballs as if they were for fun.
It's no secret that primates are the smartest animals in the animal kingdom. However, despite the healthy population of Japanese macaques, some primates are endangered. Orangutans in Southeast Asia and gorillas in Africa are struggling. To overcome these difficulties, scientists and nonprofits are working to save these animals that are emotionally and intellectually similar to humans.