Photo= A young monkey sliding on the frozen pond (February 6, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto)

Very strong cold air masses covered both Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, making it very chilly on February 6. A young monkey was seen to moving around, almost like skating, on the frozen pond in Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto.

Usually huddled together to keep out the cold, the monkeys became quite curious about the emergence of a natural ice-skating rink. Three or four young monkeys repeatedly stepped out on the ice, all the while making sure of their foothold. Excited by the sight of monkeys' skating on their forefeet also, and gnawing on bits of ice, delightedly cheering foreign tourists snapped pictures of them.