INUYAMA, Aichi -- Visitors to a zoo in this central Japan city can see monkeys warming themselves around a bonfire on weekends and holidays until Jan. 26.

This winter tradition at the Japan Monkey Centre in the Aichi Prefecture city of Inuyama began in 1959, when staff gathered driftwood from the Kiso River, left by Typhoon Vera, also known as Ise Bay Typhoon in Japan, which had caused significant damage to the Tokai region, and started a bonfire. Curious young monkeys gathered around, and since then, even their parents have come to warm themselves by the fire. This practice has apparently been passed down through eight generations.

Yakushima macaques sitting around a bonfire were shown to the press on Dec. 20, the day before the public viewing started on the winter solstice. About 120 monkeys were seen warming their backs and bellies, displaying blissful expressions.

The sight can be seen on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays until Jan. 26, including the first three days of the New Year. On these dates, visitors can also watch the animals eating hot sweet potatoes roasted in the bonfire, starting at 2 p.m.

(Japanese original by Kazuki Yamazaki, Nagoya Photo and Video Department)