OTAKI

In fact, over 95% of the village area is covered in forest, and wildlife abounds, including bear, boar, fox, and serow (kamoshika). With a population of less than 750, Otaki is home to more monkeys than people and troupes of them roaming the countryside are a common site... The laid back village of Otaki lies in the Kiso region of central Japan's mountainous Nagano prefecture. Otaki is a traditional gateway to pilgrimage on sacred Mt. Ontake, and the mystical traditions that developed around the mountain are still alive today. Visitors can get a taste of them at one of the sacred waterfalls practitioners.