Snow Monkeys In April/May - Day Trip

Hi all,
Is there anywhere I could make a day-trip to see some Snow Monkeys in April/early-May. from either Takayama or Kyoto?
Thanks in advance!

What exactly do you mean with "snow monkey"? I believe the term was invented by a US magazine and refers to the monkeys of Yamanouchi Town bathing in the onsen in winter, although I think Japanese macaques, in general, are called that way, these days by many people.

So, if you simply want to see Japanese macaques, I recommend visiting the monkey park in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It is one of the best in Japan, because the monkeys roam freely in a nice natural environment with views over Kyoto:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3912.html#monkey

For the "original snow monkeys", you will have to go to Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6025.html

Hi Uji,
Thanks again for your clear response, I was indeed just looking for Japanese macaques, apologies for the generalisation...!

Taking advantage of this thread, I'd like to know people's opinion: is it worth a day-trip from tokyo to Yamanouchi in April? Asking since there will be no snow anymore (if I understood the link properly)

I think it is worth a day trip at any time of the year. But if you are not so much into monkeys, it may be too much of an effort.