Visitors to a zoo in central Japan's Aichi Prefecture will be able to watch monkeys keeping warming around a bonfire.

The scene can be enjoyed from around the winter solstice every year at the Japan Monkey Centre in Inuyama City.

Public viewing starts Saturday. Media were invited a day ahead to see the monkeys huddled together around the fire and feasting on roasted sweet potatoes.

The seasonal event dates to 1959 when zookeepers burned wood from trees that were toppled by a typhoon. Young monkeys were reportedly the first to approach the fire to keep warm.

Zookeeper Horikawa Haruki says generations of monkeys have since learned that they do not need to be afraid of fire.

Horikawa says the scene is unique to the Monkey Centre, and hopes visitors will also relax while watching the animals munching the sweet potatoes.

The event will continue through January 26, on weekends, national holidays and the first three days of the new year.