Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Takasaki in Oita Prefecture, the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden—commonly known as the Takasakiyama Monkey Park—offers a rare opportunity to observe wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. This unique sanctuary allows visitors to experience the complex social lives of these primates without the barrier of fences or cages.
The park is situated in a scenic region bordering Oita City, Beppu, and Yufu, providing a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife observation.
Key Facts
- Location: Mount Takasaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture.
- Population: Approximately 1,200 wild Japanese macaques.
- Established: March 15, 1953.
- Unique Feature: No fences or barriers between visitors and the monkeys.
- Social Structure: Monkeys are organized into distinct "troops" with complex hierarchies.
History and Origins
The garden was established out of a need to balance wildlife preservation with local agriculture. In 1952, Oita City Mayor Tamotsu Ueda sought a solution to the damage Japanese macaques were causing to surrounding farms. By providing the monkeys with sweet potatoes, the city successfully encouraged them to congregate on Mount Takasaki. This initiative led to the official opening of the zoological garden as a tourist attraction in 1953.
The Japanese Macaques of Mount Takasaki
The park is home to over 1,200 Japanese macaques. These wild primates have organized themselves into social groups known as troops. While three troops (A, B, and C) were historically observed, Troop A has not been seen at the park since 2002. Currently, Troop C typically visits in the morning, while Troop B appears in the afternoon.
Because these animals are wild, their appearance is not guaranteed, though they are generally accustomed to human presence. One of the most fascinating aspects of their behavior is the "monkey dango," where monkeys huddle together for warmth during cold weather, resembling traditional Japanese dumplings.
Social Hierarchy and Leadership
The macaques maintain complex social hierarchies. In a historic first for the park in 2021, a female macaque named Yakei rose to become the leader of Troop B, marking the first time a female has held the top position in a troop's hierarchy.
Visitor Interactions and Safety
Visitors can get remarkably close to the macaques, and some monkeys may even run through a visitor's legs—an occurrence considered to be good luck. However, because they are wild animals, specific safety guidelines must be followed:
- Do not tease or touch the monkeys.
- Avoid making direct eye contact.
- Do not feed the monkeys.
- Exercise caution when visiting with young children.
![Japanese macaque runs through visitor's legs at the monkey park. This is considered to be good luck.[9][8]](/images/5d/f6/5df6d2e84b0a9618e4adcfc0aca39c4a669873e0bf153961733c265b582d0324.jpg)
To maintain the population, park staff feed the monkeys wheat every 30 minutes and sweet potatoes once daily. These feeding times often draw dispersed monkeys together in a concentrated area.
Visitor Information
The park is accessible via a five-minute uphill walk from the entrance gate. For those preferring a more relaxed ascent, a slope car (a specialized inclined vehicle) is available for a small fee.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission (Adults) | 520 yen |
| Admission (Children) | 260 yen |
| Admission (Infants) | Free |
| Operating Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry 16:30) |
| Slope Car Fee | 110 yen (round-trip) |
| Closing Days | None (Open daily) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the monkeys at Takasakiyama in cages?
No, the monkeys are wild and there are no fences or barriers separating them from the visitors.
Can I feed the monkeys myself?
No, visitors are strictly requested not to feed the monkeys. The park staff handles feeding with wheat and sweet potatoes.
What is "monkey dango"?
"Monkey dango" refers to the behavior where Japanese macaques huddle closely together for warmth on cold days, making them look like dango (Japanese dumplings).
Is there an easy way to get up the hill to the monkeys?
Yes, while there is a five-minute uphill walk, visitors can opt to take a slope car for a round-trip fee of 110 yen.
Who is Yakei?
Yakei is a female macaque who made history in 2021 by becoming the first female leader of a troop (Troop B) at the park.