Takasakiyama Monkey Park: Japan's Wild Monkey Mountain in Oita

What Makes Takasakiyama Unique

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden (高崎山自然動物園) is not a zoo in the traditional sense. There are no cages, no enclosures, and no barriers between you and the approximately 1,000 wild Japanese macaques (ニホンザル) that live on Mount Takasaki. The monkeys roam freely across the forested mountainside and descend to a feeding area where visitors can observe them at remarkably close range.

The park sits on the coast between Beppu and Oita city in Oita Prefecture, making it an easy half-day addition to a Beppu onsen trip. According to Visit Oita, the park was established in 1952 — originally as a solution to manage monkeys that were raiding local crops. Rather than culling them, authorities created a feeding station that drew the monkeys to a designated area, turning a pest problem into one of Japan's most popular wildlife attractions.

What sets Takasakiyama apart from other monkey parks in Japan is the scale and the proximity. You walk on open paths with monkeys sitting, grooming, and playing within arm's reach. Staff members are present throughout, monitoring behavior and providing commentary on monkey hierarchy and personalities.

What to Expect: Walking Among Wild Monkeys

The Sarukko Rail Monorail

From the entrance, you can either walk uphill to the monkey viewing area or take the Sarukko Rail (猿っ子レール), a small monorail that carries visitors up the hillside. The monorail costs ¥110 (~$0.75) round trip and operates from 9:00 to 16:30. For visitors with mobility concerns or families with young children, this is the practical choice — the path is hilly and can be slippery after rain.

The viewing area at the top is a large open clearing on the mountainside. This is where staff scatter feed to draw the monkeys down from the forest, and where you will spend most of your visit.

Safety Rules and What to Know

The monkeys are wild animals, and while they are accustomed to human presence, basic rules apply:

• Do not feed the monkeys. Only park staff are allowed to distribute food. Offering food can trigger aggressive behavior
• Do not touch or attempt to pet the monkeys. They may look calm, but they can bite
• Do not make direct eye contact for extended periods — monkeys interpret this as a challenge
• Keep bags closed and do not wave food or shiny objects. Monkeys are curious and may grab at loose items
• Do not crouch down to monkey eye level around infants — mothers are protective

Staff are stationed throughout the viewing area and will intervene if a monkey becomes too bold. Incidents are rare, and the experience is generally safe for all ages including young children.

Feeding Times and Monkey Troops

The highlight of any Takasakiyama visit is watching the feeding sessions. According to Visit Oita, staff scatter feed approximately every 30 minutes, drawing large numbers of monkeys into the clearing. During feedings, a staff member provides live commentary — explaining monkey social dynamics, pointing out the alpha male, and identifying individual monkeys by name and personality.

The park's monkeys are divided into two main groups: Group B and Group C. According to NAVITIME Japan Travel, these two troops alternate their visits to the feeding area, so the composition of monkeys you see depends on which group is present that day. Staff will tell you which group is currently down from the mountain.

The commentary is primarily in Japanese, but the visual spectacle — dozens of monkeys descending from the trees, jostling for position, grooming each other, and mothers carrying infants — is engaging regardless of language. Plan your visit to catch at least one feeding session.

Combining with Umitamago Aquarium

Umitamago (うみたまご) is an aquarium located directly adjacent to the Takasakiyama entrance. The two attractions share the same coastal location and the same bus stop, making a combination visit straightforward.

Umitamago features marine life from the Bungo Channel and beyond, including dolphins, walruses, and a variety of tropical fish. It is particularly popular with families. If you are visiting Takasakiyama with children, the aquarium extends the outing into a comfortable full half-day.

A practical approach: arrive in the morning, spend 1-2 hours with the monkeys at Takasakiyama, then walk next door to Umitamago for the aquarium. This fills a morning comfortably and leaves the afternoon free for Beppu's onsen.

Best Time to Visit by Season

Takasakiyama is open year-round, but the monkey behavior changes with the seasons:

Season	What to See
Spring (Mar-May)	Baby monkeys born during this period — one of the most popular times. Cherry blossoms on the mountainside add scenery
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Monkeys are active but may retreat to shaded forest during hot afternoons
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Monkeys are active and the autumn foliage on Mount Takasaki provides a colorful backdrop
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Monkey huddles (saru dango 猿団子) — groups of monkeys cluster tightly together for warmth, a photogenic winter behavior

Spring baby season (March through May) draws the largest crowds, with tiny infant monkeys clinging to their mothers. Winter visits are quieter and offer the unique sight of saru dango. A spring event is typically held in March — in 2026, this fell on March 21.

The park is open 9:00-17:00, with last entry at 16:30. It closes only a few days per year on an irregular schedule. Check the official site before visiting.

Getting to Takasakiyama from Beppu and Oita

By Bus from Beppu Station

The most common approach is by Oita Kotsu bus from Beppu Station. The ride to the Takasakiyama bus stop takes approximately 20 minutes. The bus stop serves both Takasakiyama and Umitamago Aquarium.

By Bus from Oita Station and By Car

From Oita Station, the same Oita Kotsu bus line reaches Takasakiyama in approximately 15 minutes — making it accessible from either city.

By car, the park is approximately 25 minutes from the Oita IC on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. Parking is available at three lots near the entrance, costing ¥420 (~$3) per day.

Route	Transport	Time
Beppu Station → Takasakiyama	Oita Kotsu bus	~20 min
Oita Station → Takasakiyama	Oita Kotsu bus	~15 min
Oita IC → Takasakiyama	Car	~25 min

Admission is ¥520 (~$3.50) for adults and high school students, ¥260 (~$1.70) for elementary and junior high school students, and free for children under elementary school age. No reservation is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Takasakiyama with children?

Yes. The monkeys are wild but well accustomed to visitors, and park staff are present throughout the viewing area. Follow the basic rules — do not feed or touch the monkeys, keep bags closed, and supervise young children. The monkeys generally ignore visitors unless provoked. Many families visit with young children without issues.

How much does Takasakiyama cost and how long does a visit take?

Admission is ¥520 (~$3.50) for adults and ¥260 (~$1.70) for children. The Sarukko Rail monorail up the hill costs ¥110 (~$0.75) round trip. Allow 1-2 hours for the monkey park. If you combine with the adjacent Umitamago Aquarium, plan for a half-day outing.

When is the best time to see baby monkeys?

Baby monkeys are born in spring, primarily March through May. This is one of the most popular periods — tiny infants cling to their mothers and begin exploring as the weeks progress. In winter (December through February), you can see saru dango — monkeys huddling tightly together for warmth, creating photogenic clusters.

How do I get to Takasakiyama from Beppu?

Take the Oita Kotsu bus from Beppu Station to the Takasakiyama bus stop, approximately 20 minutes. From Oita Station, the same bus line takes about 15 minutes. The bus stop is shared with Umitamago Aquarium, so both attractions are accessible from the same drop-off point.