Takasakiyama Monkey Park
高崎山自然動物園
A monkey park between Beppu and Oita where over a thousand wild Japanese macaques roam freely around the feeding grounds, the most popular family attraction in Oita.
Takasakiyama rises to 628 meters on the coast at the border between Beppu and Oita cities. Wild Japanese macaques have lived on the mountain for ages. In 1953, local people began feeding them at the foot of the mountain to stop the monkeys from raiding farm fields. Over time the troops grew used to living alongside people, and the place became Japan's most famous monkey park. There are no cages or fences. About 1,000 wild macaques, split into B and C troops (the original A troop has moved away), come down to the feeding ground in turn. Keepers scatter wheat and sweet potatoes several times a day, and the monkeys swarm in. Visitors can watch them eat, groom, fight, and care for their young from just a few meters away. Keepers explain the social structure of the troops over a loudspeaker, along with the succession of the alpha monkeys (each has a name and a rank) and the personalities of individual monkeys. It is very popular with children and adults alike. The park also has a monkey museum and a souvenir shop.
From the entrance to the feeding ground is about 300 meters uphill. You can ride the Sarukko Rail monorail for a round trip of 100 yen. Admission is 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children. A combined ticket with Umitamago, the Oita Marine Palace Aquarium across the road (with sea lion shows and touch pools), costs 2,820 yen. The two are linked by a footbridge, making this a classic half-day outing for families.
Getting there: From Beppu Station or Oita Station, take an Oita Kotsu bus for about 15 to 20 minutes to 'Takasakiyama Shizen Dobutsuen-mae' (Takasakiyama Natural Zoo stop). You can also take the JR Nippo Main Line to Beppu University Station and transfer to a bus. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Notes: Food is not allowed in the park, and visitors must not feed the monkeys. Don't look a monkey directly in the eye or touch them, and keep your backpack zipped. Feeding times can be checked at the entrance. In rain the monkeys may not come down the mountain. The park is closed on some Mondays (depending on the month), so check before you go.
Opening hours
9:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
Nearby sights
- Umitamago (Oita Marine Palace Aquarium)
- Takegawara Onsen
- Beppu Tower
- Beppu Beach Sand Bath (Kaihin Sunayu)
- Hyotan Onsen
- Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri)
- Beppu Onsen Hoyoland
- Myoban Onsen