Takasakiyama Natural ZoologicalGarden

A Place to Encounter Wild Monkeys in Their Natural Habitat

Located in Oita City, Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is one of the few places in Japan where you can observe wild Japanese macaques living freely in nature. The park sits at the base of Mount Takasaki (628 meters high), and is home to two large monkey troops, known as Group B and Group C. These troops take turns descending the mountain each day, allowing visitors to observe them up close in a dedicated viewing area.

The monkeys are not kept in cages—they roam the mountain freely. Visitors can quietly watch them living naturally, just as they would in the wild.

Excitement You Can Feel – The Famous Sweet Potato Feeding Show

One of the biggest highlights at Takasakiyama is the monkey feeding times. Every 30 minutes, staff scatter wheat feed, drawing dozens of monkeys into the observation area.

But the most impressive event is the sweet potato feeding at 4:40 PM. When the staff scatter sweet potatoes, monkeys rush to the scene all at once, sometimes thundering across the ground in a scramble for the food. Their expressions are serious, and the energy is truly intense.

This dramatic moment showcases the raw vitality of wild monkeys—an unforgettable experience that international visitors especially won’t want to miss.

Peaceful Moments Observing Monkeys’ Natural Behavior

One of the charms of Takasakiyama is that the monkeys are living as they would in the wild. In the observation area, you can see parent and baby monkeys bonding, or monkeys grooming one another (social grooming)—natural behaviors rarely witnessed in regular zoos.

It feels like peeking into a miniature version of society. Visitors of all ages will find themselves captivated by the monkeys’ personalities and interactions.

Enjoy the Ride Up – The Adorable “Sarucco Rail”

To reach the monkey observation area from the entrance at the foot of the mountain, hop on the Sarucco Rail, a monorail-style tram. The carriages are decorated with cute monkey illustrations, making it a favorite photo spot among visitors.

It’s an easy and safe ride, especially convenient for families with young children or anyone who may have trouble walking. The short journey is a fun way to start your Takasakiyama adventure.