Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, also known as Takasakiyama Monkey Park, is a unique zoological park situated on Mount Takasaki in Ōita City, Ōita Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1953, the park's primary purpose was to gather the wild Japanese macaques from surrounding farms into a single, manageable location, thus mitigating damage to agricultural land. Today, it serves as a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe a large population of wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

The park is home to over 1,200 wild Japanese macaques. These primates inhabit Mount Takasaki and have organized themselves into distinct social groups, known as "troops." Historically, three troops (A, B, and C) were observed, but only Troops B and C currently visit the park regularly, with Troop C typically visiting in the morning and Troop B in the afternoon. The monkeys are fed wheat every 30 minutes and sweet potatoes once daily, which draws them to specific feeding locations within the park.

Visitor Experience

A distinctive feature of Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is the absence of fences or barriers between visitors and the wild macaques. The monkeys are habituated to human presence and often approach visitors, allowing for very close observation. Despite their docility, visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution, particularly with young children, and to refrain from teasing, touching, or making direct eye contact with the animals. The park is accessible via Japan National Route 10 and offers a short uphill walk or an optional slope car ride to reach the main viewing areas.

History and Management

The initiative to create the park began in 1952 under Ōita City Mayor Tamotsu Ueda, who sought a solution to the conflict between the macaques and local farmers. By providing a consistent food source, the monkeys were encouraged to remain on Mount Takasaki. The park officially opened as a tourist attraction in 1953. In a notable event in 2021, Yakei, a female macaque, became the leader of Troop B, marking the first instance of a female monkey achieving the top position within a troop at the park.