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Japan Monkey Center

4
·1k reviews·Inuyama, Japan

Explore a world of primates at the Japan Monkey Center, home to over 60 species and unique behaviors like sweet potato washing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Monkeys are most active

CrowdLow
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Bolivian squirrel monkey 
ボリビアリスザル

Japan Monkey Center

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Monkeys are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a world of primates at the Japan Monkey Center, home to over 60 species and unique behaviors like sweet potato washing.

4
(1k reviews)

"A great place to bring the kids and get very close to smaller monkeys."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours

Hours vary by season. Confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Admission Fees

Adults are ¥800, students ¥400, and preschoolers ¥300. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4 · 1,413 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Japanese Macaques in Monkey Valley

Japanese Macaques in Monkey Valley

Monkey Valley

Witness the famous sweet potato washing behavior of Japanese macaques. A unique cultural trait observed in the wild.

Diverse Primate Collection

Diverse Primate Collection

Various enclosures

Explore over 60 species of monkeys, apes, and lemurs from across the globe. A truly global primate experience.

Gorilla Encounter

Gorilla Encounter

Gorilla enclosure

See impressive gorillas like Taro, the silverback, observing visitors. A powerful and memorable sight.

Baboon Castle

Baboon Castle

Baboon Castle

Watch Olive baboons enjoy their lively apple parties. A fun and engaging spectacle for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds

While the Japan Monkey Center is open year-round, weekdays outside of Japanese holidays offer a more relaxed experience. Arrive early to see the monkeys most active.

Understanding the 'Awaji' vs. 'Inuyama' Distinction

Be aware that 'Awaji Island Monkey Center' and 'Japan Monkey Center' (in Inuyama) are distinct locations. Ensure you're planning for the correct one based on your itinerary.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Monkeys are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇯🇵 Baby Snow Monkey #japan #monkey #japantravel #nature #snowmonkey
@lukemcameron
265.6K likes • 2.7M views

Check Opening Hours

Hours vary by season. Confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Admission Fees

Adults are ¥800, students ¥400, and preschoolers ¥300. 🎟️

The snow monkeys of Nagano 🐒♨️🫧 #snowmonkey #japan #japantravel #macaque #snowmonkeys #jigokudani #monkey #babymonkey
@tanamja
185.3K likes • 2.4M views
2024年8月16日17日 #淡路島モンキーセンター #ニーナ と#rikimaru99999 のまったりタイム August 16. 17 2024 Awaji Island Monkey Center #Nina 皆んな‼️日本一優しいお猿さんたちに逢いに来て❣️ Everyone!! Come meet the kindest monkeys in Japan! 夏休み☀️🌻は#淡路島モンキーセンター で決まり‼️ @yappy1217さん❗️ ニーナ❣️ヤッピーさんにiPhonePro📱で、可愛く撮ってもらってね❤️ 夜は@uchu_bar 宇宙バルで語り明かしましょう❣️ 動物も人間も分け隔てない楽園❣️ #淡路島モンキーセンター #淡路島モンキーセンターライブカメラ #淡路島モンキーセンター🐒 #淡路島モンキーパーク #淡路島 #淡路島観光 #淡路島旅行 #モンキー...
rikimaru99999
898 likes • 6.7K views

Observe Monkey Behavior

Watch for unique behaviors like sweet potato washing! :monkey_face:

Distinguish Locations

Japan Monkey Center (Inuyama) is different from Awaji Island Monkey Center. :world_map:

日本モンキーセンター🦍 ニシゴリラのタロウさん❤︎ 来園者を見渡すタロウさん😍 Japan Monkey Center🦍. Taro the western gorilla ❤︎ Taro looking over the visitors to the park😍 2025.9 #日本モンキーセンター #ゴリラ #シルバーバック #タロウ #japanmonkeycenter #gorilla #silverback #taro
gorilla_memorandum
167 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours

Hours vary by season. Confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:

Admission Fees

Adults are ¥800, students ¥400, and preschoolers ¥300. 🎟️

Observe Monkey Behavior

Watch for unique behaviors like sweet potato washing! :monkey_face:

Distinguish Locations

Japan Monkey Center (Inuyama) is different from Awaji Island Monkey Center. :world_map:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

There's walking involved, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Japan Monkey Center for its extensive collection of primate species and the unique opportunity to observe behaviors like sweet potato washing. It's considered a great place for families and offers good value for money. Some reviews mention the park appears a bit dated, but the educational and observational aspects are highly valued.

"I have been coming here pretty much every year for the past 12 years. Although it seems like it's in a decline it's still a great place to bring the kids. You can get very close to some of the smaller monkeys and it's just a great way to spend an afternoon. I'll probably keep coming here until they close it."

Daniel Anderson

"The Japan Monkey Centre (JMC) in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, is a renowned zoological institution dedicated to the study and conservation of nonhuman primates. Boasting the world's largest collection of primate species—over 60 species and 900 individuals—the JMC offers visitors an opportunity to observe a diverse array of monkeys, apes, and lemurs from Asia, Africa, and South America. One of the highlights is the "Monkey Valley," where Japanese macaques can be seen washing sweet potatoes in a stream, a behavior first observed in the wild and now considered a cultural trait."

ハナさん

"📄 Description of the area:

————————
💴 - Admission Prices:
* Adults - 800 yen.
* Students - 400 yen.
* Preschool children (3-6 ages) - 300 yen.
* Under 2 - Free.

🕰 - Opening Hours:
* March - October (10:00 - 17:00).
* November - February (10:00 - 16:00).

🦍 - Basic Information:
Japan Monkey Centre allows you to learn about the primates and their lifestyles before going to see the residents themselves. The Money Centre features chimps, gorillas, gibbons, monkeys, mandrills, apes and simians from Asia, Africa and South America. The kids will feel at home in the KIDSZOO.
————————

⛰ 🐵 ⛰
Thanks For Watching 🙂!
================"

Tourist Attraction

What People Like

Diverse primate species
Unique behaviors observed
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Appears dated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Japan Monkey Center is accessible by public transport. From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station, then a bus or taxi to the center. Some visitors mention it's a bit of a journey, so plan accordingly. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available. Some reviews mention that parking fees can vary, ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 on certain days. Instagram

While it's a well-known institution, some visitors might find the journey requires a bit of navigation. Using a reliable GPS or map app is recommended. TikTok

It's possible, but it would be a very long day trip. It's more feasible to visit if you are already in the Nagoya or Aichi Prefecture area. TikTok

The Japan Monkey Center is located in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, and focuses on primate research and conservation. The Awaji Island Monkey Center is a separate facility on Awaji Island. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for students, and ¥300 for preschoolers (ages 3-6). Children under 2 are free. Reddit

The center is open from 10:00 to 17:00 between March and October, and from 10:00 to 16:00 between November and February. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets at the entrance. Reddit

Student discounts are available. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any special promotions or group rates. Reddit

Yes, it's suitable for all ages. They have a KIDSZOO area and the exhibits are generally engaging for children and adults alike. Reddit

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

You can see over 60 species of primates, including Japanese macaques, gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons, mandrills, and more from Asia, Africa, and South America. Reddit

Direct interaction is limited for safety and conservation. However, you can get quite close to many of the smaller monkeys and observe their natural behaviors. TikTokInstagram

The Monkey Valley is famous for its Japanese macaques, where visitors can observe their unique behavior of washing sweet potatoes in a stream. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for animal photography. You can capture unique moments of primate behavior. Remember to be respectful and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the center features a KIDSZOO area, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically food and drink vending machines available within the park. For more substantial meals, consider dining in Inuyama city before or after your visit. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers or families. Reddit

The area around Inuyama Station offers various dining options, from local eateries to cafes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Monkey Valley offers iconic shots, and enclosures with good viewing angles provide opportunities for close-ups. The "Baboon Castle" can also be visually interesting. TikTokInstagram

While not explicitly stated, it's always best practice to avoid flash photography, especially with animals, as it can disturb them. Be mindful of other visitors as well. Instagram

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing details of the primates from a distance. A standard zoom lens is versatile for wider shots and general park scenery. TikTok

Yes, video recording is generally permitted. Many social media creators share engaging videos of the monkeys. TikTokInstagram

Mornings and late afternoons, when the light is softer and the monkeys are often more active, can be ideal for photography. TikTok

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