Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Observe hundreds of wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat at Takasakiyama Monkey Park. A unique, ethical wildlife encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Monkeys are active and fed
Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Best Time
Monkeys are active and fed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Observe hundreds of wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat at Takasakiyama Monkey Park. A unique, ethical wildlife encounter.
"You really cannot get an experience like this anywhere else in Japan."
🎯 Bus Navigation Made Easy
Use Google Maps for bus numbers & routes from Beppu Station. Signs on buses help! :bus:
🐒 Respect the Wild Ones
No touching, feeding, or teasing. They're wild! Follow the rules for a safe visit. :monkey_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monkey Feeding Frenzy
Feeding Area
Witness hundreds of wild monkeys gather for their daily feeding sessions. It's a chaotic, fascinating spectacle!
Unique Monkey Encounters
Park Trails
Observe monkeys in their natural habitat, some even walking on two legs! Get surprisingly close without them being aggressive.
Panoramic Views
Upper Park Areas
Enjoy breathtaking views of Beppu Bay and the surrounding landscape from the park's elevated vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bus Travel from Beppu Station
Respecting the Wild Monkeys
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bus Navigation Made Easy
Use Google Maps for bus numbers & routes from Beppu Station. Signs on buses help! :bus:
🐒 Respect the Wild Ones
No touching, feeding, or teasing. They're wild! Follow the rules for a safe visit. :monkey_face:
🚶♀️ Walk with the Monkeys
Monkeys roam freely. Stand wide-legged; it's good luck if one runs through your legs! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Get close for amazing photos, but no flash photography. Be patient and respectful. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bus Navigation Made Easy
Use Google Maps for bus numbers & routes from Beppu Station. Signs on buses help! :bus:
🐒 Respect the Wild Ones
No touching, feeding, or teasing. They're wild! Follow the rules for a safe visit. :monkey_face:
🚶♀️ Walk with the Monkeys
Monkeys roam freely. Stand wide-legged; it's good luck if one runs through your legs! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Get close for amazing photos, but no flash photography. Be patient and respectful. :camerawithflash:
💰 Affordable Entry
The entrance fee is very reasonable, offering great value for a unique experience. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of seeing hundreds of wild monkeys up close in their natural habitat. The affordable entry fee and the chance to witness feeding sessions are major draws. While staff communication is primarily in Japanese, the ethical treatment of the animals and the sheer spectacle make it a highly recommended visit.
"You really cannot get an experience like this anywhere else in Japan. The entrance fee is cheap, and you can get here by bus from Beppu Station. We spent 2 hours here. We were initially skeptical, thinking the monkeys were going to be aggressive, stealing things, maybe attacking you. But they actually ignore you and you can see them interact with each other. They do not run away from you, so if you slowly walk towards them, you can get close and observe them.
The caretakers do feeding every half an hour so you can see them all rush to the food. It is considered good luck if a monkey runs through your legs, so stand in a wide stance hoping they run past you. The guides speak only in Japanese, but I think it is still a worthwhile experience. There are some unique characters to look out for, like an old monkey that only walks on two legs.
DO NOT TOUCH
DO NOT FEED
DO NOT TEASE
DO NOT SHOW FOOD"
ItzMe
"Really great monkey park. Ethical as they’re all wild monkeys. No English from the staff telling you about the monkeys but that doesn’t matter at all and I don’t expect them to accommodate that (we were the only English ones there). So many monkeys, they feed them too so you can see all of them playing together and eating and such. So cute and so cool, ¥500 entry and a really good view to top it all off. Visit!!!!"
William Broughton
"I really enjoyed this place! At first I wasn't eager on going but I'm glad I did. The monkeys looked very chill and happy. They weren't in any cages but stayed around the area anyway. The area is fully open to the monkeys so guests must follow rules of respecting them. It's like a small walk in a mountain park, going up the mountain and seeing more and more monkeys."
Misaki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From JR Beppu Station, take bus number 26 or 71 towards Takasakiyama. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Google Maps is highly recommended for real-time bus information and route numbers, especially if you don't read Japanese.
Yes, the bus stops are usually well-marked. Look for signs indicating buses heading towards Takasakiyama. If in doubt, ask station staff or other passengers.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. However, many visitors opt for the bus for convenience and to avoid parking hassles.
Bus fares in Japan are typically distance-based. Expect to pay around ¥400-¥600 for a one-way trip. It's advisable to have small change ready.
While some signs might have English, it's best to rely on your navigation app and be prepared to identify bus numbers and destinations visually.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around ¥500 per adult. This price offers excellent value for the unique experience.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets at the entrance upon arrival.
The park is usually open from around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local information for the most up-to-date hours.
Discounts are not commonly advertised, but group rates might be available. The standard entry fee is already very low.
The park involves some uphill walking on trails. While some areas are accessible, it might be challenging with a stroller or wheelchair in certain sections.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
The monkeys are wild but accustomed to humans. They generally ignore visitors and are not aggressive if you follow the park rules.
Crucially, do NOT touch, feed, tease, or show food to the monkeys. Maintain a respectful distance and avoid direct eye contact.
Feeding sessions typically occur every half hour. This is a great time to see a large number of monkeys gather.
Yes, you can get quite close as the monkeys are not afraid. However, avoid sudden movements and flash photography.
Visitors often mention unique characters, like an old monkey that walks on two legs. Keep an eye out for these special individuals!
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can observe the monkeys interacting naturally is great. The feeding area offers dynamic shots, and the trails provide scenic backdrops.
No, flash photography is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the monkeys.
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing close-ups of the monkeys from a safe distance, but a standard zoom lens can also work well for wider shots.
Yes, this is a popular photo opportunity. Just be prepared to stand with your legs wide apart and be patient!
Drone usage is generally not permitted in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to assume it's not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to emphasize the park rules to your children before you go: no touching, feeding, or teasing the monkeys. This is a great opportunity to teach them about respecting wildlife. While the park involves some uphill walking, most families find it manageable. The affordable entry fee also makes it a budget-friendly outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on food costs within the park. The main attraction – observing the wild monkeys – is free once you've paid the small entrance fee. This makes Takasakiyama Monkey Park an excellent value for money, offering a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for varying light conditions as you move through the park. A versatile zoom lens and a steady hand are your best assets. Remember to be patient; the best shots often come when you least expect them. Respecting the park's rules, especially regarding flash photography, is paramount to a successful and ethical shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Public Transport to the Park
Many travelers find that simply showing the bus number or destination name on their phone to a station attendant or fellow passenger can elicit helpful directions. Don't be afraid to ask! The fare is typically around ¥400-¥600, so having small change readily available will speed up the boarding process. The ride itself offers a glimpse into local life and scenic views of the Oita region.
Once you arrive at the bus stop near the park, you'll need to walk a short distance to the entrance. The park is situated on a mountainside, so be prepared for some uphill walking. The bus journey is an integral part of the adventure, offering a low-cost and authentic way to reach this unique wildlife attraction.
Understanding Monkey Behavior and Park Rules
The park enforces strict rules to ensure the safety of both visitors and monkeys. These include: DO NOT TOUCH, DO NOT FEED, DO NOT TEASE, and DO NOT SHOW FOOD. Violating these rules can not only endanger the monkeys but also lead to your removal from the park. Visitors are advised to maintain a respectful distance and avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a challenge by the monkeys.
Despite the rules, many visitors report incredibly close and fascinating encounters. Some monkeys may even approach you out of curiosity. A popular piece of advice is to stand with your legs wide apart; it's considered good luck if a monkey runs through your legs!
Photography Tips for Capturing Memorable Moments
Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the monkeys and negatively impact your photos. A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing detailed shots of the monkeys from afar, but a standard zoom lens will also suffice for wider scenic shots and interactions. The feeding sessions are particularly photogenic, offering a chance to capture dynamic action and social interactions.
Look for unique moments, like monkeys grooming each other, playing, or the rare sight of one walking on two legs. The panoramic views of Beppu Bay from the park also make for beautiful landscape photography. Remember to be discreet and blend in with your surroundings to get the most natural and candid shots of these fascinating creatures.
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