Takasakiyama Monkey Park

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden sits on a wooded hillside overlooking Beppu Bay, between the cities of Oita and Beppu. Two troops of wild Japanese macaques living on the mountain come down to a feeding area, where visitors can watch several hundred monkeys at close range. The animals are wild and roam freely, so their numbers and behaviour change through the day. A monorail called the Sarukko Rail carries visitors from the entrance up toward the feeding area for an additional fee. Staff give commentary on the troops, their hierarchy and individual monkeys. The park is directly across the road from the Umitamago aquarium, and the two are commonly visited together.