Takasaki Monkey Park

Takasakiyama Monkey Park (高崎山自然動物園, Takasakiyama Shizen Dōbutsuen), located at the base of Mount Takasaki, provides a unique opportunity to observe over 1,500 wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. The park is home to two large troops, each consisting of about 700-800 monkeys, making it one of the largest populations of macaques in the world. Visitors can watch the monkeys during feeding times, when the playful creatures scurry, interact, and groom each other, seemingly oblivious to the presence of humans. Established in 1952, the park not only serves as a major tourist attraction but also plays an important role in managing the local monkey population, which once posed challenges to residents and farmers in the area.

The monkeys are regularly fed by park wardens, helping to keep them away from surrounding fields and ensuring the safety of both the monkeys and local agriculture. The park is easily accessible by car or bus, with a large parking lot conveniently located near the Umitamago Aquarium. A short walk or a scenic monorail ride will take visitors to the park's main viewing area, where most of the monkeys gather. Feeding times are particularly exciting as the monkeys compete for food, providing an unforgettable spectacle that offers a rare glimpse into their social behaviors.