Takasakiyama Monkey Park 高崎山自然動物園

Mt. Takasaki Wild Monkey Park is located in the western end of the city of Oita on the steep slopes of the mountain. This popular park is home to more than 1,000 wild Japanese monkeys, who come down from the mountain to gather at the park every day.

What's unusual here is that no nets or fences are separating you from these simians—you can wander among them at will. Just don't feed them, look them in the eye or try to touch them.

The park is a comfortable 10-minute bus or taxi ride from Beppu Station.

Beppu Station can be reached by limited express train from Hakata, Oita, Miyazaki and Hitoyoshi as well as neighboring areas. From Beppu Station, take bus number AS60 or AS61 bound for Oita Station, and get off at Takasakiyama-Umitamago. Since there is about one bus per hour, taking a taxi is often the better alternative.

On arrival, you can either walk to the park's main area or take the monorail, called the Sarukko Rail, for the five-minute trip to where most of the monkeys gather. The fee is 110 yen for a round-trip monorail ticket.

The mountain is home to an estimated population of around 1,000 Japanese macaques, also known as "snow monkeys," which are native to the area. The ones from this particular park are separated into two troops of about 400 to 700, making them some of the biggest troops of monkeys in the world. Each troop takes turns visiting the park, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

When the monkeys are not eating in the park, they are free to play and spend time in the mountains. Watch them run around, play, take in the sun and groom each other. There are a number of walking courses to choose from to wander through the park and get up close to the cheeky locals.

Monkeys are fed once every 30 minutes at the Mt. Takasaki Wild Monkey Park. Feeding time is a popular time at the park, as the monkeys can be seen gathering around for food. The monkeys are fed wheat every 30 minutes and they are given sweet potatoes twice a day.