Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

The Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is home to the Japanese macaque, a representative wild animal of Japan. There is a place called the "Monkey Attraction" where you can see these macaques. The Monkey Attraction is designed to provide a natural environment for the macaques, with wild plants and trees planted throughout. There are also areas within the attraction where you can feed and observe the macaques. Every 30 minutes, a feeding competition is held where the macaques compete for wheat, and twice a day, a sweet potato digging competition is held, allowing you to observe the real-life ecology of the macaques. Since macaques are highly social and live in groups, you can see them lively competing for food within their groups at the attraction. In the spring, mother macaques sometimes appear with their babies, and their adorable appearance fascinates many people!

The Monkey House at Takasakiyama Natural Animal Park is a facility that exhibits and explains about Japanese macaques, a species unique to Japan. Inside the Monkey House, there are various exhibits where you can observe the ecology and behavior of Japanese macaques, with the MONKEY MUSEUM and monkey reference room being particularly noteworthy, as they display photos of past and first-generation bosses. Additionally, the Monkey House has a souvenir shop and tea house, where you can purchase Japanese macaque-related goods and local souvenirs at the former, and enjoy unusual sea urchin soft serve ice cream and more at the latter!

The Sarukko Rail at Takasakiyama Natural Animal Park is a monorail that can be used as a means of transportation to the popular monkey attraction within the park. The ride takes about 4 minutes, and along the way, you can observe Japanese macaques from the monorail as they inhabit the surrounding forest. At the monkey attraction, the macaques will show you their powerful jumps and funny gestures. In particular, their feeding behavior is a must-see. By using the monorail for transportation within the park or to and from the monkey attraction, you can enjoy Takasakiyama Natural Animal Park even more!

The Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umigatamago" is an aquarium located right next to Takasakiyama Natural Animal Park, where you can see beautiful marine creatures. There are various events held, such as a giant tank where marine creatures such as sharks and rays swim, dolphin and walrus performance shows, backstage tours where you can tour the aquarium's behind-the-scenes, and a play area where you can interact with animals such as dolphins and penguins in their natural state. Both facilities are located right next to each other, so children are sure to be delighted to see both Japanese macaques and marine creatures. When sightseeing in Oita City, we highly recommend visiting both!

Tanoura Beach is a popular spot in the summer, with its expanse of blue sea and beautiful white sand. It has been designated as a "lovers' sanctuary" due to its beautiful views of the sunset and Beppu Bay. A rest house is also available, where you can take a break, use the hot water shower, or store your belongings in a coin locker. It's about a 3-minute drive from Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden to Tanoura Beach. After spending time surrounded by nature and Japanese macaques at the zoo, you can relax and enjoy a leisurely time on the beautiful coastline!