Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

Mt. Takasaki is home to wild Japanese monkeys. Visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat without the restriction of cages, as feeding takes place at a designated area at the foot of the mountain. The monkeys are divided into two groups, B and C, each led by an alpha male known as the "boss monkey." Previously, group A also had a significant population, but after losing a battle with group C, it declined to only 20 individuals and has not been seen since 2002. As of November 2020, the total number of Japanese monkeys in Mt. Takasaki is 1,039, with 677 in group B and 362 in group C. This location, along with Yukishima in Miyazaki Prefecture, is considered "the birthplace of monkey science in Japan" and is where the term "boss monkey" was first used in Japan.