Awajishima Monkey Center

The Japanese macaques that come to Awajishima Monkey Center live in groups of about 350. These wild macaques come from the mountains at around 9am, spend the day near the feeding area, and return to the mountains in the evening. Generally, Japanese macaques value hierarchy, with the boss monkey at the center, and are highly aggressive creatures, but the monkeys here are gentle and highly tolerant, a very rare characteristic that has earned them the nickname "Awaji Monkeys." Their kind behavior, which supports the weaker monkeys, also soothes those who see them. This is the only place where you can be surrounded by monkeys and take commemorative photos with them. *The monkeys' behavior changes depending on the season, and there are days when they are not at the feeding area.