The macaques are not native to the area but are kept in an enclosure that utilizes the natural thermal waters of Yunokawa Onsen.
The monkeys traditionally begin their hot spring bathing ritual in December and continue through May.
The garden was established in 1971 to provide a tropical environment for visitors during Hokkaido's harsh winters.
The site sits directly adjacent to the Tsugaru Strait shoreline.
The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is primarily known for its hot spring-fed pool that houses a resident troop of Japanese macaques during the winter months. The facility features a large greenhouse containing approximately 300 varieties of tropical plants, including palm trees and bougainvillea. It is situated along the coast of the Tsugaru Strait in the Yunokawa hot spring district. The park area includes outdoor playgrounds and wading pools that are open during the summer season. The monkey hot spring attraction operates exclusively during the colder months when the animals descend into the water to keep warm. The grounds offer views of the coastline and surrounding residential neighborhood.
The edge of the monkey hot spring pool during winter, capturing the monkeys with steam rising in the background.
Visit during the winter months to observe the unique behavior of the monkeys in the hot spring.
Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the monkeys without disturbing them in their enclosure.
Check the weather before visiting, as the facility is largely outdoor-focused except for the greenhouse.
Do not expect a sprawling botanical collection; the garden is modest in size and focuses primarily on the seasonal monkey exhibit.
The monkey hot spring attraction is seasonal and only active during the winter and early spring months.
Do not feed the monkeys outside of designated food dispensers; remain quiet near the animal enclosure.
