The colony consists primarily of the 'Kankakei troop,' one of the largest wild macaque groups in Japan.
The monkeys are not domesticated and maintain a complex, strictly enforced social hierarchy within their troop.
The facility is located within the designated Setonaikai National Park area.
Because the macaques are wild, the population size fluctuates naturally based on birth and survival rates in the forest.
The monkeys have been observed using the valley's steep cliffs and trees to exhibit natural climbing and foraging behaviors.
Chōshi Valley Monkey Kingdom Natural Zoo is a wildlife park on Shodoshima Island where approximately 500 wild Japanese macaques roam freely in a semi-natural mountain environment. The site is situated on a hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, providing expansive coastal vistas alongside animal interactions. Visitors enter the enclosure to observe the macaques in their natural social structures rather than behind traditional cages. The facility maintains a semi-wild management style where animals are not strictly confined but remain in the valley due to supplemental feeding. Staff provide educational narration about monkey social hierarchy and behaviors during designated feeding times. The park's terrain is steep and rugged, typical of the island's mountainous geography.
The elevated observation platform area which frames the monkeys against the background of the Seto Inland Sea.
Keep your bags tightly zipped and do not carry food in your hands, as the monkeys are bold and will attempt to snatch items.
Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip to navigate the uneven, steep hillside paths.
Avoid maintaining direct eye contact with the macaques, as they may interpret this as an act of aggression.
Avoid wearing loose accessories like dangling jewelry, hats, or scarves that monkeys might try to grab.
Open daily throughout the year; occasional temporary closures may occur during extreme weather events such as typhoons.
Do not touch or feed the monkeys; maintain a respectful distance to avoid startling them.
