Umitamago Aquarium & Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park

View the area’s indigenous marine life and wildlife, beginning with a leisurely walk through Umitamago, a modern aquarium whose name means “sea egg.” As you peer into the massive aquarium tanks, you will likely see sharks, stingrays and countless colorful fish swimming about. Be sure to see the outdoor tanks, some of which have infinity edges that make them appear like an extension of Beppu Bay. Other pools are devoted to creatures that spend some of their time on land, including walruses, seals and penguins. For an up-close look at the wild macaque monkeys that freely roam Mt. Takasaki, you will visit a park on its densely forested lower slopes. There are well over a thousand monkeys living there, and although the park wardens feed them, the monkeys come and go as they please. It will be quite the experience, as you might find yourself standing among dozens of primates.