Mt. Takasaki National Reserve

AKA: Monkey Park. The sign said not to touch them, stare at them, chase them, taunt them, or share food with them. I did stare at 3 of them and they swiped at my camera. The Mt. Takasaki National Reserve is located against the mountain side and every night, the monkeys would return to the mountains to sleep. In the morning and throughout the day, of the roughly 1300 monkeys, 700 would venture down to the park to eat and interact with humans.

What was very interesting was the hierarchy and social habits of these monkeys. There was a Big Dog (monkey, rather) who was affectionately named, "#1". On this particular day, #1 and #3 ventured down to the park. The park officials mentioned that when #1 is in town, you won't see #2 and you may see #3 (who happened to be there). When #2 is in town, you won't see either #1 or #3. These monkeys, when born, cling to their mothers until they are 2. As the official described it, "the monkeys don't marry and the fathers don't play a vital role in their childrens' lives."