Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
See Japanese macaques soak in hot springs and explore a tropical greenhouse, a unique winter attraction in Hakodate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Monkeys love the hot springs!
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Best Time
Monkeys love the hot springs!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
See Japanese macaques soak in hot springs and explore a tropical greenhouse, a unique winter attraction in Hakodate.
"The monkeys are really smart and adorable, quite funny to watch and see them in the hot bath!"
🎯 Winter is Monkey Time
Visit between December and May for the best chance to see monkeys enjoying the hot springs.
💰 Cash is King
Admission fees are typically paid in cash on-site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hot-Tubbing Macaques
Outdoor enclosure
Watch Japanese macaques relax and play in a natural hot spring, a unique winter spectacle.
Tropical Greenhouse
Greenhouse dome
Explore a surprising array of tropical plants, butterflies, and insects in Hokkaido's chilly climate.
Kid-Friendly Water Play
Near the ocean
A fun water area for children, perfect for a family outing, especially if you bring their swimsuits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Monkey Magic
Quick Visit, Big Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Winter is Monkey Time
Visit between December and May for the best chance to see monkeys enjoying the hot springs.
💰 Cash is King
Admission fees are typically paid in cash on-site.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking is available for visitors.
👟 Bring Kid's Swimsuits
There's a fun water play area for children near the ocean.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Winter is Monkey Time
Visit between December and May for the best chance to see monkeys enjoying the hot springs.
💰 Cash is King
Admission fees are typically paid in cash on-site.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking is available for visitors.
👟 Bring Kid's Swimsuits
There's a fun water play area for children near the ocean.
⏱️ Quick Visit Recommended
Allow about 20-30 minutes for a comprehensive visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden a charming, albeit small, attraction. The star is undoubtedly the hot-springing monkeys, a delightful sight, especially in winter. While the greenhouse offers a pleasant tropical escape, some reviewers note the monkeys might be less active outside the peak season. It's a quick, affordable visit, perfect for families or a brief stop.
"Very small place. The monkeys at the entrance section were cute but exhausted from the heat … maybe they’re more active in the winter. If you are seeing both the monkeys and botanical gardens you can do it all in about 20-25 minutes. BUT if you have kids, you should bring their bathing suits because there’s a cool place for all of them to play in the water next to the ocean. If you take them there then it would be five stars."
JA
"Monkey business. A small site split into the monkey enclosure and the dome that houses the exotic plants and insects. In end May, when we visited, the monkeys doesn’t feel cold enough to be soaking into the warm hot spring unfortunately. The dome despite small have a good range of plants species, butterflies and insects. Nice place to visit. Pay in cash on site. Free parking on site."
Mervyn Phea
"The park is not that large indeed; but for me it’s still worth to come and visit since I longed for seeing Monkeys in onset. That’s all what I looked for. The monkeys were so chill in the onsen while some didn’t like onsen at all ( according to the introduction). They are really sooooo cute;"
Gin C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is a small stop near Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate. It's easily accessible and offers free parking on-site. +1
While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, Hakodate is known for its old trams, suggesting good local transit options.
Yes, there is free parking available on-site for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is ¥300 per person. It's recommended to have cash on hand for payment.
The garden is open from December to the beginning of May, primarily focusing on the period when monkeys are most active in the hot springs.
Information on online ticket purchases is not readily available; it's best to assume tickets are purchased on-site.
While not explicitly stated, the garden is described as small, suggesting it may be manageable with strollers, though the terrain should be considered.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The garden features an outdoor enclosure with Japanese macaques bathing in a hot spring and an indoor greenhouse with tropical plants, butterflies, and insects. +1
The monkeys are most active and visible in the hot springs during the colder months, from December to early May. +1
Yes, children often enjoy watching the monkeys. There's also a water play area near the ocean that kids can use if they bring swimsuits.
A visit typically takes about 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable stop.
The greenhouse section houses various insects, including butterflies, adding to the tropical experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about food facilities within the garden is limited. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or pack snacks.
Hakodate is famous for its seafood, especially squid. You can also find unique local treats like the Chinese chicken burger at Lucky Pierrot. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shots are of the Japanese macaques enjoying their hot spring bath. The diverse plants in the greenhouse also offer unique photographic subjects. +1
Photography is generally allowed in most tourist attractions in Japan, but it's always good to check for any specific signage within the greenhouse.
Mornings during the winter season might offer good lighting and active monkeys. The greenhouse provides a consistent environment for photos year-round.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Hot-Springing Monkeys
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