Squirrel Monkey Forest — Attraction in Ishigaki

A a unique experience where you have the opportunity to be side by side with squirrel monkeys, unencumbered by fencing. The caretaker carried food around and will assist in you holding the monkeys. Stay and sit for a while on the sidewalk and you may have some rambunctious baby monkeys come up and play on your shoulder and lap. The remainder of the park was nicely landscaped with some historic displays and buildings to tour. Overall a fun stop while...

I came here to see the monkeys. They are from south america, not ishigaki. At 9am they were still being fed in the off limits area. At 920, they came to play. Around 945, they began selling food which took all the monkeys attention

To catch a monkey, be brave, walk up steadily with your palm cupped facing up and push it towards the monkey's feet. It usually climbs onto you. An old grandpa taught me that, he...

This monkey forest was perhaps one of my highlights of Ishigaki! Although quite a small park, the squirrel monkeys are incredibly fascinating creatures and seem very friendly. They may sit on your shoulder or shake your hand. There is a guide there to make sure guests behave themselves but he was a friendly man. The monkeys seem very well cared for. Cannot recommend this place enough if you're...