When you look up what to do in Kyoto you will definitely hear about Monkey Park Iwatayama. Monkey Park Iwatayama is literally a park full of monkeys. You pay the equivalent of $5.50 USD to enter and then you get to see monkeys. Like, a lot of monkeys. We really enjoyed this stop on our tour of Arashiyama, and if you’re an animal lover, it can’t be missed.
Getting There
Head west from Arashiyama Station towards the base of Togetsukyo Bridge. Instead of crossing the bridge, continue along the south side of the river and follow signs up the staircase to Monkey Park Iwatayama. You will pay before proceeding up the hill.
It’s a solid 15-30min hike up to the top of the hill where the monkeys are, so be prepared, and wear good shoes. There are several stopping points along the way where you can learn some good monkey related facts, so feel free to use those points for breaks if you need them!
The Park
Once you get to the top of the hill you will see the monkeys right away. They’re everywhere – probably more than there are people! Additionally, there is an absolutely stunning view of Kyoto. Once you’ve finished gawking at the view and all the cute monkeys (including baby monkeys!!!), head inside the building at the top of the hill. In addition to some snacks and beverages for humans, they sell snacks for the monkeys! From inside the caged walls you can feed the monkeys who will very gently take the food directly out of your hand. This experience is totally worth the cost and I highly recommend you do it!
The Monkeys
The Japanese Macaques (or “snow monkeys”) seem friendly enough, but as the many signs around the park will remind you, please don’t touch the monkeys. These are not pets or trained animals; they’re wild monkeys who have been conditioned to visit this hill top in exchange for food. You might see other people touching or trying to pick up the monkeys… just remember that being a good person is worth more than the photo op. You don’t want to get scratched by a monkey! That all said, if you don’t bug them, they won’t bug you, and you have nothing to fear if you treat the monkeys with respect.
Details
Hours: 9:00am – 5pm (until 4:30 from November to mid March)
Closed: Days with heavy rain or snow
Cost: 550 yen to enter, 100 yen per bag of monkey food
Website: http://www.monkeypark.jp/
**Featured Photo by Giovanni Calia
