Visit Japan Web Iwatayama Monkey Park
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Iwatayama Monkey Park, one of Kyoto’s most bustling tourist areas. The park is on Mt Arashiyama, on the opposite side of the Ōi River as the train station. It is conveniently accessible by train. It is home to approximately 120 snow monkeys, also known as Japanese Macaques. These monkeys are indigenous to Japan and are the ones often seen in iconic photographs, bathing in hot springs during winter.
Although the monkeys are fed by humans (visitors also have the opportunity to feed them), the park emphasizes that they are still wild. Visitors should heed the “don’t stare” and “don’t touch” warnings.
Entering the park, visitors can immediately observe a monkey scurrying in the tall grass just meters away. Initially, being in such close proximity was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was also invigorating to see these creatures free from a glass enclosure. The active monkeys swung from tree branches and ran up the mountainside. The hike itself is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes.
Following the path, at the top there is a panoramic view of the city, mountains, and river, with a bright blue sky enveloping it all on a sunny day. After admiring the view, there is an opportunity to feed the monkeys. They eagerly devour apple chunks that tourists can purchase and offer through the safety of an enclosed area. They snatch the food right out of your hand, while hanging on the outside of the caged-in window area.
