Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Sitting at 160m above sea level, you’ll need medium fitness level to make it to the top. There are some parts of the walkway that are steep and don’t have railings or safety nets against the cliff edge so be careful especially when walking with children. We only saw a handful of young children and no prams so you’ll need to park them at the bottom. Once you get to the top, the view is nice but you can’t touch the monkeys. You can feed them sweet potato and peanuts from inside the cage whilst they roam freely outside.

One of the recommended destination when in Kyoto. Took the local train to Arashiyama and from the train station a relatively short walk to the Iwatayama Monkey Park entrance. The access cost is 600yen for adults, 300Yen for kids. From here there is a climb up to where the monkeys are, not very steep but quite long, about 30 minutes depending on your stamina. The uphill walk in itself is very nice, through the forest on gravel path with benches here and there. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with some unique experience, basically walking among snow monkeys. Generally they are not aggressive and mind their own business but if you stir them up might get into some troubles. Don 't provoke them, don 't tease them with food and act with common sense like around wild animals. There are monkey keepers on site and will promptly deal with occasional monkey brawls. There is a building where you became caged and where you can feed through metal bars the monkeys with food offered for a cost. Even there are rules not to touch the monkeys while feeding them, there are posters everywhere showing you how to properly and safely do it. I 've seen people ignoring the posted rules and getting too close to the monkeys, nothing bad happened but still, as a precaution just follow the rules and you 'll fully enjoy the experience. The site also offers some nice views of the surrounding areas but then again, monkeys are the main attraction.

This was a memorable experience. The hike was worth the view and the experience of getting to interact with the monkeys. There is a play ground for the Little’s to burn off extra energy if the home didn’t do that already. It has a slide and zip line. You can buy monkey food there and it’s not too expensive and they use the money to keep the place running. We visited in November and the weather was AWSOME!

GO! GO NOW GO TOMORROW JUST GO! I wasn't a fan of Kyoto until I went out to the Arashiyama area and the monkey park tacks the cake for the best thing I've done in Kyoto. If you are here for one day please come here over other tourist hot spots. While it is also touristy it gives you the aesthetic you are seeking do Kyoto river villages. The 20-minute hike up to the Monkeys was well worth every step. You experience the gorgeous forests and a tranquil environment with the request and ever-improving breathtaking view of the river bank. Once you reach the top you are greeted with over 30 monkeys of all ages roaming around. The only cage on site was the one they put the humans into so they could feed the monkeys without risk of injury. The view, the cute monkeys, and the nature are spectacular. I've been to many animal-related attractions in Japan and this was the only one that didn't leave me feeling melancholic about the animals' situation. They are truly free and well-kept. I will be back. Even in the rain because I would debate it make the experience even better.

To reach the top you need to walk or “hike” around 20-40 minutes depending on your fitness level. Wear comfortable shoes and get to the top to see the monkeys. You can feed the monkeys from the cabin, purchase the food for 100 yen, entrance ticket is 550 yen. Don’t forget to read and follow the rules (don’t stare at them, don’t get too close and don’t crouch), I’ve seen several tourist didn’t follow the rules and it could provoke the monkeys.