Feed, and walk with snow monkeys year round

As much as we fell in love with Tokyo, we also fell even harder with Kyoto. The various neighborhoods you can find here show Japan’s different side. Kyoto is a fusion between modern and traditional Japan, from the Gion Geisha District to the fantastic Fushimi Inari Taisha. And if you are looking for a hike, visit the Arashiyama district.

Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, most famous for the Bamboo Forest Groove, but we also recommend waddling up the hill and seeing the wild snow monkeys. You can expect marvelous views as you waddle higher and higher.

---

How to get to Monkey Park Iwatayama

You can also ride the bus, which usually takes about 20 minutes longer than the train when coming from Kyoto Station. According to the park’s website, the nearest bus station is Arashiyama Koen.

The park’s entrance is a short walk up from Iwatayama’s (Iwata mountain’s) base.

---

Monkey at Arashiyama (嵐山モンキーパークいわたやま)

I will start with the most important thing. DO NOT APPROACH THE MONKEYS! I repeat, do not approach them. Remember, they are wild monkeys living on the top of the mountain. One tried to steal me 😅.

The waddle

Before you encounter any monkeys, you will have to waddle up. The hike itself is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes.
We enjoyed each moment. First, you waddle through a beautiful forest where the air is lovely, and then you end on top of a hill, where apart from monkeys, you see the whole city of Kyoto.

On the way, you will encounter many signs that already teach you what to expect and how to behave. Please read them and get prepared. Though don’t worry, the monkeys will not attack you (or at least should not), but it’s good to know how to behave. It is, after all, their home you are entering. The top of the hill also reminded me of when we visited Gibraltar.

Up top, you will find over a hundred snow monkeys, also called Japanese macaques (nihonzaru ニホンザル). The monkeys are native to Japan, and yes, before you ask, these are the iconic monkeys bathing in the hot springs you can see in many documentaries and photos of Japan.

The monkeys are human-fed, and even you, as a tourist, can do so with assistance, but remember, they are wild monkeys. 

Here two simple rules apply:

• don’t stare
• don’t touch

At first, being so close was a bit nerve-wracking. As mentioned, you have a chance to feed them if you dare. They’re eager to gobble up apple chunks tourists can buy and offer through the safety of an enclosed area.

They grab the food right out of your hand, so don’t be scared. We didn’t feed them as they were already eyeing me suspiciously – I guess they never saw a penguin, and one even tried to grab me 😅.

You can always walk outside the hut and “mingle” with the monkeys, but remember that they are wild and territorial animals. Take the advice of the warning signs literally: do not get too close and do not look them in the eyes, which they take as a threat gesture.

---

Opening Hours of Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Your visit will take about 1-2 hours, and visitors can enter from 9 am–4:30 pm/5 pm. From the 15th of March to the 30th of September. During the Autumn and Winter periods, the park is open from 9 am–4 pm, while the Mountaintop is open from 9 am–4:30 pm.

For more information, check the official site – http://www.monkeypark.jp/

Note: the whole area is a non-smiking area. 

Admission to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

• Adults: JPY550
• Kids (four years old to junior high school students):  JPY250
• Penguins: free entry

Overall it is an enjoyable visit, and we highly recommend it.

---