When you’re in Kyoto, you’ll find an endless supply of tourist attractions to visit. However, there is a place that not many people know of and it is found on Mount Arashiyama. The Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to hundreds of playful Japanese Macaques, who are very eager to eat whatever you have in hand!
1. The Iconic Snow Monkeys
You might have already seen or heard of them before. These are the well-known Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys) that has been featured in documentaries and magazines in the past. These playful and adorable monkeys are the main attraction of the Iwatayama Monkey Park and not many people get the chance to see them up close and personal.
2. Great Views of the City
For some people, hiking up to the monkey park is not an easy feat. However, the view that you’ll be able to see on the top of the mountain will make everything worth it. Be sure to bring good shoes and a bottle of water to hydrate yourself from the short hike that will lead you to the monkey park.
3. Feeding the Monkeys
Of course, the main highlight of the trip is the chance to feed the monkeys. You can buy monkey feeds at the park and give it to the monkeys by hand. Yes! They’ll be grabbing the food on your palm or your fingers so you need to watch out for that.
4. People Are Put Inside The Cage
Yes, the Iwatayama Monkey Park is a place where monkeys get the chance to observe the people inside cages. Wait, isn’t that wrong? Maybe, but that’s how it works when you go to the Iwatayama Monkey Park to feed the monkeys. The monkeys can get very aggressive when it comes to food so the cage is there to protect the people from getting hurt.
5. Monkey Quizzes!
Your knowledge about monkeys will be put to the test as you answer these funny quizzes that can be found on the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Don’t feel down if you don’t get the right answer! It’s a fun way to learn more about the monkeys and understand how they live in the Arashiyama mountain.
6. Freedom to Observe the Monkeys
Iwatayama Monkey Park is probably one of the few places in Japan where you can freely observe wild Japanese Macaques. You will often find them lazing around all over the place, grooming each other, fighting each other and on some occasions, you’ll get the chance to see a monkey going close to you. When this happens, DO NOT attempt to pet them for your own safety!
7. Not Just Monkey Business
When you go to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, you’d probably think that you’ll just be fooling around with the monkeys. Unfortunately, that is not the case. These monkeys might be used to people, but they’re still wild animals. If you don’t follow the rules like Don’t look at the Monkeys in the eyes accidents and injuries might happen. So you better follow the park rules!
Information
- Address: 8 Arashiyama Genrokuyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007
- Phone: +81 75-872-0950
- Access: 5-minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station
- 30-40 minute hike to reach the Arashiyama Monkey Park.
- Admission Fee: ¥ 550
- Opening hour: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Website: www.kmpi.co.jp/english
Have a Good Trip and Travel!
