Located at the top of Mount Iwata in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, there’s a monkey compound where visitors can interact with and observe some of Japan’s most historic creatures!
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is home to more than 100 Japanese macaques, the only monkey species native to Japan. The park offers a rare opportunity to see these macaques in their natural habitat and the privilege to feed them.
Created in 1954, two scientists from Kyoto University began studying and preserving the native macaques; at this time, it was not open to the public. Due to constant research, the monkeys became familiar to human interaction and the park officially opened to the public in 1957. Since then, it has remained both a sanctuary for the macaques and an educational experience for visitors.
Getting to the base of the park is pretty simple. The most common route is through the JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama Station, followed by a 10- to 15-minute walk through a neighborhood to the park entrance. Another option for visitors would be a bus from Kyoto Station, but note that buses may take longer depending on traffic.
The monkey park is open year round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last admission is at 3:30 p.m.. Make sure to arrive well before then to ensure a long experience. Admission for adults is 550 yen (about USD $3.75) and 250 yen (about USD $1.71) for children aged 4 to 15; children under 3 can enter for free. At the entrance, each guest receives a pamphlet stating the safety rules of this park: Do not touch the monkeys, avoid direct eye contact, stay at least three meters away and never feed them outside the designated area, among others.
To reach the monkeys, visitors have to climb an uphill path for 15 to 20 minutes. The trail is through a beautiful forest, the gently sound of a river flows nearby and the smell of trees fills the air. The trail is rough and steep in some parts so proper footwear is necessary. The trail can become muddy if it has rained that day so sneakers or hiking shoes are recommended. Tourists should not be discouraged by the hike. Along the trail, there are several rest stops with benches and educational signs about the monkeys.
As people walk to the top, some macaques may be seen along the path, but the spectacle starts at the top. The top provides stunning views of Kyoto and dozens of free-roaming monkeys in open ground. Monkeys can be seen sunbathing and sleeping, while others play and babies cling to their mommas. The best season to observe baby macaques during this time of year is May to July, when the monkeys are giving birth.
When getting to the top, visitors are given the opportunity to feed the monkeys, but only in a safe, designated building. Inside, for only 100 yen (about USD $0.68), guests can purchase small bags of apple slices or peanuts and feed the macaques through a fence.
Arashiyama Monkey Park is truly a reminder of how breathtaking nature can be, even in one of the world’s most high tech countries. This park is a must see for travelers in Kyoto looking for a dopamine boost!
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