We had a fantastic time watching the monkeys. It was hilarious to see them interacting. A girl attempted to touch one that approached and got a bit startled when it nipped at her—thankfully she was unharmed, but it definitely frightened her. The staff consistently remind visitors not to touch, pet, or feed the monkeys, and to avoid crouching or making direct eye contact with them. The view from the top is stunning, but be prepared for a lot of walking uphill!
You have to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama when you're in Kyoto! It's a unique experience. The hike to the park can be a bit demanding, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially on a clear day. The true stars of the park are the wild Japanese macaques that roam freely. You get to feed them, but it's from within a caged area to keep things safe. It's both fun and surreal to see them snatching food out of your hands. Make sure not to bring any snacks with you; the monkeys will try to grab them! It's a delightful change from the traditional temples and shrines—definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you enjoy animals or want a fun experience.
The monkeys at the park are incredible! It's a unique experience that you can't miss. It takes about 20 minutes to walk uphill, but the view at the top is worth it. You can safely feed the monkeys and there's plenty of friendly staff to ensure everything goes smoothly. There are also drinks and restroom facilities available, along with a small wood-burning stove to keep warm during colder weather. The view of the city from the top is truly wonderful.
This experience was truly amazing! Just a heads-up—the monkeys primarily hang out at the top of the mountain, so expect to do some climbing. However, the adorable monkeys and stunning views from the peak make it all worthwhile. You can feed the monkeys with fruits and nuts that are sold inside a little hut at the top. The park seems to be undergoing some construction, with certain paths closed off, but it didn't diminish the experience at all! Highly recommend it!
This place is definitely worth a visit. The hike is enjoyable, and once you reach the top, the views over Kyoto are fantastic. There are many monkeys, and they are quite accustomed to humans, so they are not too shy. Just remember to follow the rules to avoid startling them. You can feed the monkeys by purchasing some affordable food they offer at the house.
