Japanese Snow Monkeys in Monkey Park Iwatayama Guide
- Amanda Pimentel
- Jan 11, 2024
- 6 min read
It’s hard to believe that a place like Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama exists. Monkey park is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. It truly is the perfect combination of responsible tourism and adventure! In a traditional zoo the animals are often in small spaces but in animal sanctuaries or places like Monkey Park, the animals are either free roam or completely wild. Monkey Park is a place where you can be in the same space as some of Japan's most famous and friendly monkeys and that’s not even the best part!
Have you ever wanted to visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys in monkey park? Monkey park originally started as a way to feed the local monkeys and officially opened in 1957. My favorite part is that they clearly support responsible tourism, the property itself is beautiful and the monkeys seem like they are treated really well. I will be traveling to monkey hill in Phuket Thailand soon (January 2024) so make sure you subscribe for details about that as well. My expectations for Monkey Park in Japan were low, I admit but they would have exceeded my expectations regardless.
Below I have highlighted some clearly outlined tips. Since you will be visiting the monkeys natural home you will have to scale a hill to get to the top which is a mix between stairs and flat hill, there are more details about this below. If you think this will be difficult I suggest going in the colder season or earlier in the day before the hottest part of the day.
Personally, I took several stops along the way to read the different rules, trivia questions, and once to stop at a bench for a quick break. There are several break areas with one or two benches and you can climb the hill at your leisure. I had a knee injury during my ascent and I noticed some elderly people who had some trouble going up to the top but when I spoke to them they said they were out of shape and they still made it to the top (for reference). Perhaps a walking stick or cane and good traction shoes with comfortable hiking clothes will make your journey more enjoyable.
TIPS:
Bring Cash: You have to pay in cash for a ticket and also for the treats you are allowed to feed the monkeys when you reach the top. Don't bring your own food to feed the monkeys since this isn't allowed.
Bathroom: I saw signs for a bathroom but I couldn't find it so I would suggest using the restroom before you enter the park and to bring your own toilet paper. I bring my own toilet paper with me everywhere I go since some restrooms don't provide it in most parts of the world. For the most part toilet paper is easy to access in Japan but this is up a steep hill so you are better safe than sorry.
Entrance: is currently 600 yen per adult and 300 yen for children but check before you go just in case. No pets are allowed.
Hours: 9am-4pm but they do close early if the monkey go back up the mountain early.
Wear good walking shoes and bring water: From the very moment you walk into monkey park you will be expected to climb up a mountain that may be quite difficult if you are out of shape but not impossible. You will more than likely break a sweat and be thankful you brought water. There is water and other beverages at the top but for your journey up the mountain you will probably stop a few times for water or to rest. I'm not sure if the store at the top is always open but I would bring water to be safe.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to ascend the hill to monkey park. The hike is approximately 160 meters elevation or 524 feet up from the bottom of the hill.
Honestly, the view alone is worth the ascent because you'll reach a spectacular panoramic view of Kyoto and you will not regret it. Before our journey we didn't look anything up and were surprised but again, I was still able to do this climb with an injured knee (however, I don't recommend doing what I did).
Monkey park has a unique ecosystem where you can observe the monkeys natural behavior and interact with them during your visit. At the top you'll find a cabin you can feed monkeys from, a small pool for the monkeys, some benches, and then just below there is a large slide for children and a play area for kids.
You won't be able to pick the monkeys up or hug them or anything like that but you can observe them in their natural habitat and feed them from inside the feeding station which is an amazing experience.
I thought the feeding station was an amazing idea. It provides a safe barrier between the people and the monkeys. This prevents the monkeys from becoming aggressive and stealing more food than you want to give them. Monkeys in the wild can sometimes be aggressive or demand things from you if you aren't careful or if they think you have food and are hungry. Areas where monkeys are fed by tourists if there is a lack of tourism this is usually what leads to the aggressive behavior towards people. I've been in 3 countries where wild monkeys are present and have never had them act aggressively towards me thankfully.
The feeding station in monkey park practically eliminates this scenario. However it is important to remember not to show them any food out of your bags when you are outside of the feeding station or to eat anything outside of the feeding station. The feeding station is a cabin that has a gate around in which the monkeys are on the outside of the cabin and can grab the food from you through the gate while you are inside. They are typically gentle with the food but sometimes fight amongst themselves over the food.
When you are in the section outside where all the monkeys are you will be able to see the stunning panoramic view of Kyoto and I would have paid the price just for this hike and view because it was really beautiful. I read there are about 120 monkeys there and they are Japanese Macaque also known as snow monkeys.
Link to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
In this area of Kyoto there are several famous temples and a popular tourist district outside of the very famous Kyoto Bamboo forest which is within walking distance of monkey park and entry is free.
Looking for a place to stay?
If you are looking for a stay nearby Monkey Park below are 3 of my suggestions ranging from luxury to affordable accommodations through my affiliate link with Expedia. The accommodations through Expedia I have selected are currently rated an 8/10 or higher and have been reviewed by at least 20 people.
Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel
The first stay is Suiran, A luxury Collection Hotel in Kyoto Japan with full-service spa. Settled between Monkey Park and the Bamboo Forest along the river with great reviews. You'll be able to enjoy everything nearby while having a wonderful oasis to escape the busy tourist areas. Below are a couple of photos of what you can expect from Suiran. Click the photos below to see more information on this hotel.
Kyoritsu Resort
Kadensho, Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto - Kyoritsu Resort is located very close to the entrance Monkey Park and across a small walkable river about 15 minute walk to the Bamboo forest. This location would be preferred to me because it is close to everything but when I was in the area this location was quiet which I enjoyed. This hotel also has a beautiful public spa that will blow you away. Click on the photos below for more information on this hotel. This is a resort with median- high pricing for this area with these amenities.
Mulan Hostel is in the same neighborhood as Monkey park as well and they have private rooms available for a price you can't beat in the area. If you want to be close to these attractions consider staying in a hostel private room or perhaps a dorm. You will have to share a bathroom in this scenario but the hostel is lovely and has great reviews highlighting it's cleanliness and location. If you are new to the idea of staying in a hostel, this would be a great way to test the waters. My favorite part about hostels is having access to a kitchen and being able to meet other travelers. You can even rent bicycles here. Click the photos below for more information on this hostel.
If hotels and hostels aren't your thing perhap's you'd consider a homestay? This is an arrangement where you stay with a local and get a more immersive experience into the local culture. Think the photo below to follow my affiliate link to homestay.
Have you visited Monkey Park in Kyoto? Let us know your experiences below to help other travelers! Thanks for your support and thank you for reading my blog!
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