Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto

There is a popular spot for foreign tourists in Arashiyama which is one of the best tourist destinations in Kyoto. It is “Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama”. Here, we can see the wild Japanese macaques in close proximity, and also because we can give food, it is crowded every day. And it is also a topic to say that the way to give that food is a little different.
Togetsu-kyo Bridge in Arashiyama is a typical tourist spot in Kyoto. There is “Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama” on a small mountain rising behind it. About 120 wild Japanese macaques are being fed here, and you can get in touch with lovely Japanese macaques at hand.
This is a popular spot not only for Japanese tourists but also for foreign tourists. Especially the experience that you can hand food to Japanese macaques in a rest hut at the Observatory Square on the top is very popular.
It’s a main event of “Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama”, but there are some strange points. A man who raises food enters the hut and feeds monkeys from inside. It feels as if a human being is in the cage, it will feel a bit strange. Due to safety concerns, this is how it is done.
Every monkey of “Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama” has been identified individually, but a proper wild herd. Though they are close to humans, they live their usual wild lives. Just as humans are looking at the monkeys who are full of family love it will be awesome funny.
The attractions of “Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama” are not just monkeys. At the summit plaza you can see the magnificent view where you can see the city of Kyoto. This is the most spectacular spot in Arashiyama and Sagano area. It is worth visiting just to taste this scenery.
Also, somewhat below the summit there is a square with plenty of slidings and playground equipment such as Tarzan rope, so it is a blessing place with children.

120 Japanese monkeys

“Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama” is the park in Arashiyama, Kyoto in which Japanese monkeys are present. Approximately 120 Japanese monkeys live on a wild state now. In addition to this, nature is full inside the garden. It may also be able to meet about 100 kinds of wild birds, and various animals, such as a deer.

Whole view of the inside of a capital city of Kyoto

You can overlook the whole view of the inside of a capital city from the observation deck and feeding space at the mountaintop, and can see Mt. Hiei-zan, Kitayama, Higashiyama. In addition, there is the park including the long slide and Tarzan rope. You can fully enjoy nature of Arashiyama with the monkeys year-round like autumnal leaves in autumn, the cherry tree and fresh green in spring.

In the perfect location

Here, a wild Japanese monkey came to be fed for research of Kyoto University in 1954, and exhibition like the present began in 1957. The foot of a mountain is scenic spot Arashiyama of the Kyoto No. 1, and is in the perfect location. Public transport is also good from Hankyu Arashiyama Station at on foot 5 minutes.

Man into a cage

There is a rest station surrounded at the wire net inside the park, and the visitor can give food in it to monkeys. It seems that many tourists have an agreeable impression to the way of thinking of an animal not entering into a cage, but man going into a cage, and coming into contact with an animal.

Please be careful

Notes when seeing monkeys outside a cage are written to the signboard in the garden.
1. Do not stare at the eyes of the monkey!
2. Do not touch the monkey!
3. Do not show or give food to the monkey!
Keep in mind that not keeping the above-mentioned items may be attacked by the monkey, please be careful.

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