Get an up-close-and-personal encounter with wild snow monkeys on Arashiyama Mountain. Watch as the park staff feed them or feed them yourself!
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is located across the Oi River, on the south end of the Togetsukyo Bridge. It is only a short train ride away from Kyoto, to the west of the city, and is located near the scenic Arashiyama Mountain and the Oi River. The best time to visit is during autumn, when the trees are vibrant with bright foliage.
Walk up the hill, past the beautiful cherry trees, and you will find the feeding area (remember to wear comfortable walking shoes). The monkeys gather in this area three times a day to be fed.
The monkeys that you will see are Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, because of their ability to survive in lower temperatures than any other primate except for humans. These monkeys are highly sociable and spend a lot of their time grooming each other’s thick fur. Staff members at the Monkey Park have been observing and recording the social behaviour of the monkeys since the park opened in 1958. The data gathered is vital for the preservation of the species in the future.
The monkeys eat a regular diet of soy beans and wheat, but during your visit you can give them a sweet treat by buying bananas, apples and sweet potatoes. Visitors can feed the monkeys themselves from a separate wire enclosure. Bear in mind that the monkeys are wild, so when they are eating out of your hands, never make direct eye contact with them or touch them, as this may cause them to become aggressive.
Bring your camera with you, so you can capture the amusing antics of the playful monkeys, as well as the stunning view over the Katsura River and the city of Kyoto.
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is open every day, except in cases of extreme weather. Children under the age of four get in free, but there is an admission fee for adults. You can reach the park via a short walk from Arashiyama Train Station.
