Iwatayama Monkey Park
Monkey Park Sign
On the top of Arashiyama is Iwatayama Monkey Park. With impressive views overlooking Kyoto and the 130 or so wild monkeys, the park is sure to be a nice break from the myriad of temples and shrines. The monkeys belong to the macaque family and are the only monkeys able to live in snowy climate. They are indeed wild and after their feeding times, they return back to their natural environment deeper in the mountain. However, during the day they have specific feeding times tourists can participate in. They are listed on the site. Also, since the monkeys are wild people must avoid angering them
1. Avoid staring straight into their eyes (they interpret this as a direct challenge)
2. Don’t try to pet or touch them (this apparently stresses them out)
3. Don’t feed the monkeys outside the hut (it encourages monkeys to misbehave)
Besides the monkeys, the area also has a number of cherry blossom and maple trees one is able to enjoy while hiking to the top. Aside from the trees there are over 100 kinds of birds, wild deer and a playground at the top for children.
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