Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Updated

Meet the Snow Monkeys of Arashiyama

Recommended during select Highlights of Japan Tours and guided Japan Cherry Blossom Tours.

The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a monkey park on Mt. Arashiyama inhabited by approximately 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. Also known as snow monkey, the park is famous for bringing in crowds who want to see these adorable monkeys. Japanese macaque are quite distinct to other monkeys, known for their red faces and fondness for hot-springs. Unlike other species of monkey, the Japanese macaque can only be found in Japan. Besides the winter time, monkeys are also present in spring during the beautiful cherry blossom season and during autumn when the leaves in the park turn to warm autumn colors. From the top of the mountain park, you can see Mt. Hiei and the skyline of Kyoto from the distance.

Free Roaming Monkey of the Mountain | Kyoto

While normally the only place to see monkeys are zoo's or animal parks, Japan is one of the few developed countries where monkey's live naturally. The monkey park is the first chance many have to interact with monkeys outside of a cage. The park has a feeding site where guests can purchase food and feed the monkeys. It is important to remember that although safe to feed these monkeys, these monkeys are still wild and not trained like zoo animals, so it is important to follow the rules of the park at all times.

If you're interested in seeing adorable snow monkey but don't want to travel Japan's colder Winter season, the monkey park of Arashiyama is the perfect way to go. Ask your tour guide during your vacation if there's time to visit this charming monkey park during your Kyoto tour. There's also Japan Deluxe Tour's affordable line of private and custom tours to arrange a summer vacation playing with the snow monkey of Kyoto!