Mt. Arashiyama’s Monkey Park

I went on my(Chanda) first trip to Japan during the summer. I didn’t realize how hot Japan got during the summer; so many times, we found ourselves running under any shade we could find. While we enjoyed our week there, we would have enjoyed ourselves much more if we had gone during any other season. However, despite the hot, muggy weather, we decide to trek up the mountain in Arashiyama to visit the monkey park at the top.

This is a bit of a hike, but it does start with cement steps. I found it easier after we reached the top of the stairs because the rest of the hike was not steep. The pathways are a bit windy at some points, but there are a few spots to rest, as well as signs telling you not to touch or feed the monkeys.

We were exhausted once we reached the top because it was a sweltering day, but we were excited to feed the monkeys. The only area where you can feed the monkeys is in an enclosed building with metal bars for the monkeys to climb. There are food packets you can buy to feed the monkeys, or you can watch them being fed.

The monkeys are adorable and friendly. They aren’t tamed and are still wild, which is why you aren’t allowed to pet or feed them outside the enclosure, but they are eager to be fed. They are used to tourists feeding them, so when you are close to the metal bars they reach out their arms to grab some food.

Alongside the enclosure is a small pond where the monkeys can cool off during summer. Some of them took advantage of the cool water and swam around happily while we gazed longingly, wishing we could cool off as well. Unfortunately, we had to wait until much later until we could also cool off.

As we walked around the top of the mountain, we saw many other monkeys wandering around, paying no attention to us. It was interesting to see how unaffected they were by human presence.

This park is a must-see if you are in Kyoto. There are many other places to visit nearby, but this was my favorite. It’s a unique experience that we won’t forget, and we will continue to reminisce about.