Arashiyama Monkey Park

I want to share a little trip we did in April (sorry for the tardy post). We took some friends for their first trip to Japan and showed them why we keep going back. Since it was my third trip to Osaka in less than twelve months I was hunting for things I hadn't done before. I stumbled across a suggestion to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park in Kyoto. I had been to Arashiyama in December for the light festival but the freezing cold weather had resulted in it being a short and sweet visit.

This visit was much better. Although it was still a bit cool (a cold spell for April) it was not bitter and painful like the December evening. Not only did we get to see the Monkey Park we also had the pleasure of seeing cherry blossom.

Absolutely stunning

So we arrived in Arashiyama at Hankyu Arashiyama station. From here it is a short walk down to the river and the large bridge. Instead of walking over the bridge walk along the river bank on the left hand side. From here you will see the red Tori gates across the street and the Monkey Park entrance is there. You must buy a ticket from the vending machine before you start walking up to see the monkeys.

Yes the hike up the mountain was a little on the tiring side but it was well worth the effort. We had worked up a bit of a sweat by the time we got to the top even with the cold weather. It wasn't an overly difficult walk but would be hard for anyone who did very little exercise. This isn't to say it couldn't be done you would just need to take your time.

Heading up the left is shorter but steeper

Don't stare at the monkeys!

We joked at the signs telling us not to stare at the monkeys. Seriously though we couldn't help stare at pair of monkeys that were getting intimate in front of us. Unfortunately the signs were there for a reason and the male monkey started growling at us for interrupting his pleasure and for a minute I thought we were in for it. Remember.....don't stare at the monkeys especially if they are having their special private time.

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At the top of the mountain is a cabin where you feed the monkeys from the inside out. It is quite a bizarre feeling with you being in the cage and the animals being on the outside. Food is sold inside and the monkeys are more than willing to take your food. Outside of the cabin the monkeys walk freely and are able to be photographed but you can't feed them out there.

So who are the caged monkeys?