Iwateyama Monkey Park is the very first Monkey Park I visited in Japan.
Looking back, the instructions from the park's official website is the most accurate than directions found on other pages. (I followed the information found on Japan-guide.com and got lost...not fun when it is super humid).
Its a long way up a very steep mountain, but the view and experience of feeding the Monkeys will be worth every sweat!
After getting out of the Hankyu Arashiyama Subway Station, you can see the beautiful scenary of Arashiyama. The entrance to the Park is not that far if you don't get lost like us). :)
When you see this Monkey sign, follow it straight and go up the hill.
If you find yourself on this side of the water, it is the wrong way...
There's a mini shrine structure near the entrance of the Park (where you buy the admission tickets and little trinkets).
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Photo Credit: Iwateyama Monkey Park. This is to illustrate how steep the hill to the top is.
House where you can buy bags of Peanuts/ dried fruits and feed the Monkeys!
Role reversal time-- you are inside the "cage" while the Monkey's climb on the outside to wait for you to feed them. Watch out for the older Monkeys, they will steal the baby's food.
But once you make it to the top, it is one of the best views in Kyoto (according to many travel guides).
If you like Monkeys and find yourself in Kyoto, it should be a must visit.
Take some ice cold water, insect repellent, umbrella, and wear comfortable sneakers and you should be set!
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