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I spent WAYYY more time hiking go the top than at the top which is where the monkeys are lol. It's quite steep in parts. I didn't know this before going lol. Neat experience nevertheless
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Date of experience: February 2020
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It was quite a climb to reach the top but so worth it. It was so much fun to stand among the macaques and watch them play and interact.
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Date of experience: July 2020
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During our visit to Japan we had thought about going to see the famous ‘snow monkeys’ of Yudanaka but we were going when there would be no snow and a little research told us we’d be in the midst of large crowds of other visitors and that perhaps it had been a little over sold as an attraction. We still wanted to see monkeys (Japanese Macaques) though and wanted to see them in the most authentic and ethical setting we could. Since we would be staying for a short while in Kyoto that led us to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, something we could combine with a visit to the popular bamboo groves. We liked the idea that the monkeys were free to roam in the surrounding countryside are not captive and we liked the idea that when being fed it’s the visitors who are confined to a feeding station with the monkeys free to come and go outside albeit that outside there is nothing but a low rope barrier limiting the area we visitors could walk in but not so the monkeys. If you arrive by bus or at Arashiyama station head down to the river and cross the long Togetsukyo Bridge. The apparent end is in fact just an island two thirds of the way across so keep going and on reaching the end turn right and look for signs that will lead you to the park entrance in a short distance. You will need to walk up to it on your left to where we found a small ticket kiosk. The cost when we visited was 550 yen for adults with children over four admitted for half that. The park is normally open from 9am to 5pm between the middle of March and October, closing an hour earlier outside that, but be prepared for a long uphill walk of at least 20 minutes at a steady pace if you arrive late. Some of this was along broad paths, though sometimes a little rough and initially there were steps so it would be difficult with a buggy (we didn’t see a minimum age limit) and it wasn’t wheelchair accessible in any way as far as we could see. Once at the top we found the feeding station where crackers and bananas can be purchased and passed to the monkeys outside through a grill. Bear in mind these are wild creatures and this is for your safety even though the recommendation to keep 3m between yourself and the macaques outside doesn’t take account of their desire to move around and there are plenty of park staff on hand though to prevent them getting too inquisitive or mischievous. We watched one repeatedly unplug a cable, forcing a ‘keeper’ to come back until eventually he duct taped it up and chased away the young monkey when it tried to undo it. We really enjoyed watching the monkeys both closer too and on the hillside nearby, perhaps more so than the chance to feed them and it is a wonderful place for photography especially if you have a long lens. This is also a great viewpoint with panoramic views out across both City and countryside beyond. In summary, this is a great place to see Japanese Macaques and if you can forego the novelty of watching them bathing you will find it easier to reach, close to other attractions that will make it a good day out (including the bamboo grove and nearby Kameyama Park and River Oi) and probably a good deal less busy. Don’t arrive too late and remember it’s a lengthy and sometimes steep walk uphill from the entrance. We really enjoyed it and hope I hope you will too.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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We really enjoyed exploring the area around the monkey park and the hike up was quite pretty (good exercise, too!). It was so neat to watch the monkeys interact with each other and to be able to see them up close. Feeding the monkeys was a really cool experience and the prices were reasonable.…
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Date of experience: April 2019
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Went to the monkey park to see Japanese monkeys as didnt have time to go to sapporo to see snow monkeys. Just got train here and then hiked up to the top phew! however it was well worth it to see the monkeys and their babies, preening each other. bought food, nuts and fruit, and fed them from our cage, they were free we were the captives, Just watching them take the food was lovely there hands are very dexterous not sue this is the correct word but they could take the food from my hand amazing, Short walk from here to the bamboo forest and there are lovely eateries in the town and the snoopy chocolate place.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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