Climb Mount Iwatayama to see Japanese macaques in semi-freedom with views of Kyoto and Arashiyama; admission ~600 ¥.
The Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park is a surprising experience a few minutes from the tourist centre of Arashiyama. On the slopes of Mount Iwatayama some 120 Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) live freely, and the park offers the chance to observe them up close and even feed them from a small hut at the summit. Reaching the monkeys involves a 20-minute climb up a path of stairs and forest tracks, but the effort is rewarded with the panoramic views over Kyoto and the Oi river obtained from the top. At the hut, bags of peanuts and pieces of fruit (100 ¥) are sold to give to the monkeys through a grille. Admission costs 600 ¥ for adults and 300 ¥ for children. It opens from 9:00 to 16:30 (last access at 16:00). The park entrance is next to the Togetsukyo bridge, on the north bank of the river. It is a perfect visit for families with children. Keep your backpack closed: the monkeys are curious and agile.
