Can You Touch the Monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park?
Why no touching
The monkeys at the park are wild Japanese macaques, not domesticated animals. They have sharp teeth and will bite if startled, territorial, or protecting young. A bite is painful, draws blood, and can become infected. Infected monkey bites sometimes require antibiotics or medical attention.
The safe way to "feed" the monkeys
The rest hut at the summit has a small cage-like room where you sit inside and feed monkeys through the wire mesh. You buy a ¥100 bag of sliced apples or peanuts, place the food on a ledge, or push it through the mesh. The monkeys eat from outside. This is safe, memorable, and often called the park’s "role reversal" — the humans are the ones in the cage.
This is the only place where you have any direct food-sharing contact. Do not attempt feeding anywhere else on the mountain.
Respect the monkeys as wild animals, not pets. The lack of touch is what makes the interaction genuine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I touch the monkeys?
No. They are wild and will bite. Keep hands to yourself.
What if a monkey comes up to me?
Stay calm, stand upright, back away slowly. Most approaches are curious. Do not run or crouch (crouching looks threatening).
Can I hand-feed a monkey?
No. Never hand-feed a wild monkey; you will be bitten. The only safe feeding is in the rest hut, through protective wire mesh.
Do monkeys attack visitors?
Attacks are rare, but bites happen if you touch, stare, or crowd them. Follow the rules and there is no risk.