Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Can people share the hot spring with these monkeys? That would seem to be the ultimate special experience, but I realize that monkeys (especially males) have big teeth and can be aggressive if they're not just grabbing stuff from humans.
They can not. Visitors aren't supposed to even touch the monkeys anywhere in the park, though I certainly saw a lot of people doing so during my visit.
The monkey park in Kyoto is probably better if you want to have a direct experience with the monkeys that is sanctioned and safe. They allow feeding of the monkeys through a grate that the monkeys can reach through to take the offered food.