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Iwatayama Monkey Park

📍 Attraction

📍

Prefecture

Kyoto

📍

Type

Attraction

⭐

N/A

1 review

🚃 Train Access

About This Destination

Climb the forested slopes of Iwatayama mountain to encounter over 120 wild Japanese macaques roaming freely, with panoramic views of Kyoto as your reward at the summit.

Iwatayama Monkey Park sits atop a mountain in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. The park is home to over 120 wild Japanese macaques (nihonzaru) that roam freely through the forested hillside. Visitors hike approximately 20 minutes up a scenic trail from the entrance near Togetsukyo Bridge to reach the summit observation area. At the top, a small hut allows visitors to feed the monkeys through a wire mesh — keeping a safe barrier between humans and animals. The panoramic views of Kyoto city from the summit are spectacular, stretching across the basin to the eastern mountains. The park is especially popular in winter when the monkeys huddle together for warmth, and in spring when baby monkeys are born. Unlike Jigokudani in Nagano, these monkeys do not bathe in hot springs, but the easy access from central Kyoto makes this a convenient wildlife encounter.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: 61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0004

Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station (Hankyu Arashiyama Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No food at the park itself. The Arashiyama riverfront area (5-minute walk) offers abundant dining including tofu hot pot (yudofu), soba, and street food stalls near Togetsukyo Bridge.

Official Website