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: Kyoto, Japan

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Iwatayama Monkey Park?

From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, walk 5 minutes north toward Togetsukyo Bridge — the park entrance is just south of the bridge inside Ichitani Munakata Shrine grounds. From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station it's about 15 minutes' walk south across the bridge. After paying admission you climb a moderately steep 20-minute trail; expect a gain of about 160 metres.

What's the entry fee and opening hours?

Adult admission is 600 yen, children (4–15) 300 yen. The park is open daily 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in winter and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Cash only. The hike up takes 20 minutes plus time at the summit, so plan at least 1.5 hours total.

Can I feed the monkeys safely?

Yes — you feed them through wire mesh inside a hut at the summit, which keeps a safe barrier between you and the macaques. The hut sells small bags of apple slices or peanuts (around 100 yen) suitable for the monkeys. Outside the hut, do not bring out food, do not stare directly at the monkeys (they read it as aggression), and do not touch them — they are wild animals.

When is the best time to visit Iwatayama Monkey Park?

Spring (April–May, when baby monkeys appear and weather is mild) and autumn (October–November, foliage and views) are the most rewarding. Winter (December–February) is photogenic when the monkeys huddle for warmth, but the trail can be icy. Summer is hot and humid for the climb. Mornings before 11 are quietest. Skip the visit on heavy rain days — the trail becomes slippery and the monkeys retreat.