What Is Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama?
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, located in Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto City.
Since opening in Shōwa 31 (1956), it has been loved as a habitat for wild Japanese macaques and attracts many visitors from Japan and overseas.
Located on the slope of Mt. Iwatayama at an elevation of 160 m, the park is home to about 120 wild Japanese macaques, which you can observe up close in a natural setting.
From the summit observation area, you can enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto City, making it a unique spot where you can experience both monkeys and spectacular scenery.
How to Get to Arashiyama Monkey Park
Access to Arashiyama Monkey Park is convenient.
It is about a 7-minute walk from Hankyu Railway “Arashiyama Station” to the entrance, and about a 10-minute walk from Keifuku Railway (Randen) “Arashiyama Station.”
From JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line) “Saga-Arashiyama Station,” it takes about 15 minutes on foot.
The entrance is located within the grounds of Ichitani Munakata Shrine, about 20 m upstream along the riverside on the south side of Togetsukyō Bridge.
Because it is within walking distance from central Arashiyama, it is easy to combine with other Arashiyama sightseeing spots.
There is no dedicated parking lot, so please use public transportation or nearby paid parking.
Things to Do at the Monkey Park
1. Up-Close Experience with Monkeys
At Arashiyama Monkey Park, wild monkeys roam freely.
At the summit rest area, there is a feeding experience space where you can feed the monkeys apples or peanuts (100 yen per bag) through a wire mesh.
However, please avoid touching the monkeys directly or making eye contact with them outdoors.
While keeping a safe distance, you can observe their natural behavior through the seasons, including baby monkeys in spring and monkey huddles in winter.
2. Observatory with Panoramic Kyoto Views
There is an observation deck at the top of the monkey park where you can look out over Kyoto City.
The panoramic view extending to Mt. Hiei, Kitayama, and the Higashiyama mountain range is breathtaking.
On clear days especially, you can enjoy the sight of monkeys playing against a beautiful scenic backdrop.
During Arashiyama’s autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December) and cherry blossom season (late March to early April), one of the park’s charms is seeing the monkeys alongside seasonal scenery.
3. Light Hiking Course
The trail to the monkey park is a light hiking course that takes about 20 minutes.
There are some moderately steep slopes and stairs, but the path is maintained, and you can enjoy nature such as wild birds and plants along the way.
It is recommended to visit in comfortable sneakers and easy-to-move-in clothing.
Strollers cannot be brought in, so visitors with small children should prepare a baby carrier.
It is also a good idea to buy drinks from the vending machines at the entrance before starting the climb.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Hours, Fees, and Rules
Opening Hours and Admission Fee
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (you may stay at the summit until 4:30 p.m.)
- Admission fee: Adults (high school age and up) 800 yen, children (ages 4 to junior high school) 400 yen, free for ages 3 and under
- Closed days: Irregular holidays (closed in severe weather such as heavy rain, heavy snow, or typhoons; closed on January 1)
- Payment: Cash is the standard method
Important Notes
- Be careful not to get too close to the monkeys or make eye contact with them.
- Please keep food and plastic bags inside your bag so the monkeys cannot see them.
- You cannot feed the monkeys with food you bring in.
- Pets are not allowed in the park (not allowed even in a cage).
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the park.
- On rainy days, the ground can be slippery, so extra caution is needed.
Summary
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a unique sightseeing spot in Kyoto where you can see wild Japanese macaques while enjoying nature and panoramic views.
The view of Kyoto City from the summit observatory is excellent, and the monkey feeding experience can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Combining it with sightseeing in the Arashiyama area will make your Kyoto trip even more fulfilling.
Plan for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, and enjoy the monkeys’ natural behavior along with beautiful scenery in every season.
