The Iwatayama Monkey Park is one of the few places around the Kansai area where people can go and see monkey’s in their natural habitat and not enclosed in a zoo. It’s located in Arashiyama in western Kyoto, near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
The 120 or so monkeys seen here are Japanese Macaques, the same species famously seen relaxing in a hot spring in Nagano Prefecture and the most common monkey species in Japan.
Visitors to the park can observe the monkeys up close in their natural habitat. The monkeys are accustomed to human presence and often come quite close, though following the park’s rules regarding interaction and feeding is important. There are also feeding stations where visitors can purchase specially provided food for the monkeys to enjoy.
To reach the Iwatayama Monkey Park, visitors typically embark on a short hike up the mountain, which should take about 15-30 minutes to ascend depending on pace. You will pay for entry near the base of the hill. Be prepared for many steps, and it the climb can be steep in parts. There are vending machines at the base of the hill should you need to purcahse any drinks for the climb.
Keep your eyes peeled as you begin your hike, as you start to see monkeys the further you climb, but they are most commonly seen near the summit of the mountain. Once at the top, there’s a viewing area where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto while watching the monkeys play and interact.
At the top, there is also a feeding house, known as the Iwatayama Peak Rest House, where food can be passed to the monkeys on the outside from the safety of the cage. If you intend on feeding the monkeys while visiting the Iwatayama Monkey Park, please only feed the monkeys in the designated feeding area, and with food purchased at the park.
Refrain from eating outside food as well. These monkeys are wild and if you are eating food outside of the feeding areas, will probably not end well for you. It’s also important that you try to not put anything important down while you are in the park, keep everything you bring into the park on your person. The monkeys have been known to take belongings off visitors when given the opportunity.
Another key thing to remember is to not touch, or not stare at the monkeys/don’t hold eye contact with them, as this can be seen as a sign of aggression, and could result in the monkeys becoming less than friendly towards you or other visitors. Ensure that you keep a safe and respectable distance.
Hours & Admission
- Hours: 9:00am-4:30pm (5:00pm in Spring and Summer)
- 600JPY
Accessing the Iwateyama Monkey Park
The Iwatayama Monkey Park is easily accessible as there is a seemingly endless amount of train lines which run to area around the park.
It is recommended that you begin your day in Arashiyama by arriving at JR Saga-Arashiyama station, about 25 minutes from Kyoto Station,costing 240JPY on the train. From there, we recommend exploring Tenryu-ji Temple, then the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and then finally heading across the Katsura River before heading to the Iwatayama Moneky Park.
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Where To Stay near Iwatayama Monkey Park
The Arashiyama area is a tourist hotspot in Kyoto, but is a little out of the way from the rest of the city. Nearby, you can find the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, among a multitude of pleasant walks along the Katsura river, and other temple hopping. If staying in the Arashiyama area, you can easily access the rest of the city, with about a 20 minute train ride from Arashiyama, to Kyoto Station.
Hotel Arashiyama
Business hotel found in a great location, with great views of the nearby area, and a delicious breakfast served at the hotel restaurant.
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Yado Arashiyama
Minimalistic hotel found only a short walk from Katsura River, located ideally for explore Arashiyama and enjoying the beautiful views of Kyoto.
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Hanaikada
Stunning Japanese Ryokan with traditional style rooms, and a relaxing indoor onsen, perfectly located with river views and close to nature.
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