Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto - Arashiyama Monkey
1 / 10

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama Kyoto

4.5
·13k reviews·京都市, Japan

Hike up Mt. Arashiyama for close encounters with wild macaques and breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto - Arashiyama Monkey

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama Kyoto

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike up Mt. Arashiyama for close encounters with wild macaques and breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.

4.5
(13k reviews)

"The hike is well worth it for the monkeys and the absolutely gorgeous views of Kyoto."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is 20-30 mins and can be steep. Good footwear is essential!

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated during your uphill trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wild Macaque Monkeys

Wild Macaque Monkeys

Atop Mount Arashiyama

Observe over 120 Japanese macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. It's a unique chance to see them up close!

Panoramic Kyoto Views

Panoramic Kyoto Views

Summit of Mount Arashiyama

Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains. A fantastic photo opportunity!

Feeding the Monkeys

Feeding the Monkeys

Designated enclosure at the top

For a small fee (100 yen), you can purchase food and feed the monkeys from within a safe, enclosed area.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

The Climb is Part of the Adventure

Be prepared for a 20-30 minute uphill hike to reach the monkeys and stunning city views. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the trail can be steep. It's a decent workout, but the payoff is well worth the effort.InstagramReddit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially if you want to enjoy the monkeys and views without too many people. Feeding times can also be a good draw for monkey activity.Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Near feeding times
Why
More monkey activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the Arashiyama Monkey Park in Kyoto #Japan! tag a friend who likes #monke 🦧! #japanese #japanpov #fyp #japantravel #travel #dailyvlog
@shotaspov
142.4K likes • 657.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is 20-30 mins and can be steep. Good footwear is essential! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated during your uphill trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Reddit

Kyoto for first-timers bucket list. Put these on your Japan itinerary ✌️ [klook partner] #traveljapan #japan #traveltips #travelguide #kyoto #travelling
@hangrybynature
66K likes • 1.3M views
Iwatayama Monkey Park - Kyoto, Japan🇯🇵 #japan #kyoto #visitjapanjp #visitjapan #visitkyoto #kyotojapan #kyototravel #traveljapan #japanlife #beautifuldestinations #japaninstagram #arashiyamamonkeypark #arashiyama
billybiehl
295 likes • 10.2K views

💰 Cash for Entry & Food

Entry fee and monkey food are typically cash-only. Bring enough yen! Instagram+1

🚫 No Direct Eye Contact

Avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys as it can be seen as a challenge. Instagram+1

Beyond Tokyo Series - Episode 7: The best time at 📍Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto, Japan Helpful tips: 🐵 hike is 20-40 mins each direction 🐵 don’t look monkey in the eyes 🐵 bring cash 💴 #japantravels #japantravelguide #kyototrip #kyoto #japan
limitless.moments
26 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is 20-30 mins and can be steep. Good footwear is essential! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated during your uphill trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Reddit

💰 Cash for Entry & Food

Entry fee and monkey food are typically cash-only. Bring enough yen! Instagram+1

🚫 No Direct Eye Contact

Avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys as it can be seen as a challenge. Instagram+1

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture amazing shots of monkeys and city views, especially from the feeding enclosure. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Arashiyama Monkey Park for its incredible panoramic views of Kyoto and the unique experience of seeing wild Japanese macaques up close. The hike, while a decent workout, is considered well worth the effort, and the opportunity to feed the monkeys adds to the fun. It's a highly recommended stop for those exploring the Arashiyama area.

"2025 August 4.5★
If your reading this, you must love nature and animals. Otherwise, this isn't really for you... I mean, Who doesn't like wild monkeys running around at your feet?
Adults 800¥ kids 400¥
You walk up the stairs, it's not that far, but then afterwards, it's very very high up. Expect a climb to last at least 30 minutes. Which honestly I didn't expect. Fortunately, there are rest stops with benches. If you didn't bring water, make sure to grab a bottle upon entry. There's a vending machine near the front.
There's also one at the very top, but the bottle sizes are slightly smaller (meaning more expensive).
Once you reach the top. It's a nice view. The monkeys running around is nice. You can feed them with food purchased at the stall at the top. It's about 100¥
You can't pet or play with them, but if you enjoy nature, hikes and want to see the monkeys up close, this is for you. Don't expect any other entertainment or amusement. Though there's a small playground near the top.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours here.
Tickets purchased at the front. Cash only."

K W

"The Monkey Park is a fun and unique experience if you don’t mind the hike. The walk up is fairly steep and can be tiring, but once you reach the top you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Kyoto and the chance to see monkeys roaming freely. You can even feed them safely from inside a building, which makes for a memorable experience. It’s not a long activity, but it’s a nice combination of light exercise, great scenery, and a close look at the monkeys. I’d recommend bringing water and good walking shoes, and planning your visit on a clear day for the best views. Also make sure you come right as it opens"

Elizabeth Jensen

"It was a fun experience and a great place to visit so as there aren’t so many people. The monkeys are fun to watch and listen to them play around. Funny characters for sure! The hike up can be hard for some people but nice that they have benches to rest and take it easy. You’re also able to feed them while you’re in a cage (not really it’s just a building where they’re outside free and roaming around but come to the window area so you can feed them). Cute!"

Alfredo Garcia

What People Like

Stunning city views
Close-up monkey encounters
Rewarding uphill hike

What People Dislike

Challenging hike for some
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Take a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it's a short walk to the park entrance, followed by the uphill hike.InstagramReddit

Yes, the entrance to the monkey park is about a 20-minute walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, making it easy to combine both attractions.InstagramReddit

You can reach the park entrance by train to Saga-Arashiyama Station, followed by a walk. Some visitors also mention it's a short walk from the bamboo forest area.TikTokInstagram

Yes, public transport like trains is very convenient for reaching the Arashiyama area, with stations close to the park and other attractions.InstagramReddit

While trains are the most common recommendation, local buses also serve the Arashiyama area, though train travel is often more direct from Kyoto Station.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically around 600 yen per person. It's recommended to bring cash as it might be the only accepted payment method.Instagram+2

No reservations are usually needed for the Arashiyama Monkey Park. You can purchase tickets at the entrance.Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open from mid-morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, feeding the monkeys is optional and costs an additional small fee, usually around 100 yen for a bag of food.Instagram+1

Information on discounts is not widely available, but the entrance fee is generally considered affordable for the experience.

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

The hike is about 20-30 minutes uphill, with many steps. It's a decent workout but offers shaded paths and benches for rest. The views at the top are rewarding.InstagramReddit+1

You can feed the monkeys from within a designated enclosure, but direct interaction like petting is not allowed as they are wild animals. Avoid direct eye contact.InstagramReddit+1

The park is home to Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. They are accustomed to visitors and roam freely.Instagram+1

Absolutely! The park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto and excellent opportunities to photograph the monkeys, especially when feeding them.InstagramReddit

The hike can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. While kids often enjoy seeing the monkeys, consider their stamina for the climb.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing both the monkeys and the city views. Sunset can also be spectacular.Instagram

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze monkey movements and a wider aperture for a blurred background. Consider a telephoto lens if you want to capture details from a distance.

Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and the monkeys' space. Avoid using flash directly at the animals.

The summit of the mountain, where the monkey park is located, provides the most expansive and breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto city.

Position yourself within the designated feeding enclosure and wait for the monkeys to approach. A slightly longer lens can help capture their expressions as they take food.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Arashiyama Monkey Park can be a hit with families, offering a chance to see monkeys up close and enjoy great views. However, the 20-30 minute uphill hike might be challenging for very young children or those with limited stamina.Reddit Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water. If the hike seems too daunting, the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge offer more accessible attractions for younger visitors.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

Solo travelers will find the hike to the monkey park a rewarding experience, offering great views and a chance for peaceful observation. The well-marked trails and benches make it comfortable, and the opportunity to feed the monkeys adds an interactive element.Instagram+1 It's a perfect activity for those who enjoy a bit of nature and a good vantage point without extreme difficulty.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Arashiyama Monkey Park is a dream. The panoramic views of Kyoto from the summit are spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset.Instagram Capturing the wild macaques in their natural habitat, particularly during feeding times, offers unique and dynamic photo opportunities. Remember to use a telephoto lens for close-ups and a wide-angle lens for the expansive cityscapes.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hike and the Reward

The journey to the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is an integral part of the experience. It involves a 20-30 minute uphill hike from the park entrance, covering an elevation of about 160 meters.InstagramReddit+1 While it can be a decent workout, the trail is well-maintained, often shaded, and features benches along the way for those who need to rest.InstagramReddit Many visitors find the climb manageable, especially if they take their time and enjoy the scenery. The effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto city, which many consider as impressive as the monkeys themselves.Reddit

Encountering the Macaques

At the summit, you'll find over 120 Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) roaming freely. These wild animals are accustomed to human presence, making for a unique viewing experience.Instagram+1 Visitors can purchase special food (peanuts or apples) for 100 yen to feed the monkeys from within a secure enclosure.Instagram+1 It's crucial to follow park guidelines: avoid direct eye contact, do not touch the monkeys, and never take the feeding food outside the designated area.Instagram+1 This ensures both visitor safety and the well-being of the monkeys.

Arashiyama Beyond the Monkeys

While the monkey park is a highlight, the broader Arashiyama district offers much more. Visitors often combine their trip with a stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.TikTok+1 Other popular attractions include the Sagano Romantic Train and the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, offering scenic journeys through the mountains.TikTok+1 Don't miss the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the serene Tenryuuji Temple.Reddit Exploring these sites can easily fill a day, making Arashiyama a comprehensive destination for nature, culture, and adventure.

You may also like

1 of 2