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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: A Mountain of Macaques and Views

Observe wild Japanese Macaques up close with panoramic views of Kyoto at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. A unique wildlife experience!

4.5

Hike up Mount Arashi to Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic Kyoto views and the unique experience of observing and feeding a troop of over 120 wild Japanese macaque monkeys. It's a memorable and fun experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill hike to the park.
  • Bring cash, as the park doesn't accept credit cards for admission or monkey food.
  • Avoid staring directly at the monkeys, as it can be interpreted as aggression.
  • Purchase monkey food inside the feeding hut to safely feed the monkeys.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and scenic views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, walk towards the Togetsukyo Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue about 20 meters upstream along the river. Look for the entrance to Iwatayama Monkey Park near the Ichitani Munakata Shrine. The entrance fee is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children. From the entrance, it's a 20-30 minute uphill hike to the monkey park.

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The train ride takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥240. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to the Togetsukyo Bridge and the entrance to the monkey park. Alternatively, from Saga-Arashiyama Station, take bus number 11, 28, or 93 to the Arashiyama stop. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. The entrance fee to the park is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.

  • Taxi

    From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Iwatayama Monkey Park takes approximately 13 minutes and costs between ¥3,400 and ¥4,100. The taxi will drop you off near the base of Mount Iwata, close to the Togetsukyo Bridge. From there, walk about 20 meters upstream to find the park entrance. The entrance fee is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.

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Discover more about Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Located on Mount Arashi in Kyoto's scenic Arashiyama district, the park is home to a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys. Unlike a zoo, visitors here step into the monkeys' natural habitat, observing them roaming freely. The park was founded in 1957 to protect the natural habitat of the Japanese macaque. The land was donated by businessman Sonosuke Iwata. In the early 1950s, a scientist from Kyoto University began feeding the monkeys for research purposes. The monkeys grew accustomed to the free meals, and the area became an official monkey park. The experience begins with a 20-30 minute uphill hike through a forested trail. The trail can be steep in sections, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Along the way, you might spot other wildlife, like birds. At the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Kyoto. On a clear day, you can even see Kyoto Tower. One of the highlights is the opportunity to feed the monkeys. Food can be purchased inside a designated hut, and visitors can offer snacks to the monkeys through a mesh window. This provides a safe and unique opportunity to interact with the wild monkeys. Remember not to stare directly at the monkeys, as this can be seen as a sign of aggression.

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