Kyoto is famous for its temples, shrines, and historic streets, but if you’re looking for a different kind of experience, Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama is a great option. This small mountaintop park is home to around 120 wild Japanese macaques, and unlike a zoo, you’ll be stepping into their natural habitat. Compared to other snow monkey locales in Japan, it’s much easier to access, more natural, and a fun way to see the monkeys up close.
The park isn’t just about the monkeys—it also offers one of the best panoramic views of Kyoto, making it well worth the short but uphill hike to the top. If you’re visiting Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, or Tenryu-ji Temple, adding a stop at Monkey Park Iwatayama is an easy and fun way to round out your trip to this scenic part of Kyoto.
Where is Iwatayama Monkey Park?
Iwatayama Monkey Park is located in Arashiyama, an area in western Kyoto known for its scenic beauty. It sits on Mt. Iwata, right across the Katsura River from the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks.
Getting to the park is straightforward, and since it’s in the heart of Arashiyama’s sightseeing area, you can easily visit before or after seeing other popular spots.
Nearest Stations:
Hankyu Arashiyama Station (5-minute walk to the entrance)
JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (15-minute walk)
Keifuku Arashiyama Station (10-minute walk)
The entrance to the monkey park is near Togetsukyo Bridge, on the south side of the river. From there, you’ll start the short hike up to the main viewing area.
The Hike to the Top
Getting to the monkey park requires a 20-minute uphill walk through a forested trail. It’s not overly difficult, but there are some steep sections, so wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea. The path is well-maintained, and there are a few benches along the way where you can take a break if needed.
Along the way, you might spot wildlife, like birds, and even the occasional monkey in the trees. Keep in mind that the monkeys don’t usually appear until you reach the top, so don’t worry if you don’t see them right away.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll find a large open area with a feeding hut, benches, and a fantastic view of Kyoto.
What to Expect at the Monkey Park
The Monkeys
The park is home to about 120 Japanese macaques, also called snow monkeys. Unlike zoo animals, these monkeys are wild and roam freely around the area. They’re used to people, but they’re not domesticated, so there are a few important rules to follow (more on that later).
The monkeys tend to gather near the feeding hut, where visitors can purchase snacks to give them. You’ll also see some monkeys relaxing in trees, grooming each other, or playing. They’re fun to watch, and since they’re not in cages, you get a much more natural experience compared to a zoo: better for the monkeys and you.
The Kyoto Viewpoint
One of the biggest highlights of the park – aside from the monkeys, of course – is the panoramic view of Kyoto from the top of the mountain. On clear days, you can see Kyoto Tower, Kiyomizu-dera, and the distant mountains surrounding the city.
Iwatayama Monkey Park is a great place for photos, especially during the autumn foliage season or in winter when the air is crisp and clear.
Rules and Etiquette at the Park
Since the monkeys are wild, there are a few important rules to keep in mind for safety:
Don’t touch the monkeys – They may look cute, but they’re still wild animals.
Don’t stare directly into their eyes – In monkey behavior, this is a sign of aggression.
Don’t bring outside food – Only buy and feed the monkeys designated snacks from the park’s hut.
Follow staff instructions – Park staff are there to ensure both visitors and monkeys stay safe.
Most of these rules are simple common sense, but following them helps keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Feeding the Monkeys
One of the highlights of visiting the park is feeding the monkeys from inside the designated hut. Unlike in many places where humans are outside enclosures and animals are inside, here you step into a hut, and the monkeys come to you, where you can pass them food through the mesh windows, but only food purchased from the park, meant for the monkeys (about 100 yen).
This experience is particularly popular with kids, but adults enjoy it too. It’s a rare chance to be up close with wild monkeys in a responsible way.
Best Time to Visit
Iwatayama Monkey Park is open year-round, but certain times of the day and year offer better experiences:
Morning or late afternoon: Cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms make the hike especially scenic.
Autumn (October–November): Vibrant red and orange leaves create a stunning backdrop.
Winter (December–February): The monkeys have thick winter fur, and the air is clear for city views.
Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid, making the hike a bit more challenging. If you visit in summer, it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the heat.
How to Get to Iwatayama Monkey Park
The park is easily accessible from central Kyoto.
From Kyoto Station:
JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 minutes) → Walk 15 minutes.
Hankyu Kyoto Line to Katsura Station, then transfer to Hankyu Arashiyama Station → Walk 5 minutes.
Once you arrive in Arashiyama, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and you’ll see signs pointing to the monkey park entrance.
Nearby Attractions in Arashiyama
Since a visit to Iwatayama Monkey Park only takes about 1-1.5 hours, you’ll likely want to pair it with other attractions in the area, like these:
Bamboo Grove: One of Kyoto’s most famous sights, just a 10-minute walk away.
Tenryu-ji Temple: A UNESCO-listed Zen temple with a stunning garden.
Togetsukyo Bridge: A picturesque wooden bridge with great views of the river and mountains.
Sagano Romantic Train: A scenic train ride through the mountains and the Hozu Gorge, especially beautiful in autumn.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride: A traditional boat tour through the scenic Hozu Gorge.
With so much to do nearby, spending a full day in Arashiyama is highly recommended.
If you’re already visiting Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, or Togetsukyo Bridge, adding a stop at Iwatayama Monkey Park is an easy way to make your trip even more memorable. It’s a fun and unique destination in Kyoto, with its up-close encounters with wild Japanese macaques and one of the best views of the city. While the short hike may take a bit of effort, the experience of seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat makes it well worth it.
If you’re looking for something different in Kyoto, come take a walk on the wild side and meet the monkeys of Iwatayama.
