Iwatayama Monkey Park, Arashiyama, Kyoto
The Iwatayama Monkey Park is one of the most-visited attractions in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
Home to about 120 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, the Iwatayama Monkey Park is located at the top of Mt. Iwatayama and affords spectacular views over the city.
The ability to see the famous snow monkeys in the wild is a huge draw for many visitors to Japan.
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The park is small, at around 6,000 square meters (just under 1.5 acres), and is also sometimes known as the Arashiyama Monkey Park, the Kyoto Monkey Park, or the Iwatayama Monkey Park Arashiyama.
By whatever name you choose to call it, the monkey park in Arashiyama is a must-visit for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and anyone that wants to see Japanese snow monkeys in the wild.
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And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
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What to See and Do at the Iwatayama Monkey Park
Observe the Japanese macaques
Observing the Japanese macaques is of course the top thing to do at Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will see lots of adult monkeys, but you may even see some baby monkeys!
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The snow monkeys here are wild, but used to humans, and will wander about freely quite close to visitors, which may be disconcerting at first. Park staff is, however, around, and will shoo off any monkey they deem too close.
However, it’s best to follow the rules so you can interact safely with the Japanese macaques: don’t look them in the eye (they consider it aggression), and, of course, do not touch, pet or harass them in any way. Treat them with respect and you will have an enjoyable visit to this unique park.
Staff at the park feed the Japanese macaques three times a day, which is why they are conditioned to congregate in the park. If you happen to be in the park at feeding time, you can observe them being fed.
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Feed the Japanese snow monkeys
Want to feed the snow monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park?
You have to buy snacks for the monkeys (usually little chunks of apple, bananas, or peanuts) at the park, and feed them from within an enclosure for your safety and theirs.
The feeding hut has wire mesh, and if you hold out the food close to the mesh, the monkeys will reach out their little paws and take the food.
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Take in the stunning views over Kyoto!
One of the advantages of making the trek up to the mountaintop Iwatayama Monkey Park is that you have great views from the top!
From the viewing area, you will see all of Kyoto spread out beneath you. There is also a view over the mountains and forest.
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How to Get to Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama
Once you arrive in Arashiyama, you will find the entrance to the Iwatayama Monkey Park at the bottom of Mt. Iwatayama, on the far side of Togetsukyu Bridge (see map).
The entrance is about a 15-minute walk from the Saga Arashiyama Station, and about a 7- minute walk from the Randen Arashiyama Station or the Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
You can also walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to the monkey park.
The ticket booth is at the entrance at the bottom of the mountain.
Once you get your tickets, you will hike up the mountain to the park at the top. If you are in good shape, the hike is easy to low moderate, but if you aren’t, the uphill hike can leave you huffing and puffing. Take it slow, especially on hot days, and bring drinking water.
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Entrance Fee
The Arashiyama Monkey Park has an entrance fee.
Adult admission is 600 yen (USD 4.00), and kids 4 to 15 are charged a discounted fee of 300 yen (USD 2.00) per kid. Children under 3 enter free.
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Iwatayama Monkey Park Tickets
You can buy tickets for the Iwatayama Monkey Park (along with snacks to feed the monkeys!) at the park entrance on the day of your visit.
Please bring cash, as the park does not accept credit cards.
The park also features on some guided tours of Arashiyama, such as this popular walking tour, or this afternoon bike tour, both of which begin at the Saga Arashiyama train station.
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Hours
The Iwatayama Monkey Park Arashiyama is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. You can hang out at the peak until 4.30 p.m.
Go earlier in the day if possible as the park may close early if the monkeys retreat up the mountain. The park may also be closed on bad weather days, so check before you make the trek up the mountain.
Plan to be there during feeding time if you want to see the snow monkeys being fed by the park staff.
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