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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama Kyoto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike up Mt. Arashiyama for close encounters with wild macaques and breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.
"The hike is well worth it for the monkeys and the absolutely gorgeous views of Kyoto."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Summit of Mount Arashiyama
Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains. A fantastic photo opportunity!
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb is Part of the Adventure
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
💰 Cash for Entry & Food
Entry fee and monkey food are typically cash-only. Bring enough yen!
🚫 No Direct Eye Contact
Avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys as it can be seen as a challenge.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
💰 Cash for Entry & Food
Entry fee and monkey food are typically cash-only. Bring enough yen!
🚫 No Direct Eye Contact
Avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys as it can be seen as a challenge.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture amazing shots of monkeys and city views, especially from the feeding enclosure.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, public transport like trains is very convenient for reaching the Arashiyama area, with stations close to the park and other attractions.
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.
No reservations are usually needed for the Arashiyama Monkey Park. You can purchase tickets at the entrance.
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.
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.
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.
The park is home to Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. They are accustomed to visitors and roam freely.
Absolutely! The park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto and excellent opportunities to photograph the monkeys, especially when feeding them.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit