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Monkey Park Iwatayama

Zoos & aquariums ·Parks ·Kyoto ·Open now
4.517.7K
#4Zoos & aquariums in JapanTravelers' Choice 2026
  • from JPY 400
  • Not step-free
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About

Monkey Park Iwatayama (Arashiyama Monkey Park) is a Kyoto park of wild macaques on Mount Arashiyama, across the Ōi River from the station.

More photos 7

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Monkey Park Iwatayama — Panoramic view over Kyoto from the wooded hillside Ankur Panchbudhe · CC BY 2.0 · edited
Monkey Park Iwatayama — Panoramic view over Kyoto from the wooded hillsideMonkey Park Iwatayama — Kyoto cityscape seen above the park’s wooded slopesMonkey Park Iwatayama — Wide view of Kyoto and the surrounding hills from the parkMonkey Park Iwatayama — Shaded uphill trail winding through tall treesMonkey Park Iwatayama — Forest path climbing through the park beside a wooden railingMonkey Park Iwatayama — Large tree roots and wooden steps along a wooded trailMonkey Park Iwatayama — Rocky shaded ravine crossed by a narrow forest path

Why go

  • The 120-step first stretch and the gentle uphill path, about 20 minutes to the monkeys

Opening hours

Today09:00 – 16:00Show all
Monday09:00 – 16:00
Tuesday09:00 – 16:00
Wednesday09:00 – 16:00
Thursday09:00 – 16:00
Friday09:00 – 16:00
Saturday09:00 – 16:00
Sunday09:00 – 16:00

With kids

  • The paths up the mountain are maintained and well kept, so small children can also walk up.
  • The first part of the climb is a flight of 120 steps; after that the path is a gentle uphill slope.
  • The sports ground has a very long slide for children and adults, plus horizontal bars, a seesaw and swings.
  • Food cannot be handed directly to the monkeys, as they sometimes grab fingers.

Know before you go

  • Open every day, 09:00 to 16:00.
  • Closed on 1 January each year.
  • Entry must be made within 15 minutes of the entry ticket being issued.
  • The park may close early if the monkeys return to the mountain.
  • The park closes in severe weather such as heavy rain, heavy snow or typhoons.
  • Pets are not allowed in, even inside carry cases or backpacks.
  • Drones cannot be used inside the park.
  • The whole park is non-smoking, with no smoking area.
  • Outside food cannot be given to the monkeys; feed is sold on site only and bringing your own food up is not allowed.
  • Monkeys can be fed only from inside the summit rest house, not outside it.
  • Visitors must not touch the monkeys or look them directly in the eyes.
  • Children must always be supervised.

Tips for your visit

  • Allow about 20 minutes of uphill walking; the first part is a flight of 120 steps.
  • Do not bring your own food up the mountain. Buy peanuts or apple slices in the shack at the top.
  • Feed the monkeys only from inside the summit rest house. Food cannot be handed to them directly.

Best time to visit

  • Clear days give the best view: the city tower can be seen from the rest house at 160 m.
  • The forest around the park is known for spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
  • Seasonal scenery can be enjoyed along the uphill path.
  • It is a monkey mountain that can be enjoyed all year round.

Facilities

  • Dedicated car park No dedicated car park. Paid parking lots are nearby.
  • Snacks and monkey feed for sale Peanuts and apple slices are sold in the shack at the top. Feed is sold at the summit rest house.
  • Rest house at the summit A rest house at 160 m altitude with a view over the city.
  • Pond at the top A pond lies next to the shack at the top.

Shorts

History

In 1954 student researcher Naonosuke Hazama planned to study and habituate the monkeys for tourism and science. He and his team began naming individual monkeys, and that naming system became the base for early research on primate social life. The land was donated by businessman Sonosuke Iwata. Regular feeding made the monkeys used to people, and their numbers grew. The park is largely family run, with duties passed from fathers to sons on retirement. Asaba Shinsuke took over running it from his father, Asaba Nobuo.

  1. 1948Research at the park begins.
  2. 1954Naonosuke Hazama starts naming individual monkeys, and an observation station for studying macaques opens.
  3. 1957The park officially opens to the public in March.

How to get there

  • 7 minOn footFrom Hankyu Arashiyama Station (阪急電車 嵐山駅), about a 7-minute walk. The park is across the Ōi River from the station.
  • 10 minOn footFrom Randen Arashiyama Station (京福電鉄 嵐電 嵐山駅), about a 10-minute walk.
  • 15 minOn footFrom JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR 嵯峨嵐山駅), about a 15-minute walk.
  • 5 minBusCity and Kyoto buses stop at Arashiyama Park (嵐山公園), about a 5-minute walk away.
  • 20 minOn footFrom the entrance uphill to the monkeys: about 1.45 km, gaining 160 m. A flight of 120 steps comes first, then a gentle slope.

Sources: Iwatayama Monkey Park - Wikipedia · Kyoto/Arashiyama - Wikivoyage (see) · 嵐山モンキーパーク · 嵐山モンキーパークってどんなとこ？ · Iwatayama Monkey Park - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026

Where
616-0022 8, Kyoto

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

How long does a visit to Monkey Park Iwatayama take?

The uphill walk from the entrance to the monkeys takes about 20 minutes, covering about 1.45 km and a 160 m climb. The park is open every day from 09:00 to 16:00.

How do I get to Monkey Park Iwatayama from Arashiyama Station?

It is about a 7-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, across the Ōi River. From Randen Arashiyama Station the walk is about 10 minutes, and from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station about 15 minutes.

Can children visit Monkey Park Iwatayama?

Yes. The paths up the mountain are well kept, so small children can walk up, and the playground has a long slide. Children must always be supervised, as the macaques roam freely.

Is there parking at Monkey Park Iwatayama?

There is no dedicated car park, so visitors use nearby paid parking lots. City and Kyoto buses stop at Arashiyama Park, about a 5-minute walk away.

Is Monkey Park Iwatayama step-free?

Only partly. The first part of the climb is a flight of 120 steps, and after that the path is a gentle uphill slope.

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