Japanese monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, are a unique species that live exclusively on the Japanese archipelago, excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa prefectures. Among all the popular destinations across the country where tourists can observe wild Japanese monkeys, Arashiyama Monkey Park, peaked on Iwatayama Mountain in Kyoto is especially recommended for its breathtaking location, easy accessibility, and the unique opportunity to interact with the monkeys in their natural habitat. Set on a scenic hillside, the park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto, making it a perfect spot to combine wildlife observation with a bit of light hiking and photography.

Spend a Day with Wild Japanese Monkeys in Arashiyama, Kyoto

Arashiyama Monkey Park is nestled on Iwatayama Mountain in the scenic Arashiyama area, where a pack of approximately 120 wild Japanese monkeys roam freely. These monkeys are covered in soft grayish-brown fur and have distinctive red faces and buttocks, partially covered by tiny stubs of tails. Small and endearing, the largest monkeys weigh between 16 and 18 kilograms (approximately 35 to 40 pounds). As they leap from tree to tree, their calls echo through the forest, perfectly matching the Japanese onomatopoeia for monkey noises: ki-ki-ki.

Here, you’ll witness all kinds of monkey business. Some monkeys playfully chase each other, while others groom their companions or engage in quarrels between mid-ranking members of the group. Visiting the park quickly reveals the existence of a clear monkey hierarchy, which dictates how they interact with one another.

Feed and Observe Monkeys Up Close at Arashiyama Monkey Park

The entrance to Arashiyama Monkey Park is about a ten-minute walk from nearby Arashiyama Stations or Saga-Arashiyama Station. From the park entrance, it’s a gentle twenty-minute hike to the top of the mountain, passing over 100 steps and a well-paved slope. The path is designed to be accessible, with plenty of benches along the way for resting, making it suitable for visitors of all ages—including children and the elderly. Along the hike, you can enjoy the serene experience of forest bathing in the lush greenery of Arashiyama.

As you near the peak, you’ll start to see monkeys lounging on the ground or perching in the trees. At the mountain’s summit, there is a small hut where guests can feed the monkeys and observe them up close, offering a more intimate experience than elsewhere in the park. For ¥100 per bag, you can purchase monkey snacks such as peanuts, apple slices, or bananas. While the monkeys gather most of their food from the natural environment, this treat is undoubtedly a delightful experience for both visitors and the monkeys!

💡Pro tip: Visitors are advised to avoid putting their faces too close to the screen separating you from the monkeys. Additionally, place the food on the ledge rather than handing it directly to the animals for a safer and more enjoyable experience. Bringing outside food for the monkeys is strictly prohibited.

It’s incredible how close you can get to the monkeys in the park. They are accustomed to humans and will often walk right across the path in front of you. This creates an intimate experience unlike anything you’d get at a zoo. Despite their familiarity with humans, these monkeys remain completely wild animals, making the interaction all the more unique.

Breathtaking Kyoto Views and Family Activities at the Summit

Just a little further ahead, you’ll arrive at an open area offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. At approximately 160 meters high, the mountain provides a vantage point to take in nearly all of the city. It’s the perfect spot to snap a photo with the cityscape as your backdrop—and if you’re lucky, a monkey might photobomb your shot!

At the summit, you’ll also find a small playground featuring a long slide, a seesaw, and other playground equipment. It’s an ideal place for families with young children to relax and enjoy a break after the hike.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Hours, Fees & Other Travel Tips

Arashiyama Monkey Park is open year-round from 9 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry allowed at 4 pm. It is recommended to visit earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time to hike up and down the mountain. Occasionally, the park may close early if the monkeys retreat back into the forest.

The park may also close during inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow. Be sure to check the park’s Instagram for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and closures. Entrance fees are ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children. Only cash payments are accepted.

*From 1st January, 2025, entrance fees will be updated as follows:
Adults: ¥800
Children: ¥400

There are important guidelines to follow when visiting the park. Below are some key rules, but you can also refer to the official website or the clearly marked, tourist-friendly signs in English on the premises for more information:

- Do not stare directly into the monkeys’ eyes or touch them.
- Feeding is only permitted inside the hut at the top of the mountain.
- Only feed the monkeys with the food sold at the hut.
- Stay approximately two meters away from the monkeys at all times, except when feeding them.

It’s truly incredible that a place like this exists where you can interact so closely with wild Japanese monkeys. Be sure to respect the rules, and enjoy an unforgettable experience at this unique monkey park in Kyoto!

How to Get to Arashiyama Monkey Park from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto

Arashiyama Monkey Park is located just 20 minutes by train from central Kyoto, making it an easy and memorable escape from the city. From HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto, the park is readily accessible via the following public transport options.

[By Train (JR Line)] walk approximately 20 minutes to Kyoto Station, then take the JR San’in Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the entrance of the park.

[By Train (Hankyu Line)] walk approximately 15 minutes to Karasumaru Station, then take the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station. From Arashiyama Station, it’s about a 7-minute walk to the entrance of the park

Arashiyama Monkey Park

Address: 61 Nakao Shita-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Closed: 1st January, bad weather days, and other irregular holidays.

Access:
● 7-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
● 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line (Randen)
● 15-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
Website: http://www.monkeypark.jp/eng-index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arashiyama_monkeypark/

Writer

Maisie McPherson
Originally from the United States, Maisie has called the Kansai region of Japan home for nearly two decades. She enjoys seeking out the charms of life in Japan and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves marveling at retro architecture and design from the Showa period, exploring Japanese gardens, and is always up for a night out in a lively izakaya.