Aug. 12, 2020 UPDATE
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- 嵐山モンキーパーク いわたやま -Traveler Friendly
There are warning and information signs written in English throughout the park
Information
Japanese and English
Languages spoken
Japanese and basic English
Story & Recommendation
Get up close and personal with cute monkeys and enjoy a beautiful mountain top view
The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is a mountain top lookout that’s home to around 130 Japanese macaque monkeys.
From the entrance near the Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, one of the area’s most popular spots, to the lookout, you’re looking at about a 20-minute walk. At the top, in addition to the super cute monkeys, you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of Kyoto’s sprawling cityscape.
While you can’t pet any of the monkeys, as despite their friendliness, they are still in fact wild, you can try feeding them inside the rest hut at the top of the mountain.
You’ll see both adult and baby monkeys, which are just downright adorable. However, no matter what you do, don’t forget to follow the rules and keep a safe distance from them.
From the entrance near the Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, one of the area’s most popular spots, to the lookout, you’re looking at about a 20-minute walk. At the top, in addition to the super cute monkeys, you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of Kyoto’s sprawling cityscape.
While you can’t pet any of the monkeys, as despite their friendliness, they are still in fact wild, you can try feeding them inside the rest hut at the top of the mountain.
You’ll see both adult and baby monkeys, which are just downright adorable. However, no matter what you do, don’t forget to follow the rules and keep a safe distance from them.
1Highlight
All the Cute Monkeys!
In the park, there are around 130 wild Japanese macaque monkeys, each with their own names and distinct features. Seeing all the monkeys frolicking and running about is nothing short of a spectacle.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch one of the three daily *feeding times and see all the monkeys descend upon the lookout all at once.
*Feeding times are at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
However, depending on different factors, such as how hungry the monkeys are, feeding times are subject to change.
2Highlight
The Breathtaking View
Taking about a 20-minute hike from the entrance to reach, the lookout sits 160 m above sea level and provides a complete panoramic view of the Kyoto cityscape.
Join your new monkey friends in gazing out upon the wonderful scenery.
3Good Experiences
Feed the Monkeys from Inside the Rest Hut
Inside the rest hut on top of the lookout, you buy bags of monkey food (100 yen per bag) and feed the monkeys outside the hut.
Hold the food in the palm of your hand or place it on the windowsill. When you do so, the monkeys will reach out and grab the food!
While they’re pretty cute normally, the monkeys look even more adorable when they’re nibbling away at their hard earned treats.
4Good Experiences
Take the Monkey Quiz
On the path to the lookout, you’ll find a nifty wee Monkey Quiz.
If you need to take a break while walking up, then why not stop and have a crack at the Monkey Quiz?
- Manner & Tips -
The walk to the lookout takes about 20 minutes, so attire suited for walking up a mountain is recommended.
The monkeys frequently try to grab plastic bags and bags with interesting looking designs.
When entering the park, please put any items that the monkeys may take an interest in in a plain bag, or ask the park staff to keep them for you at the office at the entrance.
- Don’t make eye contact with the monkeys
- Don’t touch the monkeys
- Don’t feed the monkeys outside the hut
When you visit, make sure to read the warning signs throughout the park.
