Iwatayama Monkey ParkIwatayama Monkey Park is a commercial park set on the slopes of Mount Arashiyama, across the Ōi River from the local train station area. It is home to a troop of over 120 Japanese macaques that live free in the area.
The monkeys are wild, but they commonly stay around the park because staff and visitors can feed them with food that is only sold on site. Food is also handed out by staff every two hours from 9:30 to 17:30, which shapes when the troop tends to gather.
Reaching the park involves an uphill walk to the top area, where there is an open viewing space and facilities for observing the monkeys. The character is more like a managed wildlife area than a traditional zoo, with animals moving around visitors rather than being kept in cages.
What to See at Iwatayama Monkey Park#
- The main monkey gathering area at the top, where the troop often congregates.
- Japanese macaques up close, including adults and juveniles, moving freely around the park.
- The feeding set up using corn and wheat that is purchased on site.
- Views over Arashiyama from the summit area on Mount Arashiyama.
- The approach trail up the hillside, which is part of the experience of visiting.
Nearby Attractions to Iwatayama Monkey Park#
Best Time to Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park#
Visit during daylight hours, and aim to arrive shortly before one of the two hourly feeding times between 9:30 and 17:30 if you want the best chance of seeing the troop gathered in one place; clear days also improve the views over Arashiyama.
Weather & Climate near Iwatayama Monkey Park#
Iwatayama Monkey Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1559 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 8° | 2° | 64 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.9h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 8° | 2° | 74 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.8h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 12° | 5° | 110 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 142 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 150 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.9h |
| June | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 226 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.4h |
| July | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 213 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Good | 23° - 32° | 30° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 193 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 12° - 21° | 17° | 116 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 76 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.2h |
| December | Acceptable | 2° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Iwatayama Monkey Park#
The park is in Arashiyama, on Mount Arashiyama, on the opposite side of the Ōi River from the train station area. Start from the Arashiyama riverside and follow signs towards the monkey park trailhead, then walk uphill to the entrance and summit area.
Allow extra time for the climb up and down, especially if you are also planning to explore Arashiyama on the same day.
Tips for Visiting Iwatayama Monkey Park#
- Bring cash for the on site monkey food if you plan to feed them, outside food is not used for feeding.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the visit includes an uphill hike to the top of Mount Arashiyama.
- Keep a respectful distance and let monkeys move around you, they are wild animals.
- If you want to see more monkeys together, time your visit around the two hourly feeding cycle between 9:30 and 17:30.