How Long Does It Take to Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park?

60–90 minutes at the park itself (hike up + summit + hike down). 2–3 hours if you are not a fast hiker or want to rest. Half a day (3–4 hours) if combining with the free Bamboo Grove nearby.

Hike up20–30 min

Time at summit30–45 min

Hike down20–30 min

Total at park60–90 min (fast pace)

With breaks & photos2–3 h

With Bamboo Grove3–4 h total

The breakdown

Hike up: 20–30 minutes (depending on fitness and pace).

At the summit: 30–45 minutes. Rest, enjoy the view, feed monkeys in the hut (5–10 min), watch monkeys, take photos.

Hike down: 20–30 minutes (usually faster than up).

Total: 60–90 minutes if you move steadily. Add 30–60 minutes if you rest, take many photos, or chat with other visitors.

Half day: park + Bamboo Grove

If you combine the monkey park with the free Bamboo Grove (15–20 min walk away), budget 3–4 hours: park (90 min) + walk to grove (20 min) + grove (45 min) = roughly 3.5 hours.

With a guided tour?

A guided Arashiyama tour takes 4–5.5 hours and covers the park, Bamboo Grove, temples, and back streets. The guide’s pace is slower (explanation, photo stops, cultural commentary), but you see more and do not navigate.

Check availability & book

Frequently asked questions

How long do I spend at the monkey park?

60–90 min if moving steadily (20 min up, 30–45 min at summit, 20 min down). 2–3 h if you rest, take photos, or are slower.

Is 1 hour enough?

No. The hike is 20–30 min each way alone. Budget at least 60–90 minutes.

How much time with the Bamboo Grove too?

3–4 hours total for both. The grove is 15–20 min walk away and free.