Just on the edge of town in Kyoto is Arashiyama. The touristy prefecture is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and brilliant orange maples in the fall. The timing wasn’t right for either but no matter.

We were there for the monkeys.

The day started with breakfast at the wonderful Coffee Lounge. It was straight out of 1965 but the food was fantastic and cheap. I still don’t understand why, but nearly every breakfast in Japan comes served with a salad.

After a meeting with Nintendo and a late sushi lunch we hopped on the subway for Arashiyama, hoping to make it before sunset.

After we arrived, we crossed the Togetsu Bridge and made our way up the mountain to see the monkeys first hand. The trail was steep and there were friendly signs telling you about the monkeys. Being a life-long monkey fanatic I couldn’t wait to get to the top and into Monkey Park Iwatayama.

I wasn’t disappointed, as the photos will attest!

The top of the mountain was covered with monkeys. Some big and definitely alpha male, some small and timid and a few too-cute-for-words babies. Isn’t this the saddest face you’ve ever seen?