Arashiyama Travel and Bento Lunch

This is a continuation of my series of travel photos from my trip to Japan and bentos inspired by my experiences. When planning our Kyoto portion of our trip, I knew that I wanted to visit the Monkey Park in Arashiyama.

This lunch was simple but delicious and the nuts and seeds made it satisfying.

Container: Wooden box purchased in Kyoto at Bento&co.

Contents: Monkey shaped cheese quesadilla, lettuce, spinach, carrots, snow peas, chickpeas, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, monkey picks

Arashiyama Beautiful in Any Season

Japanese Pine

Across the River Heading Towards the Monkey Park

We walked from the train station in Arashiyama to the Monkey Park. There was a small tourist information office near the station. The woman there gave us a map. It was somewhat helpful but did not have street names on it. Anyway, it was a pleasant walk in Arashiyama and across the bridge to the little mountain that contains the monkey park.

Monkey Park Sign

Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park Information Sign

Monkey Park Steps

The entrance person said it was about a 20 minute walk. Of course it depends on your physical condition and if you want a leisurely stroll through nature or if it is a race. The path is somewhat steep in some places.

Path up the Mountain to Monkey Park

Monkey Trivia Sign

There were several monkey trivial signs along the path up the mountain. You can lift up the hinged wood to see the answer. There was even at least one in English.

Along the route up the mountain there were many warning signs not to show food to the monkeys, don’t look the monkey in the eye, don’t get too close to the monkeys. The first time we saw monkeys in our path I was afraid to pass them. But eventually we did and they did not care. But we knew in advance not to have food with us.

Monkey in Path

Monkey with Hand Out for Food

At the top of the mountain there was a place for visitors to rest. They had food to buy to feed the monkeys. It was 100 Yen and there were bags of sweet potato, apple, and peanuts. Humans are in a cage with the monkeys outside while we gave them food. We did not buy the peanuts but I could have stayed there much longer buying bags of food and feeding them to the monkeys. They were very cute and it was so much fun!

Monkey Looking at Food We Gave It

I am surprised that we ended up with a few photos of monkeys looking at the food. It seemed like they ate it very fast. We took a LOT of monkey photos.