Monkeys at the Station: A Morning Encounter in Goryu

This morning on our walk to Goryu Station, we were treated to an unexpected and heartwarming sight—an entire troop of monkeys crossing the rice paddies right in front of us. They were everywhere: some bounding playfully through the grass, others sitting quietly or grooming each other. One tiny monkey sprinted full tilt across the field while the older ones kept a watchful eye. The backdrop was a mix of sleepy village rooftops and a misty, forested mountain—like a scene from a Ghibli film. Watching them meander toward the hills felt like a glimpse into their secret world, right at the edge of ours.