Nagano - Yudanaka

After missing out on the snow monkeys last time I was here, I really wanted to see them this time around.
We boarded a 3.5 hour bus trip out to Nanagano and then another hour on the train which got us to a small town called Yudanaka. It was cold and snowing when we got there, but we stayed in a traditional Japanese Ryokan (guesthouse). It was warm and cosy and we had hot tea waiting for us on arrival. That afternoon we visited the private Onsen in the hotel. It was an indoor onsen and very small, just big enough for Alex and I to fit into.

The following day, we woke up early and the owner of the ryokan took us out to the monkey park. The snow monkeys were so cute and the winter landscape of Nagano was beautiful.

On the way home, we walked through Shibu Onsen town. People who live or stay in Shibu have access to the 9 special onsen, which are said to have special healing properties depending on which onsen you choose.Read more