Dear readers,

I have obtained my own domain and will move from here to there. If you enjoy reading or have enjoyed reading this blog, do drop by the new one, please. Thank you.

Linda L.

Tues Jan 2 2007 (Day 12) - Snow Monkeys

In the morning, after shipping some of our loot & load home at the post office, rushed to the Nagano train station to catch the train to Yudanaka.

Choosing a drink while waiting for the train to Yudanaka at Nagano station
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On the train


Arrived at Yudanaka station. Wanted to get on the bus but ended up enquiring at the taxi counter by mistake. However, it turned out better because the taxi was able to drop us closer to the Korakukan and Jigokudani 'Snow Monkeys' park..which means less walking. The start of our walk.
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reminds me of the Salem High Country ad from years ago
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After aprrox. 1.5kms, 45 mins of walking along the peaceful forest trail with our backpacks, arrived at our accommodation for the night - Korakukan
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view from the entrance
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The stairway leads to the snow monkey park, which is right opposite the Korakukan.
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A welcome dumpling, a teaset and the windows in our room.
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view from our room
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Ordered soba for lunch. Tasted different (not as good) from the soba we had in Tokyo.
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After lunch, we headed off to the Snow Monkey Park
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up the stairway
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view of the Korakukan from the Snow Monkey Park
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This is the livecam we viewed before the trip. IMG_2263

The furry Japanese Macaques relaxing in their 'onsen'. I think this is one of the few, if not only, places where people can watch monkeys soak in onsen, just like humans. Just like a scene from National Geographic. For a moment, i can't believe we are really here, after seeing so many images of this place while doing pre-trip 'homework'
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The keeper on the right
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The Monkey-only onsen (hot spring) below:

Bathing monkeys





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The guy in red was taking photos
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Another few on the steep way up, heading back to the stairway & Korakukan through the Snow Monkey Park office
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Entrance to our room & inside our room
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Dinner at the dining hall. Each group of guest were seated at their own table.
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Grilled fish & fried cricket...yes little fried cricket on the bottom left
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Chawan-mushi.....I'm getting a bit sick of mushrooms...mushroom overdose
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Next day...

5 comments:

Eehui said...

thanks for the posts. there are very very valuable. would be great if u could write a summary on the cost involved and some travel tips =p

Junkgirl™ said...

Hi lasilasi,
Thanks for visiting and will work on your suggestions.

Anonymous said...

Hi, that's really wonderful, thanks- Is there a public Bath at the Ryoken? I'd like to do a day trip from Tokyo to see the snow Monkeys and take in a Hot Spring as well!! Any suggestions??

Francesca

Junkgirl™ said...

Dear anonymous,

Yes there is a public bath at the Korakukan but it will be a rush for a day trip from Tokyo. I suggest you stay overnight at Korakukan or at one of the ryokan in Yudanaka for a more enjoyable time.

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