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Shimaya Ryokan- Nagano

9/11/2012

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Shimaya Ryokan Nagano- Yukata.


For those who might be interested in going to Nagano to visit the famous Snow Monkeys, I wanted to share my experience with you at Shimaya Ryokan.   My full review can be found on Trip Advisor.   My significant other and I really enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend them.

Of all of the Ryokan's in Yudanaka, I picked this one because of the high ratings on Trip Advisor.

After meeting the owners (Mr. and & Mrs. Yumoto), it is very clear why they are consistently one of the top Ryokans in the area year after year. 
First of all, the price you pay is super fair.  You get more than what you are paying for really!   It includes transportation to and from the train station (though you have to call Mr. Yumoto).   He will even take you straight to the entrance of the Monkey Park for free.  He also took us to an outdoor onsen with scenic view "Tomi-no-yu" (see pictures below ; admission is separate and you settle it along with your bill at checkout).   On the way to the private outdoor onsen, he took us to his friend's apple Orchard too.

Though it was really a shame that it was raining very hard prior and so we couldn't see too much at the private outdoor onsen-- separate from his Ryokan.  But it would have been incredible  experience at sunset with good weather.

Shimaya Ryokan View from room.
Lovely Sunrise from the Terrace of the room. Very tranquil.

Kaiseki Dinners at Shimaya.


Prior to arriving, I e-mailed Mr. Yumoto to inquire about the breakfast and dinner and he responded really fast.  Unlike most Ryokans, where Kaiseki dinners or breakfasts are included, food here is an add-on.  However, it is very reasonable for what you get.  Breakfast was between 800-1300 yen while dinners are 2500-4500 yen per person.  

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Dinner is served in a private tatami room.
I must add that Mrs. Yumoto is a splendid cook!  Though if you don't want to dine in, you can certainly seek out the many other surrounding shops (we didn't though due to lack of time and the fact that we were caught in a rain storm).  Mr. Yumoto knows the area so well that he can give you great recommendations. 

There's 9 public onsens in the next nearby town (Shibu Onsen) which you can use for a small fee if you want to spend the day relaxing, but since it was storming, we didn't get a chance to go. 

The on-premise (indoors) onsen in Shimaya is wonderful and spacious.  There's a separate gender one (though we did not use it), and one where you can reserved for private use for 1 hour.  Free wifi is fast too, just ask Mr. Yumoto for the password.
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Mr. & Mrs. Yumoto and I.


Overall, we were very grateful for this experience and Mr. & Mrs. Yumoto's wonderful hospitality.
They couldn't do more for us and the people in Yudanaka is just so lovely (when we were caught in the rain, one of the neighbors several blocks away gave us their umbrella (to which we promptly returned once the rain stopped along with some snacks from home---though they were quite surprised because they intended to give the umbrella as a gift).
In the Japanese tradition when you visit someone, you should always bring along something.  So if you want to observe the Japanese custom, you can bring something small from your hometown (chocolate, tea, small memorabilia's) for  Mr. & Mrs. Yumoto. 

They have an entire area dedicated to gifts they've received from their guests from all over the world.  It really feels like you are staying with your extended family when you visit Shimaya Ryokan.
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Jigokudani Monkey Park- Nagano, Japan

9/10/2012

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I have a soft spot for Monkeys. Not sure why-- I find them really adorable and
funny.

These following "Snow Monkeys" are a special breed, and are the
only ones that bathe in hotsprings.   Most people flock to see them during winter, but prepare to fight the crowds.
Nagano Monkey Park Entrance.

Entrance to the Park.  About 25 mins walk total, but faster once you see the warning signs for "beware of poisonous snakes"---this is not only a "what if" but more as a "when" as one got very close to me really soon.

Nagano Monkey Park.
Almost there!
Nagano Monkey Park- Baby Snow Monkey.
Baby Monkey!!!
Nagano Monkey Park- Baby Snow Monkey.
This little guy was pulling my shoelace. ^0^
Nagano Monkey Park- Snow Monkey Onsen.



These Monkeys are used to having people oh-ing and ah-ing all over them year-round and won't care if you tail them like a crazy Paparazzi.






Nagano Monkey Park- Snow Monkey looking in camera.
Playing hide-and-seek inside the Park camera.

On this very first visit to this Monkey Park, I learned these valuable lessons:

1. Do not stare at the Monkey at eye-level 
(my significant other found this out the hard way). 

2. Watch out for poisonous snakes on the hike up. On average it takes about 25 mins, but I think after seeing this sign, we made the trip in about 15 mins.

3. Bring an umbrella with you even if is sunny out.
A down pour can happen at any moment without notice.
 
The commute and up-hill hike will be worth your while 
once you see the hundreds of Monkeys roaming free before your eyes.
Approximate travel time via trains are:

- 3 hours from central Tokyo              | ~ $100 usd   one-way  

- 6+ hours from Osaka                        | ~ $160 usd   one-way  

More information on the Monkey Park can be found through the Park's English page.

Here is a short footage of 2 Baby Monkeys.
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    Hi there, I'm Hio. 

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