Yudanaka Town

Yudanaka is an old town that has a feel of being stuck in the past.  It is the last stop on the Nagano Dentetsu Line and takes about 45 minutes on a very old style train.  There are many stops along the way.  Some areas look almost deserted.  When you finally arrive at the old train station of Yudanaka, you are welcomed by a town anthem sung by children over the intercom system - sounds like its an original from the '40s.  I believe the song changes from time to time.

The old Yudanaka Train Station.

An old stop along the way to Yudanaka.

The stop above is actually rather elaborate compared to some of the other stops we've seen.

A Ryokan near the Snow Monkey sanctuary.

The country side is very beautiful, especially in the fall.  The leaves have a deep, saturated color.

Some farmland seen through the colorful trees.

The room we stayed at in Seifuso Ryokan.  It was very nice, comfortable.  The table in the middle of the room is called a "kotatsu" - it's a heated table.  When you sit, your legs go underneath and it is very warm.  If you live in a cold climate, these are very nice to have,  You'll love it!

A traditional Ryokan room.  Towards evening, workers put the table away and setup the beds.  Traditional futons include the shiki futon and the kaki futon, along with the thick underlayment.  Super comfortable and very warm.

The inn had a very well kept central garden with a Koi pond.  Very peaceful.

The central garden of our Ryokan.