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Yudanaka

湯田中

Yudanaka

Nagano · chubu

Home/Discover/chubu/Yudanaka
natureexperiencesculture

A cluster of old hot-spring villages in the Nagano hills, gateway to the snow monkeys who bathe in the steaming pools of Jigokudani.

Tabi-Kun suggesting

Who Yudanaka is for

Onsen lovers, wildlife photographers, and travellers chasing the famous bathing macaques year-round.

About Yudanaka

Yudanaka and neighbouring Shibu Onsen are centuries-old hot-spring towns at the foot of the Joshinetsu mountains. A short walk up the valley is Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques soak in a natural hot pool, most striking under winter snow. The retro villages, with their wooden ryokan and bathhouse-hopping traditions, are an attraction in their own right.

Things to do

20 of 20

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  • Jigokudani Monkey Park

    Jigokudani Monkey Park

    Popular
    ★4.5(11,315)

    Destination for up-close viewing of snow monkeys in a secluded park accessible by long, scenic walk.

    View on Google Maps→
  • SORA terrace

    SORA terrace

    SORA terrace

    ★4.1(1,973)

    Spacious mountaintop cafe with big picture windows, plus outdoor seats surrounded by clouds.

    View on Google Maps→
  • Gansho-in

    Gansho-in

    ★4.4(1,934)

    Popular, picturesque temple with a famed 1848 mythical bird painting by Katsushika Hokusai.

    View on Google Maps→
  • JA中野市 農産物産館 オランチェ

    JA中野市 農産物産館 オランチェ

    JA中野市 農産物産館 オランチェ

    ★4.0(1,627)
    View on Google Maps→
  • Shiga Kogen

    Shiga Kogen

    ★4.5(1,574)

    Acclaimed collection of ski resorts with 71 lifts & the site of many 1998 Nagano Olympic sports.

    View on Google Maps→
  • Enza Cafe & Ramen Enza

    Enza Cafe & Ramen Enza

    ★4.4(1,478)
    View on Google Maps→

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Reviews

★★★★★4.1(322)
Ernesto Piccardo·5 months ago
★★★★★

In the Station, just in front of the Lawson, there are lot of lockers (Luggage storage) available. Big one 800¥, medium 500¥ and small 300¥. Much more cheapper than the Tourist Information. You can get coins at the Station office itself. Very convenient

Jade Chen·a year ago
★★★★★

Amazing to have discovered this Gem. Quaint, efficient station--abit like traveling back in time. I arrived with light snow falling, was magical. Great route to ski resorts--every time I passed by and that familiar Welcome Track played over loud speaker...I felt the nostalgia of a different time and friendly welcome from town's people. Gotta find original recording, just a beautiful song that adds to special feeling of this special place. Was lucky to see annual exhibit at station gallery with super nice staff setting up. Close to ski resorts and snow monkey park, but saw 19 monkeys along Yomase River one day. Amazing place I hope to visit again.

Syd Rev·2 months ago
★★★★★

Nostalgic small train station. It was playing some music from the old times. Takes you back in time.

Mike GenX·7 years ago
★★★★★

Cute little station. Particularly worth to be at the station to see the arrival of the old Tokyo métro train that arrive at 8pm with music of the 50's. Friendly staff. You can ask to get your train ticket as the original Showa era in exchange to the one printed by the automatic ticket machine. Great stuff as local souvenir with the date of purchase.

Zach·a year ago
★★★★★

A very small station with only one track. The tourist office is located steps away and will provide luggage storage for ¥500/piece from 9am-6pm. Please note, there are also storage lockers but they are hidden! You must circle the station on the backside to find them. A convince store is nearby for food. A taxi business is also nearby and can take you to the entrance to Snow Monkey Park for around ¥2,000ish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Map showing where Yudanaka is in chubu

Where it is

Nagano, chubu

Nearest Airport

-

Time to Other Cities

  • Kanazawa
    Shinkansen2 hr 30 min
  • Tokyo
    Shinkansen3 hr 20 min
  • Osaka
    Shinkansen4 hr 50 min

Best Season

  • Winter SnowDec – Feb
  • Autumn Leavesmid Nov – early Dec
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