Nagano to Yudanaka

Nagano Dentetsu Rail Station at Nagano

This is a cosy little station. All the station seats face the turnstiles to the platforms. Vending machines to the left; connecting link to the great big new shopping centre-cum-JR Shinkansen train station to the right. Train schedules, analogue clock and next train details and departure time are all above the turnstiles. This being the terminal start of the local train service (Yudanaka is the other end of this line), it's easy catching a train. Just make sure it's the right one, ie take the one that makes the least stops on its way to Yudanaka. It's the one called the "Snow Monkey Express". If you take any other train, it's alright as it'll still stop in Yudanaka; just that it stops at more villages along the way so the ride takes a bit longer.













Ask station or hotel staff for a train schedule so you can plan your activities better. The turnstiles open and the trains depart and arrive to the dot.




Some train coaches have revolving seats that you can turn 180 degrees to have seats facing each other; great when you're travelling in a group and want to chat. Or play cards as the rides takes about 40 minutes. Sit in the first cab for  a driver's view. An attendant walks the train selling souveniers and snacks. She doesn't sell drinks so you need to bring your own if you want a drink on the trip.





























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