Japan trip - itinerary (Day 1 to 3)

After reading some Guide Books and surfing internet, I guess I have come up with a draft plan on my itinerary to Japan.

Day 1.
After touching down at Narita, head straight to Yudanaka in Nagano. This little town located in Nagano-ken is famous for its hot springs and snow monkeys. Yes, snow monkeys taking their hot baths in the winter.

http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html

Sounds silly to go all the way to see monkeys taking a bath !?

I have yet to make up my mind on the accommodation. Two choices were on the table; Kokuya which is real posh but expensive OR Shimaya whose reviews on the owners of this ryokan were excellent, that they were so friendly and helpful but the condition of its building was not that fantastic. In addition, Kokuya offers Kaiseki dinner which I don't feel like missing it out.

Well, I hope as the time gets closer, I can have an answer. In either ways, I will burn SP's pocket a hole, the difference is just how big that hole is.

Day 2.
We will leave Yudanaka after lunch and make our way to Shinosaka by the bullet train called Shinano via Nagoya. This saves me some time from transferring at Tokyo. What a brilliant rail network; so extensive and convenient.

I am unsure if staying at Shinosaka for 2 nights is a correct decision as my intended places to visit are actually Kyoto and Nara for the third day.

I have yet to find a suitable accommodation in Kyoto. The choice at Shinosaka is ideal because it is reasonably cheap and includes Japanese breakfast. From Shinosaka to Kyoto by the Hikari train, the journey is less than half an hour.

Maybe I will hold onto this accommodation at Shinosaka until I find a better choice.