A Highland Landscape Shaped by Mountains and Clear Water
Mount Tengu
Rising to 2,646 meters, Mount Tengu is one of the major peaks of the Yatsugatake range. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering impressive views across the surrounding peaks and highland landscapes.
As the elevation increases, the scenery changes from forested slopes to rugged mountain terrain. For experienced hikers, reaching the ridgeline provides a memorable panoramic view of the Northern Yatsugatake area.
Mount Inako and Nyuu
Mount Inako is known for its rugged rock formations and is suited to hikers looking for a more challenging mountain experience. Nearby, Nyuu rises close to Lake Shirakoma and is particularly attractive for its expansive views.
The trail around Nyuu combines mountain scenery with the mysterious atmosphere of the surrounding forest. Its location near Lake Shirakoma also makes it a popular choice for visitors who want to combine hiking with a walk through one of the area’s famous moss forests.
Mount Morai
Mount Morai is distinguished by its beautifully shaped, almost conical profile and is regarded as one of Koumi Town’s natural symbols. The mountain forms an important part of the local landscape and can be enjoyed both as a destination for outdoor recreation and as a scenic feature of the town.
Matsubara Lake and Matsubara Highland
A Lake at the Heart of Koumi
Matsubara Lake is one of Koumi’s best-known scenic attractions. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake offers a relaxing setting for walking, boating, fishing, and enjoying the changing scenery.
In summer, the cool highland air makes the lake an appealing place to escape the heat. In autumn, the surrounding forests are transformed by colorful foliage, creating beautiful reflections on the water. Walking trails around the lake allow visitors to enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace, while rental boats and local accommodations make it easy to spend more time in the area.
Inako Lake and Choko Lake
Inako Lake and Choko Lake are smaller lakes that form part of the Matsubara Lake area. They are well known among fishing enthusiasts, particularly for herabuna fishing. Fishing is enjoyed from spring through autumn, while winter brings opportunities for ice smelt fishing when conditions allow.
The lakeside environment is also suitable for quiet walks and nature observation. Together with Matsubara Lake, these waters form one of Koumi’s most distinctive highland landscapes.
Matsubara Highland
Matsubara Highland stretches around Inako Lake, Choko Lake, and nearby waters, combining forests, lakes, hot springs, campgrounds, and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, walking, camping, and other outdoor activities while surrounded by the fresh air of the highlands.
The area is particularly attractive for travelers who want to experience several aspects of Koumi in one place, from outdoor recreation to relaxing in a hot spring after a day in the mountains.
Matsubara Lake Drive-In
Located along National Route 141, Matsubara Lake Drive-In has long been a familiar stop for travelers and drivers passing through the area. It is a convenient place to take a break while exploring the lakes and highlands of Koumi.
The restaurant serves local-style meals such as rice bowls, ramen, and Shinshu soba. Visitors can also browse Shinshu souvenirs and locally made nozawana pickles, making the drive-in a useful stop for both food and regional specialties.
Lake Shirakoma and the Forests of Northern Yatsugatake
A Mysterious Lake Surrounded by a Moss-Covered Forest
Lake Shirakoma is one of the most atmospheric natural attractions in the Northern Yatsugatake area. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,100 meters, it is one of the highest-elevation lakes in Japan.
The lake is surrounded by a forest covered in thick carpets of moss. Soft light filtering through the trees, moss-covered rocks, and the still surface of the lake create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, making Lake Shirakoma a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers.
Midori Pond
Midori Pond lies quietly within the forest and provides a peaceful contrast to the more dramatic mountain landscapes nearby. It is an important base for hikers heading toward Mount Inako and is also a rewarding destination for visitors interested in forest scenery and nature observation.
The tranquil surroundings make it a particularly appealing place to experience the quieter side of the Yatsugatake mountains.
Hot Springs in the Mountains
Happo-no-Yu, Kitayatsugatake Matsubara Lake Onsen
Happo-no-Yu is a hot spring facility in the Matsubara Lake area where visitors can relax in naturally flowing hot-spring water after hiking or sightseeing. Both indoor and open-air baths are available, along with a sauna and a bedrock bath.
The facility also includes a special bathing area designed to make bathing easier for people who need assistance, reflecting its emphasis on comfortable bathing for a wide range of visitors. A restaurant serving dishes made with Shinshu ingredients provides another way to enjoy the flavors of Nagano.
Hoshizora-no-Yu Riex
Hoshizora-no-Yu Riex is a hot spring facility located in the Matsubara Highland area. Its baths include a free-flowing indoor bath and an open-air bath where visitors can enjoy views of Mount Asama, Matsubara Highland, and the Saku Plain.
The scenery changes throughout the day, while the night view offers an especially memorable atmosphere. The surrounding resort area also provides facilities such as golf and tennis, making it suitable for a relaxing highland getaway.
Inakoyu Onsen
Inakoyu Onsen is a historic mountain hot spring popular with hikers traveling toward Lake Shirakoma and the Northern Yatsugatake mountains. Located along the mountain roads, the traditional inn provides a peaceful place to rest surrounded by nature.
Its outdoor bathing experience allows visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the forest while soaking in the hot spring, making it an appealing stop during a mountain adventure.
Winter in Koumi: Skiing and Skating
Koumi RE-EX Ski Valley
When winter arrives, Koumi becomes a destination for snow sports. Koumi RE-EX Ski Valley offers a variety of ski runs and is known for its high-quality powder snow. Courses are available for a range of abilities, from families and beginners to experienced skiers.
The resort also offers accommodation and hot spring facilities, allowing visitors to combine skiing with a relaxing stay in the mountains.
Matsubara Kogen Skating Center
At an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters, the Matsubara Kogen Skating Center is a popular winter attraction. Thanks to its highland location, it can open relatively early in the winter season and offers visitors the chance to enjoy outdoor skating surrounded by the mountain scenery.
Art and Culture in a Highland Setting
Koumi Kogen Museum of Art
Koumi Kogen Museum of Art opened in 1997 and combines art, architecture, and the surrounding natural environment. The museum houses works by artists associated with Koumi, including Kesao Kuribayashi, a painter born in the town, and Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a ceramic artist recognized as a Living National Treasure of Japan.
The museum also presents exhibitions featuring local artists, contemporary art, architecture, and design. Its setting in the highlands makes a visit here an opportunity to enjoy both creative works and the natural beauty of Koumi.
Gallery So
Gallery So provides a space for discovering works by local artists and craftspeople. In addition to displaying and selling artwork and crafts, the gallery serves as a place where visitors can connect with the local creative community.
For travelers interested in regional culture beyond traditional sightseeing, the gallery offers an opportunity to discover the artistic character of the Koumi area.
Outdoor Experiences Around the Lakes and Highlands
Matsubara Kogen Auto Campground
Matsubara Kogen Auto Campground is set within a pine forest and provides a comfortable base for enjoying the outdoors. Facilities include an athletic area, mallet golf, and putting golf, making the campground suitable for families and groups as well as individual travelers.
A natural hot spring facility is also attached to the campground, allowing visitors to relax in hot-spring water after spending time outdoors.
Koumi Through the Four Seasons
Spring
Spring brings fresh greenery and highland flowers to Koumi. As the snow retreats from the mountains, trails and lakeside areas gradually become accessible again, creating excellent conditions for gentle walks and nature observation.
Summer
Summer is one of the most attractive seasons for enjoying Koumi’s lakes and mountains. The highland climate remains cool and refreshing compared with many lowland areas, while Matsubara Lake and the surrounding forests provide opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and leisurely walks.
Autumn
Autumn transforms the forests around Matsubara Lake and the Northern Yatsugatake area into a spectacular display of color. Hiking and lakeside walks become especially enjoyable as red, orange, and golden foliage spreads across the mountains.
Winter
In winter, Koumi becomes a snowy mountain destination. Skiing, skating, and other winter activities can be combined with relaxing hot springs, creating a distinctive highland experience surrounded by snow-covered forests and mountains.
Discover Koumi Town
Koumi Town brings together the mountains of Yatsugatake, clear lakes and rivers, peaceful forests, hot springs, winter sports, and a distinctive local arts scene. From the dramatic ridgelines of Mount Tengu to the moss-covered forest around Lake Shirakoma, the scenery offers a wide variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
At the same time, places such as the Koumi Kogen Museum of Art, local galleries, hot spring facilities, campgrounds, and lakeside restaurants reveal a quieter cultural side of the town. Whether visiting for hiking, fishing, skiing, art, hot springs, or simply the refreshing highland atmosphere, Koumi offers travelers many ways to experience the natural and cultural character of Nagano.