Nagano » Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Shiojiri
Matsumoto is home to Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure. Kamikochi, with its divine natural scenery, attracts many tourists. Shiojiri, where the old inn towns remain as they were in the past, is an area that meets a variety of tourist needs.
The Matsumoto-Kamikochi/Shiojiri area offers many tourist attractions such as Matsumoto Castle, Shirakone Onsen, Norikura Kogen Plateau, and Naraijuku, tourist events such as Craft Fair Matsumoto and Matsumoto Candy Fair, and local gourmet foods such as soba noodles, Japanese sake, and horse meat.
Matsumoto is a castle town located in central Nagano Prefecture, centered around Matsumoto Castle. The streets of old houses that survived the war have been preserved as they were in those days. The old Kaichi School, Nakamachi-dori Street, and Nawate-dori Street are all still intact, and the atmosphere of those days can be felt.
Kamikochi is also famous for its beautiful starlit sky, and you can feel the beauty of nature in this area. Lodging facilities are scattered around Kappa-bashi Bridge, and the area offers a variety of sightseeing spots with its natural scenery intact.
The "Town Sneaker" bus service is available, but the best way to enjoy the city of Matsumoto is to explore the old houses on foot. If possible, it is best to take a course that traces the castle town from Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Castle.
You can enjoy a variety of cuisines such as the famous "horse meat cuisine," "wild vegetable cuisine," "white buckwheat noodles," and "Matsumoto sanzokuyaki" (Matsumoto bandit roast). Many places nearby sell fresh local fruits, and "wine" and "honey" are also famous.
If you are looking for local food, you should try "Karinto", "Miso Bread", and "Oyaki". There is no seafood, but you can enjoy excellent river fish instead. Try the "iwana" (rockfish) and "yamame" (soybeans). You will be surprised at how tender they are.
Kamikochi is a town with a riverfront setting overlooking the majestic mountains of the Alps and other regions around it.
The view of the Hotaka mountain range to the north, Mt. The open-air baths at each of the inns and hotels are so beautiful that they will make you forget your fatigue.
Driving through Utsukushi-ga-hara on the undulating up-road, you will suddenly enter a hilly area with only flower fields and an area where you can see nothing but flowers around, but once you enter this area, you will be confronted with a completely different landscape of mind-boggling beauty. Visiting this area with a rental car, which you can stop anywhere, is definitely recommended.
Shiojiri is located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture and has long flourished as a major transportation hub. The Nakasendo roadside inn towns, such as Naraijuku, still retain the atmosphere of those days, so you can easily enjoy a walk to feel the history of the area. Trekking and hiking are also available to enjoy the rich natural environment.
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most important surviving early-modern castles. Located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, the castle is famous for its striking black-lacquered exterior and its five-story, six-level main keep, standing dramatically against the backdrop of the Northern Alps. Or...»
A spectacular natural landscape that leaves a lasting impression Kamikochi is a highland valley at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps, including the majestic Hotaka Mountain Range, it is one of Japan’s mo...»
Narai-juku is a historic post town located in present-day Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. It developed along the Nakasendo, the ancient highway connecting Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto, and was the 34th of the 69 post towns along the route. As one of the eleven post towns of the Kisoj...»
A Suspension Bridge Surrounded by Clear Water and Mountain Scenery Kappabashi Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River in Kamikochi, one of the most celebrated mountain landscapes in the Japanese Alps. With magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mount Yakedake, and th...»
A Mountain Highland Surrounded by the Beauty of the Northern Alps Norikura Kogen is a highland area located in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, stretching from approximately 1,100 to 1,800 meters above sea level. It lies on the eastern foothills of Mount Norikura, one of the prominent peak...»
A Scenic Landmark of Kamikochi Taishoike Pond is one of the most famous scenic attractions in Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The pond was created when the active volcano Mount Yakedake erupted in 1915, sending a debris flow into the Azusa River and blocking its course. The resulting...»
A Natural Hot Spring Surrounded by the Northern Alps Shirahone Onsen is a peaceful hot spring village located along the Yukawa River in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Set at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters on the foothills of Mount Norikura in the Northern Alps, the area is su...»
Myojin Pond is a serene and mysterious pond located in Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of the Hotaka Mountain Range, it lies quietly within a pristine natural environment. The pond is located within the sacred grounds of Hotaka Shrine's Oku-Miya (Inner Shrine) and h...»
Utsukushigahara Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located on the outskirts of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of the Utsukushigahara highlands. Situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, the area is surrounded by peaceful natural scenery and offers a quiet atmosphere aw...»
Asama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in the northeastern part of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Known for centuries as the “inner parlor of Matsumoto,” it has long been a favorite place for relaxation and hot spring bathing. Located almost in the center of Shinshu, the traditiona...»