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Located approximately 50km to the west of Matsumoto City, the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi is one of Nagano’s most iconic destinations. Once considered the home of a sea god known as Hotakam...

As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is one of the region’s most important cultural assets. Set against the impressive backdrop of the Northern Alps, the castle dates back to the end o...

Nestled in the serene Hirugano Plateau of Gifu Prefecture, Bokka-no-Sato is a charming flower park and farm that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, interactive activities, and delec...

The Matsumoto City Museum of Art exhibits artworks by artists with an association to the city, across both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Most notably, Kusama Yayoi – arguably Japan’s best-know...

Within easy reach of Kamikochi, Mount Norikura – or Norikuradake – stands at 3026 metres above sea level yet offers comfortable and leisurely walking trails for anyone of reasonable fitness. In winte...

One of three mountain ranges making-up the ‘Japanese Alps’, the ‘North Alps’ boast some of the country’s highest peaks and spectacular alpine scenery. Visitors wanting to ascend high into the mountai...

Located between JR Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Castle, the Nakamachi Street was the traditional heart of the city’s merchant trading and now a thriving shopping precinct. Situated along the old ‘...

Matsumoto’s Nawate-dori shopping street is located between Yohashira Shrine and Metoba River, at the midpoint between JR Matsumoto Station and the castle. While it’s a relatively short precinct at on...

The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum is said to boast the world’s largest collection of ‘ukiyo-e’ (woodblock print) artworks – more than 100,000 —pieces collected by the local Sakai family. While the collection ...