MATSUMOTO WINTER ILLUMINATION
IN NAGANO・GIFU

During the winter season fantastical images are projection mapped onto the main keep of the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle. Throughout this period, the cityscape also comes alive with light-ups, creating a magical atmosphere.

Norikura Kogen, located in the south of the Northern Alps, is famous for its summer resort. In winter, it turns into a winter paradise, with various outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and seeing icefalls. Icefalls are created when plummeting temperatures make waterfalls freeze completely. They even have a cloudy-white hot spring for you to warm up in while enjoying the snowy scenery.

Travel Time: About 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station and about 1 hour by bus from JR Matsumoto Station.

OFFICIAL SITE
https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/event/illumination/
DESTINATION
ICE EXPLOSION
IN NAGANO・GIFU

At Zengoro Falls in Norikura Kogen, visitors can witness the powerful sight of a frozen waterfall. Strap on some snowshoes and embark on a snowy adventure with a guide across the wintry landscape.

Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure, with jet-black roof tiles that contrast beautifully with the white, snow-covered Northern Alps in the background. The castle's design and its series of keeps are also a must-see. The Ice Sculpture Festival is held every winter at Matsumoto Castle, another must-see. Dozens of ice sculptors gather from around Nagano Prefecture and Japan to present their elaborate ice sculptures outside. At night the sculptures are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere.

Directions: Approx. 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station and 15 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station/ Take a tour bus from JR Matsumoto Station and get off at the "Matsumoto Jo, Shichosha Mae" stop.

OFFICIAL SITE
https://chubusangaku.jp/destinations/norikura-kogen
DESTINATION
SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY
IN NAGANO・GIFU

The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers stunning snowy landscapes of the Japanese Alps. Even during the winter season, there are stargazing expeditions, and new facilities are set to enhance the experience.

Matsumoto City is also home to many hot spring resorts! Asama Onsen is the closest hot spring to Matsumoto Castle with over 1000 years of history. At Utsukushiga-Hara Onsen, you can enjoy nature and take a stroll through the old town. Both hot springs are close to the center of Matsumoto city, so you can shop in Matsumoto before arriving at the hot springs, or you can take the bus out to Matsumoto in the evening and return to the inn for dinner. The area is quiet with many old buildings that create the perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls during the day.

Travel Time: About 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station, about 15-35 minutes by public transportation from JR Matsumoto Station to each hot spring resort.

OFFICIAL SITE
https://shinhotaka-ropeway.jp/en/
DESTINATION

MATSUMOTO-TAKAYAMA

NAGANO・GIFU

This area is popular throughout the year, and offers plenty of winter delights too! Enjoy winter activities at Norikura Kogen, winter stargazing on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and the light-up at Okuhida Onsengo.

At Matsumoto City Museum delight in Yayoi Kusama's artwork, and don't miss the brilliant projection mapping onto the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle. Conveniently, Matsumoto and Takayama are connected by bus making travel easy between the two.

MATSUMOTO WINTER ILLUMINATION

During the winter season fantastical images are projection mapped onto the main keep of the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle. Throughout this period, the cityscape also comes alive with light-ups, creating a magical atmosphere.

ICE EXPLOSION

At Zengoro Falls in Norikura Kogen, visitors can witness the powerful sight of a frozen waterfall. Strap on some snowshoes and embark on a snowy adventure with a guide across the wintry landscape.

SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY

The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers stunning snowy landscapes of the Japanese Alps. Even during the winter season, there are stargazing expeditions, and new facilities are set to enhance the experience.

DIRECTIONS

FROM CENTRAIR TO NAGOYA

CAR

About 45 minutes from Centrair. Centrair East IC-Handa-chuo JCT-Odaka IC-Sanno JCT-Shinsuzaki JCT-Nagoya.
TRAIN

About 28 minutes by Nagoya Railroad (μSKY) from Centrair to Meitetsu Nagoya Station.
BUS

About 60 minutes from Centrair to Nagoya city center (Sakae and Fushimi areas) by the Centrair Limousine service.

Google Map

FROM NAGOYA TO MATSUMOTO

CAR

About 2 hours and 30 minutes on the Chuo Expressway from Nagoya (Komaki IC) via Okaya JCT to Matsumoto IC.
TRAIN

About 2 hours from Nagoya to Matsumoto, on the Chuo Main Line Limited Express.
BUS

About 3 and a half hours from the Meitetsu Bus Center to Matsumoto Bus Terminal.

Google Map

FROM NAGOYA TO TAKAYAMA

CAR

About 2 hours from Nagoya IC to Takayama IC via the Meishin Expressway, Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, and Chubu-Jukan Expressway.
TRAIN

About 2 hours and 20 minutes by Takayama Main Line (Limited Express Wide View Hida) from Nagoya.
BUS

About 2 hours and 45 minutes from Meitetsu Bus Center to Takayama Nouhi Bus Center.

Google Map

TAKAYAMA TO MATSUMOTO