• Norikura Kogen

    NORIKURA KOGEN

    IN NAGANO

    Snowshoe fun & magnificent ice waterfall in winter

    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://chubusangaku.jp/destinations/norikura-kogen
    DESTINATION
  • Matsumoto Castle

    MATSUMOTO CASTLE

    IN NAGANO

    A snow-covered castle and ice sculptures creating a mystic world

    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://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/lang/
    DESTINATION
  • Utsukushiga-hara Onsen, Asama Onsen

    UTSUKUSHIGA-HARA ONSEN, ASAMA ONSEN

    IN NAGANO

    Onsen (hot springs) with a history of over 1000 years

    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://www.mcci.or.jp/www/utsukushi/
    DESTINATION
  • Matsumoto Gourmet

    MATSUMOTO GOURMET

    IN NAGANO

    Enjoy local food such as Sanzoku-yaki and Toji soba noodles, and go to the night cafes and bars in a picturesque city.

    Have you ever heard of Sanzoku-yaki? It's a dish that originated in Matsumoto and a popular local meal made by marinating a piece of chicken in garlic sauce, covering it with potato starch, and deep-frying it. Nagano is also famous for soba (buckwheat noodles) and Matsumoto's unique dish called Toji soba: Soba served in a Japanese hot pot filled with mushrooms, fried tofu, green onions, and wild vegetables. When night falls, the city turns into a modern and enchanting place, with many pubs and bars around the station, open until late at night. Sip coffee, drink craft beer, taste the local delicacies, and end the day with a dessert full of guilty pleasure. It's a great place to spend the night.

    Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station.

    OFFICIAL SITE

    https://visitmatsumoto.com/coverstory/local-food/
    DESTINATION
MATSUMOTO
RETURN

MATSUMOTO

IN NAGANO

Matsumoto is a castle town located in the center of Japan, with history, nature, and culture. It's home to Matsumoto Castle, which has the oldest in-tact keep in Japan with five stories and six floors, and the Kamikochi area, known as having some of the most uniquely scenic spots in Japan. And don't miss Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which exhibits many works by Yayoi Kusama, a world-renowned avant-garde artist. Matsumoto has a lot to offer.

Map from Centrair to Matsumoto
Norikura Kogen

NORIKURA KOGEN

Snowshoe fun & magnificent ice waterfall in winter

Matsumoto Castle

MATSUMOTO CASTLE

A snow-covered castle and ice sculptures creating a mystic world

Utsukushiga-hara Onsen, Asama Onsen

UTSUKUSHIGA-HARA ONSEN, ASAMA ONSEN

Onsen (hot springs) with a history of over 1000 years

Matsumoto Gourmet

MATSUMOTO GOURMET

Enjoy local food such as Sanzoku-yaki and Toji soba noodles, and go to the night cafes and bars in a picturesque city.

RETURN