Matsumoto

Matsumoto is located in Nagano Prefecture. It is designated as a Special City. The Matsumoto Castle was built more than 400 years ago.is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. It is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain. It is also called Crow Castle(Karasu Jo) because of its black appearance. The castle is open to tourists and displays many ancient weapons from and inspired by Europe including muskets and rifles.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castles in all of Japan and is the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle remaining. It is national treasure and was ruled by men under powerful samurai. Even to this day, traces of the city's samurai heritage remain.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Opened in April, 2002, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art’s four fundamental themes are Appreciation, Representation, Learning and Communication.

Nakamachi District

Nakamachi-dori is a street lined by several nicely preserved, old buildings, including a number of warehouse-type buildings (kura) with massive, white painted walls, a characteristic of former merchant districts. Some of them house small shops, restaurants and ryokan.

Kamikochi Plateau

Kamikochi is a popular resort of Nagano Prefecture, offering some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery. The simplest way to enjoy a day in Kamikochi is by hiking the trails along Azusa River from Taisho Pond to Myojin Bridge. It is a mostly flat terrain and requires no hiking experience and only a few hours of time.

Norikura Kogen

Norikura Kogen is a scenic nature spot with a number of attractions, including hiking, waterfalls, hot springs and a small ski resort.

Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum

Major exhibits in Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum are wooden crafts, bamboo wares, glassware, china and porcelain etc.

Asama Hot Spring

Asama Onsen has a very long history that dates back 1,300-odd years or more. This resort was made even more popular in the 17th century by a Samurai Lord who whilst building Matsumoto’s famous castle，savor soaking in its hot, mineral rich waters in each of Japan’s four vividly distinct seasons.

Yarigatake

During the hiking season, Mount Yari is popular with mountain climbers. One of the most famous but dangerous ridges is Kitakama.

Sanbondaki Waterfall(the road to Sanbondaki Waterfall is closed till end/Apr due to snow)

The highlight is Sanbondaki, a set of three, beautiful waterfalls that flow side by side into the same stream. Sanbondaki can be reached in an enjoyable 25 minute hike from Sanbondaki bus stop.

Koboyama Park

Koboyama Park is a unique hill (actually an ancient kofun tomb) in southern Matsumoto City that is almost entirely covered by nearly 2000 cherry trees. The top of the park has views of the Japan Alps across the valley.