Sightseeing

Discover springs in a beautifully preserved castle town

Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure of Japan, with its original five-story, six-floor keep still standing today. The interior is open to visitors. Set against the Northern Alps, the contrast of blue mountains and the dignified black castle is breathtaking. The streets surrounding the castle — notably Nawate-dori and Nakamachi-dori — preserve a traditional townscape.
Other popular spots in Matsumoto include the Matsumoto City Museum of Art (which permanently exhibits works by Yayoi Kusama) and Yohashira Shrine near the castle. The city also boasts 19 freshwater springs scattered throughout — touring them makes a delightful walk.

Step back in time on the old Nakasendo Road

The Nakasendo through the Kiso Valley was one of the five major routes of the Edo period. Along its 540-kilometer length stood 69 post towns. Many preserved buildings remain today, giving visitors the sense of stepping back into Edo-era Japan. The roadsides are lined with shops selling Kiso specialties such as gohei-mochi rice cakes, oyaki dumplings, and Kiso lacquerware.
Narai-juku, the highest in altitude among the 11 Kiso post towns, stretches nearly 1 kilometer along the Narai River — the longest preserved post town in Japan. Tsumago and Magome also retain their original townscapes and are well known to visitors.

A scenic cruise along the Venus Line!

The Venus Line is one of Japan's most scenic mountain roads, with highland plateaus, lakes, art museums, and nature experiences along the way.
Kirigamine is famous for its fields of Japanese azaleas and Nikko-kisuge (day lilies).
It is also ideal for trekking, with over 400 species of alpine plants. In summer, the Kurumayama highland is blanketed by a magnificent carpet of yellow day lilies.
A lift takes you up to the 1,925-meter summit.
For those willing to drive a little further, the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum at Utsukushigahara plateau is well worth exploring.

Shiojiri — one of
Japan's leading wine regions

Shiojiri has cultivated grapes for generations, thanks to its ideal soil and climate.
Today, 16 wineries produce wine within the city.
Ranging from large beverage-maker estates to small family operations, each has its own distinctive character.
Many wineries offer vineyard and facility tours, and some feature tasting bars or restaurants on site.
Why not visit a few wineries to find your favorite bottle?