Tourist information on Matsumoto・Kamikochi Area
This area is located in the central part of Nagano prefecture, and spreads at the foot of the Northern Alps. Kamikochi where Azusagawa river flows at the foot of Hodaka mountains, is the representative mountain resorts of Japan. Also, Matsumoto, which has developed as the castle town of National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, has a cityscape of the Edo period.
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a city with National Treasure Matsumoto Castle in the center. The city planned around the castle is located in the central district of Nagano prefecture.
Along with the atmosphere of the castle town, many historic buildings remain such as the former Kaichi School. There are famous hot springs such as Asama hot spring and Utsukushigahara hot spring around Matsumoto downtown area, and you can get there in about 30 minutes by bus.
From Shinjuku; take “Matsumoto Line” on Chuo highway bus, get off at Matsumoto Bus Terminal
- Reservation for Highway bus “Matsumoto Line” from here (Highway-buses.jp)
- Information about Route bus Matsumoto city line ( ALPICO Kotsu )
※Japanese Website only
Matsumoto Castle is one of 5 castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan. In the castle, the upper parts of the walls are white-plastered while lower parts are black-plastered. Such black and white color contrast creates the breathtaking beauty. You can enjoy the impressive landscape of the castle with the background of the Northern Alps, which is not available in other castle places.
【Access】Take inner city loop bus “Town Sneaker” North course from Matsumoto Station Oshiroguchi, get off at Matsumotojo Shiyakushomae (Matsumoto Castle / City Hall).
Matsumoto is a city with a castle in the center and the city was planned around this central point. Matsumoto is known to have a lot of one way streets and narrow roads. Complicated structures of streets are characteristics of the castle environs. This is a living part of history.
There are many viewpoints around the Matsumoto castle such as Nakamachi Street spreading landscapes as if the landlords dates backwards, and Nawatedori street reproducing the scenery of the castle town in the Edo Period.
The Former Kaichi School is one of the oldest school built in 1876. It is said to be a typical example of an architecture mixed with Japanese style and Western style.
It is designated as National important cultural property in 1961. Today as the educational museum, various educational materials from the Edo period to the present are displayed.
【Access】Take inner city loop bus “Town Sneaker” North course from Matsumoto Station Oshiroguchi, get off at KyuKaichigakko (The Former Kaichi School ).
It is the museum based in Matsumoto City. Works of artists who are deeply related to Matsumoto, such as Yayoi Kusama, are on exhibition.
In front of the museum, a colorful object which is the work of Kusama welcomes you and you can find the museum full of art in every corner.
【Access】Take inner city loop bus “Town Sneaker” East course from Matsumoto Station Oshiroguchi, get off at Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi, one of the best mountain resorts in Japan, is located at an altitude of 1,500 m in Chubu Mountains National Park. It is also designated as a national cultural heritage and fomous in worldwide.
Walking paths connecting many superb view spots are flat, easy to walk, and the signposts are solid, so even beginners can easily enjoy the mountain walking.
For environmental conservation, entering private cars are prohibited from the road leading to Kamikochi. You can access only by Shuttle bus or taxi from Shin-shimashima, Sawando, Hirayu Spa and so on. Tourist season is from late April to November 15.
From Shinjuku; take “Kamikochi Line” on Chuo highway bus.
Reservation for Highway bus “Kamikochi Line” from here ( Highway-buses.jp )Or, From Shinjuku; take “Matsumoto Line” on Chuo highway bus, get off at Matsumoto Bus Terminal and take a route bus for Kamikochi. You may take the Matsumoto Dentetsu (Alpico Railway) from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station, and transfer at Shin-Shimashima Station to a bus for Kamikochi
- Reservation for Highway bus “Matsumoto Line” from here (Highway-buses.jp)
- Information about train and route bus ( Alpico Kotsu )
It is a suspension bridge with a length of 36.6 m crossing the Azusa River, and it is a good photo spot for Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yakedake. The area between the bus terminal and Kappa Bridge is the center area of Kamikochi where hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops gather.
This pond was created when the eruption of Mt. Yakedake in 1915 caused a mudslide which blocked the Azusa River. In the morning haze, with the view of the trees standing withered in the pond and Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yakedake being reflected on the surface of the pond, Taishō Pond is one of the most popular scenic points in Kamikōchi.
【Access】Take the bus for Kamikochi, get off at Taisho Ike (Taisho Pond)
At the foot of the steep Mt. Myojindake, Myojin Pond has crystal clear water. On the pondside, there is Hotaka Shrine Okumiya, which is considered to be the general guardian of the Japanese Alps.
It is a marshland formed by about 1,500 years. Breathtaking Japanese Azalea (Rhododendron japonicum) and Sagisuge (Eriophorum gracile) flowers can be seen in the summer, and it is famous for the view of Hotaka mountains over the mashland. Tashiro pond surrounded by larch forest is located in the area, and scenery of morning fog and rime ice is especially fantastic.