Outdoor Activities

2026-07-27 / Last updated : 2026-07-27 Elodie Suzawa Outdoor Activities

Shirakaba Resort & Lake: A year-round destination for families

At an altitude of more than 1,400 m in the mountains of Nagano, on the shores of Lake Shirakabako, Shirakaba Resort is more than just an amusement park. It is a place where spectacular nature, family activities, seasonal flowers, spa relaxation and lake recreation come together. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, fall, or winter, this resort offers rich and varied experiences that suit all ages and paces. Spectacular Colour in Nagano’s Highlands A natural setting that changes with the seasons Lake Shirakabako and its surroundings are a living canvas that evolves with the seasons. In spring, nature awakens: the hills turn green, the woods come alive and walks around […]
2025-07-09 / Last updated : 2025-07-09 Sylvain Outdoor Activities

Dream Coaster, Playgrounds and Zoo at Matsumoto Alps Park

Just a 15-minute drive from central Matsumoto, Alps Park is one of the city’s largest and highest-altitude parks, a perfect escape into nature for families. It’s an ideal spot to let your kids run free and burn off some energy in wide-open green spaces. The highlights are, without a doubt, the Dream Coaster, multiple playgrounds, and even a small zoo. All designed entertain visitors of all ages! What is the “Dream Coaster” The Dream Coaster is essentially a summer bobsleigh. It is a one-person sled on rails that winds its way down the hillside from the top of the park. You control your own speed with a handle (or just […]
2023-03-17 / Last updated : 2023-03-17 Kevin Kato Outdoor Activities

Renting a Bicycle: A Great Way to See & Share More of Matsumoto

Downtown Matsumoto is a great place to get your Instagram on. From the grandeur of the castle backed by Mt. Jonen to the funky details of Frog Street there’s no end to the pics you can post. But if you’re looking for a great way to see and share more of Matsumoto, we highly recommend renting a bicycle and heading out of town. With e-Bikes available and a million roads to roll down, taking in the mountains and the countryside is a cinch. To make it even easier to find that perfect shot, let’s take a quick tour. Heading East Pedal this way and you’ll find yourself slowly rising toward […]
2021-11-05 / Last updated : 2021-11-05 Kevin Kato Outdoor Activities

Easy Hiking & A Bit of History in Asama Onsen Village

Asama Onsen village, up in the northern fringes of Matsumoto, is a great place to go for an authentic Japanese hot spring experience. But this quiet enclave offers more than just a lot of hot water. With Daionji and Gotenyama above and a sprinkling of pretty sights below, Asama Onsen is the perfect place to mix in some easy hiking a little bit of history with your onsen. Here are three paths you can enjoy, all right there on the eastern edge of the town. Daionji-yama Daionji was the name of a temple that once stood at the foot of these mountains. That temple was abandoned in 1868 and has […]
2021-05-19 / Last updated : 2022-10-13 Sylvain Outdoor Activities

Yamato Ranch: Mingle with local Japanese residents in a unique setting

The “Mountain Horse Project” is organized by the residents of the Okada neighborhood in Matsumoto. This project aims to educate and inspire the community about nature and the environment through various activities. Local residents and visitors alike are welcome to share in all the events. Meet local residents and experience real country life in Japan at Yamato Ranch! Yamato, a former champion Originally from Hokkaido Prefecture, Yamato was a successful race horse who participated in many races, winning many medals and awards throughout his illustrious career. Yamato just celebrated his 16th birthday this year (which is middle aged in horse years). For many years Yamato has been accompanied by his […]