nature

2026-06-30 / Last updated : 2026-06-30 Sylvain Sightseeing

Kurobe Dam: Engineering Triumph in the Northern Alps

Kurobe Dam sits wedged into a steep valley in the Northern Japan Alps, one of Japan’s most ambitious postwar engineering projects. The massive concrete arch changed how the country generated power and turned this remote gorge into one of the most striking stops on the Tateyama–Kurobe Alpine Route. At 186 meters tall, it remains Japan’s highest dam, a structure so remote and difficult to build that its construction claimed 171 lives over seven years. Today, visitors come for the roar of the discharge plunging into the gorge, the alpine air, and the rare chance to walk across the crest of something built against considerable odds. A Dam Built Against the […]
2026-05-16 / Last updated : 2026-05-16 Sylvain Art

Everything to Know about the Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum

The Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum sits at 2,000 meters on Utsukushigahra highland plateau next to Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture. This is one of the largest and highest plateau in Japan. And the museum is an interesting place to visit with its original and intriguing works of art. Discover everything to know about Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum. Exhibitions at 2,000 Meters The exhibition space is outdoors and the pieces are big. Alexander Lieberman’s “Iliad Japan” stands 14 meters tall and weighs 36 tons. César Baldaccini’s “Thumb” is a three-meter marble cast of the artist’s actual thumb, complete with wrinkles. Susumu Shingu’s “Star Compass” was made for this site, with rotating […]
2026-04-07 / Last updated : 2026-04-14 Sylvain Nature

Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine in Azumino

Tucked in the scenic Azumino valley of Nagano Prefecture, Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine rises gently above farmland and rivers, offering a window into the region’s rural charm.  This local peak draws hikers for its views of the Northern Alps and the apple orchards spread across the valley floor. At 933m, the mountain offers accessible trails and seasonal interest, from spring cherry blossoms to winter snow cover, without the crowds of more famous destinations. Reaching the Summit with Ease Getting to Mt. Nagamine is straightforward by car or train. There is free parking at the trailhead near JR Akashina Station. Or you can drive the winding road to the summit during […]
2025-09-25 / Last updated : 2025-09-25 Sylvain Sightseeing

How to Get to Kamikochi from Matsumoto via Shin-Shimashima

Kamikochi National Park draws visitors to some of Japan’s most pristine mountain scenery. Visiting the national park requires a two-part journey from Matsumoto. First by train to Shin-Shimashima Station, then by bus into the protected mountain valley. While most travelers treat Shin-Shimashima as just a transfer point, this small mountain station offers a few pleasant diversions worth exploring before you continue to Kamikochi. The Route to Kamikochi The journey begins at Matsumoto Station, where the Kamikochi Line departs from inside the main station complex. Though not part of the JR network, the line is clearly marked and ticket machines are easy to locate once you’re inside the station. The scenic […]
2025-08-01 / Last updated : 2025-08-01 Kevin Kato Nature

Mount Koboyama: A Big Destination with the Low Elevation

Here in Matsumoto there’s no shortage of beautiful mountain scenery. If you have the time, we highly recommend a trip up into the Northern Alps. But if you can’t quite, bike or hike just a bit south of town and check out Mount Koboyama, the big destination with the low elevation! 1,500 Year Old Physique Pass by its feet and you probably won’t notice anything special about this hill with the mountainous reputation. But you may notice something intriguing from afar – an angular, flat-topped profile that could only be man-made. And indeed, the top of this mountain was shaped by human hands. Excavation and research have shown that the […]
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 […]
2025-06-23 / Last updated : 2025-06-25 Tom Taylor Nature

Matsumoto’s Hidden Waterfalls: A Day Trip Adventure

Just a short trip from the city of Matsumoto in the Norikura Highlands, you can find some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Japan. If you’re seeking a tranquil escape, these ‘taki’ (waterfalls) are an absolute must-visit. Known collectively as the “Three Great Waterfalls of Norikura”, each has its own unique charm and scenic trails. Here’s a quick guide to three stunning matsumoto’s hidden waterfalls you won’t want to miss. 1. Sanbon-daki (Three-Peak Waterfall) Sanbon-daki, which translates to “Three Waterfalls,” is a unique geological formation as three separate rivers join to form what is collectively called Sanbon Falls. With a basin elevation of 1840m it is rumoured to have been […]
2025-06-09 / Last updated : 2025-06-09 Sylvain Sightseeing

Why Go To Matsumoto?

Japan is one of the most harmonious countries in the world, blending modernity with deep-rooted tradition. Japan’s large metropolises such as Tokyo and Osaka, traditional cities like Kyoto and the sumptuous landscapes offered by Mount Fuji and the idyllic countryside make Japan one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia. But why go to Matsumoto? History & Samurai The city’s Feudal Castle is one of only 5 castles in Japan designated as national treasures. It is therefore one of the finest examples of Japan’s cultural heritage and welcomes visitors all year round. Nearby historical Nawate ‘Frog’ Street and Nakamachi Shopping Street are also open to visitors and locals alike for shopping and casual dining. […]
2025-05-12 / Last updated : 2025-05-12 Sylvain Art

Rice Paddy ‘Tambo’ Art transforms a rice field into a living canvas

Rice paddy art – or ‘Tambo’ Art – is a unique Japanese art form that transforms a rice field into a living canvas. Instead of paint, artists use different varieties of rice that produce grains in varying colors: green, yellow, and purple. During the planting season, seedlings are placed in carefully arranged patterns. As the plants mature, the designs become more visible, shifting in color depending on the viewing time. Throughout the season, the ever changing artwork offers an unforgettable visual experience. Rice Paddy Art in Azumino In years past, you could view a stunning example of rice paddy art in Azumino, Nagano, just a 25-minute drive from Matsumoto. A […]
2023-12-04 / Last updated : 2023-12-04 Kevin Kato Seasonal Topics

Winter Wonderland: 5 Ways to Put Your Feet in the Matsumoto Snow

In Matsumoto you can see winter coming from a mountain away. In every direction the peaks and slopes begin to turn white, and soon we’re all walking in a winter wonderland. So how to best take advantage of the fluffy stuff? Here are 5 ways to get out and put your feet in the winter Matsumoto snow. Ski & Snowboard Japan’s Best Powder in Hakuba The world was introduced to the slopes of Hakuba in 1998 when Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics. Since then millions have come to ski and snowboard what many consider to be the finest powder in all of Japan. It’s so good it even has its […]
2023-08-31 / Last updated : 2023-08-31 Sylvain Accommodation

Satoyama Doors: A Unique Overnight Stay in the Japanese Countryside

Matsumoto is a historic city that grew out of the wealth generated in rice fields and farmlands that surround its urban center and famous castle. Even today, it remains a city reliant on agriculture and one where you can enjoy an expansive rural landscape only a short distance from the city. It makes Matsumoto an ideal location to enjoy the Japanese concept of “satoyama” with an overnight stay at the family-friendly, Satoyama Doors. The “Satoyama” Concept: Rural Revitalization in the Okada District At its heart, Japan is a rural country and that spirit is expressed through the concept of “satoyama” – a word that refers to the border land between […]
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 […]