Just west of the downtown, this area is at the doorstep of the Japan Alps. Its most notable destinations are the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, the Court and Historical Village (Rekishinosato), and the Kamataya Sake Brewery. As much of the western area is covered in rice paddies and farmland, it also lends itself to relaxing bike rides through the Japanese countryside where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, traditional farm houses, and a few old temples and shrines scattered about here and there. This area is easily accessible via the Kamikochi Line train or the Town Sneaker Bus's western route.