Visit Mastumoto

One of the must-try activities unique to Utsukushigahara is highland hiking. A beginner-friendly course takes you from the Utsukushigahara Highland Nature Conservation Center to Ogahana in about 30 minutes on foot, then another 20 minutes to Ogato. Along the way, panoramic views open up in every direction, offering a refreshing and liberating journey.

For those seeking a more immersive trekking experience, the Utsukushigahara Highland Long Trail is an ideal choice. Spanning approximately 45 kilometers, this trail allows hikers to fully experience the area’s diverse natural beauty and terrain. With scenery that shifts through the seasons and time of day, it’s a truly sensory experience—often described as a form of walking meditation.

Utsukushigahara is also a favorite among cyclists, thanks to its dramatic elevation changes and stunning landscapes. It’s a well-known location for hill-climb events such as the Tour de Utsukushigahara Bicycle Race, making it a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts.

At night, the sky over highlands fills with countless stars. In the clear, crisp air, you can feel the vastness of the universe. During summer, camping is available, offering the luxury of stargazing by the firelight. Spending a quiet night in nature is the perfect way to refresh both body and mind.

The campsite is located partway up the highland slopes. From there, you can hike to the summit of Utsukushigahara Highland via a nearby mountain trail.

One of the most striking sights in the area is the Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum. Around 250 contemporary sculptures are scattered across the expansive grasslands, creating an extraordinary space where art and landscape become one. 

The museum also features a Children’s Art Museum, designed for younger visitors (elementary school–age and younger), making it a popular destination for families. Encounters with art in this natural setting add an extra layer of depth to the journey.

Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum

Official website: https://www.utsukushi-oam.jp/

To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Utsukushigahara, it is important to act with an awareness of living in harmony with nature. Across the plateau, efforts are made to promote proper mountain etiquette and trail rules to protect its delicate ecosystem, emphasizing the idea that every visitor plays a role as a guardian of the highland.

Through local guided tours and exhibits at the Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center, visitors can learn about sustainable tourism, making the experience not just enjoyable, but truly meaningful.

As you leave Utsukushigahara Highland and head toward the city of Matsumoto, it becomes clear that nature’s gifts continue to shape daily life. Abundant natural springs are found throughout the city, with locals regularly gathering water—clear evidence of how deeply these resources are woven into everyday living.

Restaurants and cafés that highlight local ingredients also reflect Matsumoto’s food culture, nurtured by its pure spring water. Traveling between the highlands and the city enriches the experience of a circular, sustainable journey.

To enjoy a comfortable stay on the highland, it is important to prepare appropriate gear to the season. In April, winter clothing and cold-weather protection are recommended. In May and June, having a light jacket or outerwear is helpful for added warmth. On clear summer days, wearing a breathable long-sleeved UV-protection shirt is ideal for sun protection.

Access by car or rental car is the most convenient option. From Matsumoto Station, it takes about one hour to reach the Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center and around one and a half hours to reach the Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum.

Note: The road from central Matsumoto to Utsukushigahara Highland is typically closed during winter from late November to mid-April. Both the museum and the Nature Conservation Center are also closed during this period, so please plan accordingly.

The areas around the Nature Conservation Center, Ogahana, Ogato, and the museum are not connected by public roads and can only be accessed on foot. From the Nature Conservation Center on the Matsumoto side, it takes approximately 70 to 90 minutes to walk to the museum. Take in the highland breeze as you hike along the undulating trail.

Weather conditions on the plateau can change quickly. To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, be sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions in advance, and bring waterproof gear, rain covers, and warm clothing.

Matsumoto’s nature is not just something to simply “look at,” but something to spend time with. A stay at Utsukushigahara Highland has the power to gently yet profoundly redefine your idea of travel. Rather than consuming the scenery, discover a way of traveling that lets you breathe in rhythm with nature, here in Utsukushigahara.