Utsukushigahara Highlands
A fantastic scenic spot known as the “observatory of the Alps,” 2,000 meters high
The Utsukushigahara Highlands are one of Japan’s widest plateaus, visible from the front of Matsumoto Station. The pastoral scenery, lying at an elevation of 2,000 meters, is well-known as one of the One Hundred Mountains of Japan.
In summer, free-roaming cows leisurely eat the grass and charming flowers sway in the breeze. From Ogato, the highest peak (2,034 meters), you can look out over an extensive panorama of not just the northern Alps, but also Mount Asama, the mountains of the southern Alps, and even Mount Fuji. If conditions are good, you may be able to look up at the magnificent form of Mount Fuji—this landscape is certainly worthy of the name “observatory of the Alps.”
You can enjoy these highlands at different levels, from strolling along a walking path to full-fledged trekking. The Utsukushigahara Long Trail, which stretches a total of approximately 45 kilometers and was established in 2012, offers a diverse route that connects the mountain peaks. The symbol of the highlands, the Tower of Beauty (Utsukushi no To), is a spot visited by large numbers of people paying their respects.
Make sure you experience the highland beauty of the majestic mountains and the blooming flowers for yourself.
Information
- Address
- Irimabetsu Matsumoto City
- Access (Car)
- Approximately 75 minutes from Matsumoto IC
- Access (Public Transportation)
- From Matsumoto Station Alps Exit, take the direct bus to Utsukushigahara Highlands (reservation required) and get off at Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center. Travel time: approx. 75 minutes (summer season only).
*Note: Business hours and closures are subject to change.
