The magnificent mountains of Matsumoto grow, and the water that flows into the city as a river moistens people's lives in many ways.
We will introduce you to a model course for 2 nights and 3 days where you can enjoy Matsumoto's "water" with your five senses.
| Day 1 | Stay overnight in Norikura. Healed by nature and hot springs |
| Day 2 | Enjoy activities in Norikura |
| Day 3 | Visit Matsumoto Castle Town for spring water tours and cultural experiences |
Stay overnight in Norikura. Healed by nature and hot springs
Upon arrival at Matsumoto Station, take the Matsumoto Dentetsu/ Kamikochi Line and a local bus to Norikura Highlands.
From the windows of the train and bus, you can enjoy the unique Japanese countryside scenery.
Matsumoto Station ⇒ Shin-shimashima Station (Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line)
Shin-shimashima Station ⇒ Norikura Sightseeing Center (Alpico Kotsu Bus)
Get off at the "Midono Dam" bus stop and stop at "Michi no Eki: Fuketsu-no-sato."
Fuketsu has long supported local life as a "natural refrigerator" and is still used by local sake breweries for storing sake and other products.
The local delicacy "Sanzoku-yaki" is also recommended.
A short walk from the bus stop "Midono Dam" of Alpico Kotsu
(By car) 30 minutes from Matsumoto I.C. / 50 minutes from Matsumoto Station
We have arrived at Norikura Highlands, where we will be staying for the day. This area, which is also designated as a national park, is attractive for its rich nature that changes from season to season.
You can relax and unwind from your daily stress at a hot spring hotel where you can enjoy the natural hot spring of "Norikura Onsen," a cloudy, nigori-tinged hot spring.
Click here for information on lodging in Norikura [external link] ( Japanese edition, English version )
Accommodation information this ( Japanese edition, English version )
Enjoy activities in Norikura
Norikura offers a wide variety of activities according to the season and your preferences. Feel Norikura's nature with your whole body.
Mountain bike tours of the Norikura Highlands area, including “Ichinose Enchi,” with its attractive grassland scenery. Riding through creeks while feeling the natural splash is exhilarating.
Trekking in the Norikura Highlands with a local guide. You will discover many things while listening to the guide's stories about the local flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the local people.
The lunch you eat while feeling the spray from the waterfalls is exceptional.
Mt. Norikura, which can be reached by bus to an elevation of 2,700 meters, can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced climbers alike.
A mountain guide will lead you on a route known only to those in the know, so you can fully enjoy the magnificent scenery of Mt. Norikura.
Norikura Highlands also offers other activities such as water activities in summer and snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
After finishing your activities in Norikura, return to Matsumoto City Center to for overnight stay. At night, enjoy Matsumoto's bar culture. In spring, the city is illuminated by cherry blossoms, and in winter, Matsumoto Castle is illuminated.
Click here for information on accommodations in Matsumoto City Center [external link] ( Japanese edition, English version）
Visit Matsumoto Castle Town for spring water tours and cultural experiences
Take a walk around Matsumoto City, which retains the history and culture of the castle town.
You can feel the close connection between the city and water, with wells and spring water spots all over the street. Let's take a walk with your own bottle.
We will visit Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure loved by the locals as a symbol of the city. The black and white castle tower makes a beautiful contrast with the majestic Northern Alps in the background, and the reflection in the moat, which is fed by spring water, is fantastic.
The many weapons and documents kept in the castle tell the history of the times when warriors and ninjas were active.
Visit Matsumoto Castle Town for spring water tours and cultural experiences
Hyoro-gan was a type of candy made for the ninja, and was revived in the modern age based on old documents kept at Matsumoto Castle. Let's make Hyoro-gan at a long-established candy store that has been in business since the Edo period, and feel the history of the castle town.
Soba noodles made using Matsumoto's rich water are characterized by strong strainer and high aroma, and are highly recommended as lunch in the city.