Nagano Prefecture Course 2 Day 2 | Information

Ukiyo-e and contemporary art.
An overwhelmingly Instagrammable world where ancient and modern art intersect

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day4

Only one hour by plane from Kobe Airport, near Central Osaka and you'll arrive at Matsumoto, the gateway to Nagano, one of Japan's leading art centers. Iconic building such as Matsumoto Castle that houses the collections of the warlords, and is a designated National Treasure; the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, exhibiting works by world-famous artist Yayoi Kusama (from Nagano) and the Migahara Kogen Museum of Art exhibiting about 350 works of art, situated on a plateau overlooking magnificent mountain scenery, all greet the art lover. Why not spend your time exclusively in Nagano, an important center of creativity, while enjoying the scenic drive between these noted art bases. The lush mountain scenery and delicious gastonomy of the region will enhance your experience.

Matsumoto Castle / Nawate Street /
Stroll around Nakamachi Street
Hikariya Higashi
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
*Under renovation until April 2022
Venus Line
Yamabe Winery /
Farmers Garden
The Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum
Superb view hiking and art walk
Utsukushigahara Plateau Hiking
Ougatou Hotel

DAY2 START!!

Matsumoto Castle / Nawate Street / Walk around Nakamachi Dori

Stroll through Matsumoto Castle and the castle town that stretches north and south, filled with fascinating sights.

Spot information See other spots

3 minutes by Car

Hikariya Higashi

Experience the finest farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on healthy Shinshu ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to local production and onsumption.

Spot information See other spots

3 minutes by Car

Appreciation of Matsumoto City Museum of Art
* Under renovation until April 2022

The museum primarily houses and exhibits works by Yayoi Kusama, a world-renowned artist from Matsumoto.

Spot information

69minutes by car

Venus Line

Embark on a scenic drive through breathtaking flower-filled landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the highlands.

Spot information

At Venus Line
Spots to enjoy♪

Yamabe Winery / Farmers Garden

Enjoy Yamabe Red, Yamabe White, and Yamabe Rosé— find your favorite local wine.
Spot information
The Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum
Superb view hiking and art walk

A vast open-air sculpture museum spanning 40,000 tsubo (132,331 sqm), offering large-scale outdoor exhibitions.
Spot information
Utsukushigahara Plateau Hiking

Take the shuttle bus of "Ougatou Hotel" where you will stay on the day. Check in to the hotel first. Slowly hike in the vast ranch landscape (about 1.5h). At Ougatou, the highest peak in Utsukushigahara, a 360-degree panorama spreads out. From Ogana, you can enjoy the view of Matsumotodaira and the spectacular Northern Alps.
Spot information