Explore popular sightseeing spots in Nagano by car! 1 night 2 days model course

After Hokkaido, Iwate and Fukushima Nagano boasts the fourth largest area in Japan .
leave the castle tower magnificent castle and exhibitions by popular artists museum Such, Full of attractive sightseeing spots is!

this time a vast Nagano Among the popular sightseeing spots scattered in Matsumoto & Azumino area pick up.
A special feature on a model course that goes around by car for 2 days and 1 night To do!

Enjoy Nagano's great nature Activity/Experience or, Local gourmet , One-day hot spring spot also introduced.
Please use it as a reference for your Nagano trip along with the model course!

Nagano sightseeing 1 night 2 days model course map

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course Day 1: Morning to Noon

On the morning of the first day of my trip to Nagano, Nagano ・ Matsumoto Arrival in! Let's go sightseeing right away!

There are only two castles in Japan with a five-storied castle tower. Matsumoto Castle , Known as one of Nagano's leading power spots " Yohashira Shrine "etc.

Even in the Matsumoto area alone, Multiple must-see attractions Yes, we have it!

Matsumoto Castle

Tokyo from About 2 hours and 40 minutes by car . It is a popular sightseeing spot located in the city of Matsumoto!

majestic A Japanese castle with a five-storied keep teeth, Only two, Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle .
The outer walls of the keep are painted white on the upper part and black on the lower part, and the contrast of different colors creates a unique beauty.
Designated as a national treasure The beauty and scale of the figure is overwhelming just by looking at it.

Once upon a time, Matsumoto Castle was one of the many castles in the Matsumoto basin. Fukashi Castle is said to have been its predecessor.
Built in the Muromachi period, Fukashi Castle changed owners one after another due to the turmoil of the Warring States period, and has survived several fires and repairs since the Edo period.

You can tour the inside of Matsumoto Castle. , as if you were in a period drama You can experience the architecture and interior of the time up close .
Outside the castle tower that can be seen from time to time, Stunning views of the castle town of Matsumoto and the Northern Alps is spreading!

The time required for viewing is about 60 minutes .
As you continue to go up and down steep stairs, when you visit Easy-to-move clothes recommended To do.

Yohashira Shrine

About 5 minutes by car from Matsumoto Castle It is a shrine in the city area of . Founded in 187 (Meiji 12), Over 100 years of history there is.
The company name is read as "Yohashira Shrine".

The main enshrined deity is the first god to appear in Japanese mythology. Amenominakanushi no Kami ", the origin of the creation of the universe " Takamimusubi no Kami/Kamimusubi no Kami , Known as the chief god of Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Omikami ", which is the origin of the company name.

Both are gods of high virtue, A shrine that enshrines four pillars at the same time is rare It has been with.
By worshiping multiple gods Benefits overlap and all wishes come true " God of wishes and musubi ” Also called

Exactly Matsumoto's leading power spot .
In the precincts, Two pine trees connected from the root " matchmaking pine ” is planted.
When you visit Yohashira Shrine, be sure to get some power here as well.

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course: Day 1 Enjoy local gourmet lunch

After visiting sightseeing spots, it is noon.

Speaking of Nagano's local gourmet, " Shinshu soba ” is.
" Birthplace of soba cutting is said to be Nagano There are many famous shops in the area!

From here Two carefully selected soba restaurants near Matsumoto Castle and Yohashira Shrine and introduced.
Let's enjoy the authentic taste that can only be tasted in Nagano!

Sanjiro

5 minutes by car from Yohashira Shrine About. Extends from Matsumoto Castle Along Daimyocho Street This is a soba restaurant in
The store name is read as "Sanjiro".

The appearance is simple Japanese style, A sign with the store name written on it is.
Zaru soba only on the menu . It has a thick and firm texture.

Appetizer, aperitif (can be changed to tea or water), soba, pickles are provided in order.
The person in charge of driving asks you to change to green tea or water when ordering. Let me tell you.

If the store is not crowded, you can enter without a reservation, but basically Recommend to book in advance To do.

Soba Club Sasaki

Same as "Miki" About 5 minutes by car from Yohashira Shrine . There is nostalgic atmosphere Midoricho Street This is a soba restaurant in

The inside of the store is unified with wooden tables and counters, and antique-style interior.
Opera also flows in BGM, Atmosphere like a coffee shop is floating

The shop recommends Three types of soba: mori soba, grated yam soba, and duck dipping soba .
As a way to enjoy the original taste of soba, We also recommend dipping the soba in rock salt as a condiment. is.

Because of its popularity, it is easy to line up, Recommend booking in advance if possible To do.

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course: Day 1, Noon to Evening

The time is early afternoon.

After filling your stomach with Shinshu soba, continue Let's visit sightseeing spots in the Matsumoto area .

The " Matsumoto City Museum of Art , with a beautiful Japanese garden and a row of Himalayan cedar trees. Agata Forest Park "Such, Choose a spot where you can relax and enjoy sightseeing Did.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

About 5 minutes by car from "Miki" and "Soba Club Sasaki" . Along the main street extending from JR Matsumoto Station It is a museum in
The 4 pillars of "a place for appreciation, a place for expression, a place for learning, and a place for interaction" to

A major feature of the exhibits is the Permanent exhibition " Yayoi Kusama The Place of the Soul ” is.

Yayoi Kusama is a world-famous artist from Matsumoto City. .
He has built up his career without a specific teacher and has produced various avant-garde works of art.
A style that uses a lot of polka dots is widely recognized not only for its works, but also for collaborations with global fashion brands.

At the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, You can appreciate the works of Yayoi Kusama at any time. .
In addition to the permanent exhibition, There are many spots with polka dots on objects and interiors I have.
Enjoy the world of polka dots that can only be experienced at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art!

at the planned exhibition Works by artists other than Yayoi Kusama are also featured I have.
If you are interested, please check before visiting.

Agata Forest Park

5 minutes by car from Matsumoto City Museum of Art About. The end of the main street extending from JR Matsumoto Station It is a park in
Planted in 1919 (Taisho 8), A row of beautiful Himalayan cedar trees can see

In the park, it was built from 1920 (Taisho 9) to 1922 (Taisho 11), and in 2007 (Heisei 19) Designated as a national important cultural property was done The main building and auditorium of former Matsumoto High School is left.
The building itself is Agata no Mori Cultural Center is still used today as Part is used as a library, and part is used as a venue for civic club activities and events. It is also Sometimes set in the era of the time used in filming dramas Also.

You can visit the inside for free. . A Western-style wooden building that retains the vestiges of the Daijo era You can look around.
In addition to the Cultural Center, in the center of the park Koi pond and Japanese garden Installed by It has been.
You can spend a relaxing time in the city.

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course: Day 1 Evening to Night: Savor Nagano's Local Cuisine

After enjoying sightseeing in Matsumoto in the afternoon, we are waiting for you. Dinner time is.

From here Nagano Two shops where you can enjoy local gourmet I'd like to introduce!

After enjoying Nagano gourmet, let's stay overnight at a hotel or inn in Matsumoto city to prepare for the next day.

Usagiya

About 5 minutes by car from Agata no Mori Park . Izakaya near JR Matsumoto Station is.
The store name is read as "Usagiya".

Due to in-store capacity, Up to 4 people can sit at one table is.
If you are visiting with a group of four or more, make a reservation in advance or call to check how crowded the restaurant is.

on the menu Cuisine with locally sourced ingredients are available.
Tempura with seasonal wild vegetables or horsemeat sashimi , Shinshu salmon Such, High-quality Nagano vegetables, meat, and fish You can do it!

like an izakaya Extensive line-up of sake .
Shinshu local sake Of course, local beer and Have fun!

Furin volcano

About 5 minutes by car from Agata no Mori Park About. Same as "Uya" Shop near JR Matsumoto Station is.

So-called "popular izakaya" loved by locals .
If you sit at the counter seats, you can enjoy your meal while watching the food being prepared.

The recommended menu is " Assorted horsemeat sashimi "or" Bandit-yaki "" lamb steak ” such as Specialties of Shinshu is.
another, Teppanyaki, robatayaki, reasonable menu of 250-350 yen like a public izakaya The options are endless.

Let's enjoy Shinshu gourmet only here!

Ranking of popular activities and experiences around Matsumoto

From here Introducing popular activities and experience plans around Matsumoto in a ranking To do.

Around Matsumoto Castle "Armor experience (for children/adults)" where you can wear armor and stroll around is recommended.
Not to mention Matsumoto Castle, you can walk around the town where the atmosphere of the castle town remains like a samurai.
There is also a photo booth in the changing shop. You can leave a photo of a completely different memory.

Yukata, kimono, and hakama rental plan Also, you can stroll around the Matsumoto area in Japanese attire, just like wearing armor.
Children's plan to dress up as a ninja is also popular So be sure to check it out if you are traveling with children.

Yukata, kimono, and hakama rental plans vary in price depending on the length of time they can be rented.
Possible to return the next day at the longest So, please check the schedule and choose a plan.

In addition, in an environment surrounded by nature at an altitude of 1,200m, you can stay cool and empty-handed even in the summer. BBQ "Barbecue empty-handed" where you can enjoy a snow-covered forest snowshoe "Forest exploration tour" etc.
Feeling the seasons Activities that allow you to fully enjoy Nagano's great nature are also recommended. is.

If you want to experience seasonal plans, adjust the timing of your trip!

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course Day 2: Morning to Noon

Morning to noon on the second day of Nagano trip!

the stage of the trip Matsumoto from Azumino move to .
Beautiful Northern Alps mountains and rural scenery And so on, the scenery that makes you feel nostalgic is spreading.

After arriving at Azumino, Wasabi, a local specialty A sightseeing spot where you can enjoy Daio Wasabi Farm ” What.
There are also stylish cafes and restaurants, so let's enjoy lunch together!

Daio Wasabi Farm

About 30 minutes by car from Matsumoto . A tourist facility with cafes and shops attached to a wasabi farm along the Azumino Wasabi Highway is.

The farm started in 1915 (Taisho 4), and already Over 100 years of history there is.
Inside the facility raw wasabi Of course, " wasabi salt "or" Wasabi pickles such as Souvenirs unique to Azumino you can buy
Has a strong wasabi taste We also recommend the eccentric specialty sweets "Wasabi soft serve ice cream" is!

Three restaurants with different tastes Also recommended point is.
Eat grated wasabi on top of rice. real wasabi rice is a famous Japanese-style restaurant " Spring water rice pot Daioan ”.
Seasonal vegetables and Western-style grilled dishes with wasabi You can eat together " Restaurant OASIS ”.
Cold brew coffee using spring water and lemon squash A cafe where you can enjoy DAIO's CAFE "etc.
Choose a restaurant that has something you want to eat or drink, and have lunch in preparation for sightseeing in the afternoon!

Nagano Sightseeing Model Course Day 2: Noon to Evening

After enjoying Azumino gourmet food at Daio Wasabi Farm, Visit the surrounding tourist attractions .

Azumino's popular power spot " Hotaka Shrine ", where you can appreciate the works of Chihiro Iwasaki, a picture book artist who was active after the war " Azumino Chihiro Art Museum "Such.

Not only wasabi Azumino for Full of attractive sightseeing spots is!

Hotaka Shrine

10 minutes by car from Daio Wasabi Farm About. Shrine near JR Hotaka Station is.

Mr. Azumi, who moved from Kitakyushu to Azumino, was involved in the founding.
A god related to ancestors after immigration " Hotakami no Mikoto is said to have been enshrined.

Financial luck, traffic safety, health luck There are various benefits such as Also known as A popular power spot in Azumino is.

Also in the precincts The only Dosojin made of stainless steel in Japan is enshrined.
Rust-free stainless steel Wishes for healthy longevity It seems that it is included.
When you stroke the clasped hands of the two Dosojin, marital harmony and matchmaking have the benefit of It is also said!
Don't forget to visit this shrine together with the main shrine!

Azumino Chihiro Art Museum

30 minutes by car from Hotaka Shrine About. Flowing through northern Azumino The world's first picture book museum, located along the Chigawa River is.

Chihiro Iwasaki was a picture book artist active after the war.
A gentle touch watercolor work depicting a child left a lot of

Azumino is also known as the land where Chihiro Iwasaki's parents moved to as pioneer farmers after the war.
She herself grew up in Tokyo, but after getting married and giving birth, she decided to leave her child with her parents. Azumino, which she has visited many times, is a place that has a deep connection with her. That's it.

In addition to works by Chihiro Iwasaki, Exhibition of works by various picture book artists from all over the world It has been.
Limited time exhibition It will also be held, so let's check in advance what kind of works you can see.

If you want to take a breather, You can take a break while looking at the Northern Alps. picture book cafe ” is recommended.
Coffee, apple juice from Shinshu, sweets from a long-established Japanese sweets shop in Matsumoto You can enjoy

Ranking of popular activities and experiences around Azumino

Around Azumino teeth water activity plan rich in is.

Recommended spots are Nishina Sanko, the pride of Nagano of the Lake Kizaki When Lake Aoki !
In two lakes with high transparency, in a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains SUP experience is possible.

At Lake Aoki, you can experience " Night SUP tour There is also a plan of You can also see fireflies in the summer I can do it.
If you want to experience the mysterious scenery on the lake, please check it out.

In addition to SUP at Lake Kizaki Canoe/kayak experience Can So choose your plan!

Enjoyable for adults and children motor sports Also recommended.
For kids "Go-Kart Junior School" where you can try from 4 years old and "Two-seater rental cart" where you can ride with adults and other plans.
For adults, go-kart All-you-can-ride plan for a faster "single-seater rental cart" is popular.

There are also 1-round (about 7 minutes at a time) and 4-round plans for the rental cart experience.
It's good to have fun, but if you want to enjoy it between trips, consider the time you can stay and choose a plan.

Besides the activity Manufacturing experience plan Also fulfilling.
At the Daio Wasabi Farm, laser engraving ” can be experienced.
Use a laser to engrave your own pictures onto tote bags, coasters, wall hangings, etc. You can

"Experience making chopsticks with planes" where you can make your own chopsticks by carving wood using planes is also recommended.
The chopsticks you made yourself will be painted by a craftsman and sent to your home at a later date!

The activities and experiences introduced so far are just a few is.
Please check the plan you are interested in while referring to the ranking!

Relax at Hotaka Onsen after sightseeing in Azumino

The fun Nagano trip is finally coming to an end.

Before heading home Hot spring at the end of the trip let's finish with .

Azumino for, You can enjoy hot water drawn from "Nakabusa Onsen", a secluded hot spring located at Mt. Tsubakuro in the Hida Mountains. Hotaka Hot Spring Village ” exists.

From here Day-trip hot springs and footbaths in Hotaka Onsenkyo Pick up facilities that you can stop by on your way home.
Don't take the tiredness of your trip home with you.

Hachimen Daio Footbath

A footbath facility in Hotaka Onsen Rhododendron Park is.
unique name is Derived from Azumino's folktale "Hachimen Daio Densetsu" To do.

Hachimen Daio is said to have once tormented the people living in the Azumino area (there are various theories, such as the theory that he is a good man).
Later, he was killed by Seii Taishogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who was on his way to the east.

On the pillar in the center of the footbath, Eight face monuments are installed as the name of Hachimen Daio It has been.
What is the usage fee free . Free bathing between 10:00 and 20:00 I can do it.

Also, in the immediate vicinity A farmer's market where you can purchase Azumino's agricultural products and souvenirs Vif Hodaka ” there is.
Let's look for items that can only be purchased here while taking a bath!

Shohaku

Along the road one turn away from the so-called "Shakunage Line" (Prefectural Route 308) that passes through Hotaka Onsen A hot spring inn surrounded by pine forests.
700 yen for day trip bath and reasonable available at a reasonable price.

the hot water Free-flowing hot spring and, The spring quality is Hot water for beautiful skin Weakly alkaline, popular as is.
Inside the hot spring Not only the bathtub but also the floor is made of cypress is made using
The warm atmosphere created by wood grain and the scent of cypress You can relax and enjoy the hot spring while being surrounded by

Garden outside the bathroom window and grows wild from spring to summer mountain azalea and in winter snow scene you can see
If the timing is right, you can enjoy both the cypress trees and the seasonal scenery.

Fujio Sanso

Along Prefectural Route 25 It is a hot spring inn with a rustic appearance.
A unique history that originally opened as a soba restaurant and later doubled as a hot spring inn I have.

Hot springs of course Free-flowing hot spring . Stones are stacked around the tiled bathtub.
in the center lantern With a somewhat mysterious appearance that lights up, Although it is a hot spring in the city, it is reminiscent of a secret hot spring. .

Perfect for those who like maniac hot springs and retro hot springs It's a facility!
Also popular as a dining room We also recommend enjoying delicious food while bathing.

Let's go around Nagano sightseeing on a model course for 2 days and 1 night

This time Nagano ・ Matsumoto & Azumino 1 night 2 days model course introduced.

In Matsumoto & Azumino History/Art/Gourmet/Onsen You can easily visit various sightseeing spots such as

Due to the abundance of nature, There are plenty of activities and experience plans that you can't usually experience is!

By all means, please refer to the model course we introduced and enjoy your trip to Matsumoto and Azumino, the tourist destinations that Shinshu boasts!

*Information such as plans, fees, and introduced facilities is current as of October 2022.

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