Things to do in Azumino

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Kōshin'etsu region

Matsumoto Castle

The predecessor of Matsumoto Castle was Fukashi Castle. At the beginning of the Muromachi period, Ogasawara Sadamune, a retainer of the Ashikaga Takahashi clan, was entrusted with the guardianship of Shinano, and the castle was built. In the 17th year of Tenten (1548), when Takeda Shingen of Kohi defeated Ogasawara Chang of Forest City, this place was used as a base for advancing from Higashi Shinano to Kitashinano. The scale of Shenzhi City gradually expanded. During this period, Kiso Yoshimao, Ogasawara Zhenzhong, Ogasawara Zhenqing, and Ogasawara Hidezheng served as the city lords of Shenzhi City respectively. After the fall of the Takeda clan, Ogasawara Masaki, who inherited his father's land, changed the name of Fukashi Castle to Matsumoto Castle. In the 18th year of Tensho (1590), Toyotomi Hideyoshi destroyed the Hojo clan in Odawara, entered Kanto, and transferred the city to Ishikawa. After that, Toyotomi received a salary of 80,000 stone and began to build a five-story and six-tiered tower. It was not until the era of Kang Chang, the son of Shuzheng, that it was finally completed (that is, the prototype of the existing Songyuan Castle). The Tsukimi and Tatsumi turrets used in the castle were built in the early Edo period. After that, he went through the Ogasawara clan, the Toda Matsudaira clan, the Horita clan, and the Mizuno clan. Matsumoto Castle is a typical flat city. The castles of Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru are roughly square. The tower is set in the southwest of Honmaru, surrounded by the concave Ninomaru lacking the north, and surrounded by the square Sannomaru on the outside.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle Park

Matsumoto Castle Park blends a historic castle, a moat, and a landscape that changes with the seasons. Built in the late 16th century and designated a National Treasure of Japan, the castle boasts a well-preserved main tower and a distinctive black and white exterior. The park encompasses the castle moat and surrounding gardens. In spring, approximately a thousand cherry trees bloom along the moat, creating a breathtaking scene illuminated at night. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn shimmers with red and yellow maple leaves. In winter, swans occasionally swim in the moat, and the distant Northern Alps are often blanketed in a light blanket of snow, creating a unique atmosphere in each season. The park boasts extensive walking trails, accessible approximately 15 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Station, perfect for strolling or taking in panoramic views of the castle and its reflections in the river. The castle's historic neighborhoods, such as Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street, are also within walking distance, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional warehouse architecture and local cuisine.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm was established in 1917, covers an area of approx. 15 hectares, and produces 150 tons of wasabi annually, making it one of the larger wasabi farms in Japan. Attracting over a million visitors each year, it is a well-known tourist attraction in Azumino. It also gained fame after being used as a filming location for director Akira Kurosawa's movie "Dreams". Facilities include a visitor center, the Centennial Memorial Hall, the Water Mill (a filming location for "Dreams"), the Aozora Plaza, and more.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is considered a landmark building in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The museum has 4 floors - 3 above ground and 1 underground. Built in 2002, this modern structure features extensive use of lines and transparent glass, earning it awards for contemporary architectural design. The museum serves as a platform for global art and culture, nurtures creative new art forms, promotes artistic culture among citizens, and contributes to enriching the cultural life of the community.

Yōhashira-jinja Shrine

This attraction is known for its distinctive architecture and beautiful scenery. Its main structure is a red torii gate that stands in front of a spacious courtyard. The torii marks the shrine entrance, signaling the start of the sacred area. In the courtyard there is also an ancient sacred tree said to be several hundred years old. Local residents regard the tree as a sacred symbol and hold celebrations there every year.

Hotaka Shrine

Alps Azumino National Government Park (Horigane, Hotaka)

Former Kaichi School

The school building is a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring white exterior walls paired with a traditional Chinese black hip-and-gable roof. All windows are crafted with 255 pieces of imported handmade glass. The most distinctive features of the building are the octagonal tower house at the central entrance and the genkan (entryway) designed in the karahafu style. Inside, there are 12 exhibition halls showcasing the history of Kaichi School and the architectural heritage of the building. The displays also introduce the histories of two sister schools—the former Kaimon School in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, and the former Iwashina School in Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture—along with a guide on cultural properties.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Hidakochi

Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Cable Car is located in Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is the only double-decker cable car in Japan. It is 3,200 meters long and has a height difference of 1,039 meters, which is also quite large in the world. The cable car is divided into two sections, overlooking the magnificent snow scenery of the Hida Mountains, known as the "Northern Alps". The observation deck on the top of the mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view, making it a great place to enjoy the snow and outdoor activities in winter. In addition, the natural scenery and hot springs near the cable car are also worth a visit.

Matsumoto City Alps Park

Matsumoto City Alps Park is located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Built on a hillside, this city park is a popular spot for locals to relax, stroll, and enjoy nature. The park is situated at a higher elevation and features open green spaces, woods, and walking paths. One of its highlights is the view of the Matsumoto cityscape and the spectacular Japanese Alps in the distance. On clear days, the mountain silhouettes are sharp, and the scenery is expansive, making it perfect for photography and enjoying the natural landscape. The park offers different attractions throughout the four seasons. In spring, you can enjoy seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms. In summer, the lush trees provide shade, making it suitable for walking and outdoor leisure. In the fall, the leaves change color, creating richer forest views. In winter, when the weather is clear, you have the chance to see the snow-capped Alps. The park is spacious, making it suitable for family trips and a great stop for a short leisure break in Matsumoto. If you don't want to spend your entire trip in Matsumoto visiting temples, historic buildings, or shopping streets, this is a great alternative. You can take a slow walk along the park paths, look out over the city and mountains from the high vantage points, and enjoy a relatively quiet natural environment. For travelers who enjoy photography, taking in the views, and relaxing outdoor activities, this place is definitely worth setting aside some time for.