Located in central Nagano Prefecture, the city of Matsumoto is a place where history and art exist in elegant harmony. A journey that takes you to two iconic yet contrasting destinations—the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum—offers a rich experience that transcends time and space. In this 2-day, 1-night trip, you’ll find a perfect balance between city and nature, beauty and stillness—leaving space in your heart to breathe.
Begin your journey with a 15-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Castle, whose striking contrast of black and white is a symbol of samurai-era architecture. One of the few remaining original castles from Japan’s Warring States period, it stands as a timeless icon of elegance and strength. Reflected in the surrounding moat, its image resembles a painting—especially in the quiet morning light when serenity and dignity become most vivid. Inside, steep stairways, the scent of old wood, and the unchanged structure offer a rare sense of time’s depth, often lost in modern life.
Around the castle lies the charm of a preserved castle town. Streets like Nawate-dori and Nakamachi-dori feature beautifully restored kura-style buildings housing cafés, craft shops, and local artisans. Here, you can immerse yourself in Shinshu culture through lacquerware, woodworking, and of course, the taste of Shinshu soba. Exploring these streets is not just sightseeing—it’s a way to connect with the cultural heart of Matsumoto.
On the second morning, take a scenic drive to Utsukushigahara Highlands, situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Though it’s about 90 minutes from downtown Matsumoto by car, the journey climbs steadily through mountain roads, gradually opening up into sweeping views of sky and grassland. Your destination is the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, an expansive outdoor gallery featuring around 350 modern sculptures. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains, the artwork merges with the landscape, blurring the line between nature and art in a deeply immersive experience.
Wandering through open meadows as you encounter each piece feels less like visiting a museum and more like becoming part of a living landscape. The mood of the exhibit shifts with the time of day and weather, revealing something new with each visit. Simply pausing to admire the contrast between sculpture and sky evokes a profound sense of release—a moment where deep breaths come naturally.
On your return drive, enjoy the fresh air of the highlands and stop at roadside stations along the way to pick up local dairy products and highland vegetables. The area’s soft-serve ice cream and yogurt are popular on-the-spot treats. If time allows, consider closing your trip with a soak in one of Matsumoto’s nearby hot springs, such as Asama Onsen or Utsukushigahara Onsen—a perfect conclusion to a well-rounded journey.
This itinerary weaves together “inner time” through history and “open space” through the highlands. Reflect quietly on the past at Matsumoto Castle, then let your spirit relax in the wind-swept art landscapes of Utsukushigahara. It’s a journey that goes beyond sightseeing—leaving a lasting resonance in both heart and mind.