Breathtaking Nature.
Endless Alpine Adventure.
In a world that rushes to change, the Matsumoto-Takayama region moves at its own pace, just as it has for centuries. Nature and tradition here are woven through the very fabric of every city, town and village. They are not just preserved, they are protected, respected and revered.
Japan’s Matsumoto-Takayama region has played a key role throughout the country’s often turbulent history. Owing to its inland location, the region’s abundant historical landmarks and unmissable sights are well preserved and offer visitors a unique peek into Japan’s fascinating past.
Japan has a long history of highly evolved expression through painting, poetry and plays, as well as folk-art traditions of practical, artisanal beauty. Everywhere you look in Japan, the modern and ancient sit comfortably alongside one another, from centuries-old temples and glass-and-steel skyscrapers to ukiyo-e woodblock prints and manga graphic novels.
Truly experiencing Japan means appreciating the boundless variety of regional and seasonal dishes
that make up traditional Japanese cuisine, or washoku — now recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
From its sulphurous volcanoes to its primeval forests, Japan’s natural wonders have been woven into Japanese culture and traditions for thousands of years. Venturing into these majestic landscapes means immersing yourself in the essence of Japan.
To truly appreciate Japanese hospitality and cuisine, a stay at a traditional ryokan inn is a must.
Ryokan are the epitome of omotenashi, a concept of welcoming and caring for guests with warmth, graciousness and attentiveness.
Various tours and contents around the Kita Alps Traverse Route
At the foot of the Kita Alps, winter is not something to escape, but something to live with. This immersive retreat invites guests into a snowbound satoyama village-NYUKAWA-, where warmth gathers around an irori hearth, forests are walked slowly with local artisans, and meals begin not in the kitchen, but in the frozen fields. Wearing traditional snowshoes, guests harvest daikon beneath the snow, learn how people here have lived in harmony with harsh winters for generations, and transform simple ingredients into nourishing dishes shared by the fire. This is a quiet, grounding experience — a rare opportunity to step out of modern time and rediscover a way of life shaped by stillness, resilience, and respect for nature.
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This is not about pushing limits or chasing adrenaline. It is about letting go and simply enjoying winter. Guided by a local expert, guests explore Norikura’s pristine snow landscapes on snowshoes — walking through untouched forest paths, across a frozen lake, and along quiet trails known only to locals. The light, dry powder makes every step effortless, inviting relaxation and play rather than effort. The journey ends with a warm, casual and local lunch inside a transparent dome, surrounded by snow. It is a joyful, unpretentious winter experience designed to leave guests with one simple feeling: that was genuinely fun.
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Walk the Historic Nomugi Kaidō Trail — Linking Shinano and Hida
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Breathtaking Nature. Endless Alpine Adventure.
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Guided Tour
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Through the forest,we rediscover our inner peace.
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Return to the origins of "manufacturing" together with artisans.
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Experience a serene, private evening in the museum — a rare moment to stand quietly before the art of Yayoi Kusama.
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A pitch-black castle floating in the silence of the night.
Enjoy the symbol of Matsumoto in your own time.
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