Utsukushigahara Highland: A Panoramic Paradise
Experience breathtaking 360° views, art, and alpine beauty at Utsukushigahara Highland, one of Japan's highest and most scenic plateaus.
Utsukushigahara Highland, meaning 'beautiful highland,' is a stunning plateau on the eastern edge of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Japan Alps and surrounding landscapes, with diverse hiking trails and the unique Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum.
A brief summary to Utsukushigahara Highland
- Takeshikamihoniri, Ueda, Takeshikamihoniri, Nagano, JP
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, as conditions on the highland can change rapidly.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on varied terrain.
- Bring a windbreaker, as winds can be strong even in summer.
- Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including a possible glimpse of Mount Fuji.
- Be aware that the Venus Line, which provides access to the highlands, is closed during the winter months (November to April).
Getting There
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Driving
The most convenient way to access Utsukushigahara Highland is by car. From Matsumoto, take Route 158 towards Ueda, then turn onto Route 254 (Matsumoto Tunnel Toll Road). Follow signs for Lake Utsuzu, then turn onto the Utsukushigahara Skyline (Utsukushigahara Forest Road). Parking is available at various locations, including the Utsukushigahara Kogen Parking near the Nature Conservation Center, which is free. Note that the Utsukushigahara Highland Highway is closed from late November to late April. The Matsumoto Tunnel Toll Road costs around ¥620 for a regular car.
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Public Transport
During the summer (early August to mid-August), a round trip bus service is available once a day from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal in front of Matsumoto Station, taking about one hour and 40 minutes to the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum. Check the Alpico Kotsu bus schedule for the Utsukushigahara Open-air Museum Line. In other seasons, access by public transport is limited, and a combination of bus and taxi may be required. A one-way bus fare from Matsumoto Station to the Utsukushigahara Shizenhogo Center (Nature Conservation Center) costs approximately ¥1,000. A taxi from Matsumoto to Utsukushigahara could cost around ¥13,000 or more.
Discover more about Utsukushigahara Highland
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kanayamajinja Matsuo Shrine Sanjuyonmassha
13.2 km
Experience the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kanayamajinja Matsuo Shrine Sanjuyonmassha in Matsumoto, Nagano - a tranquil retreat for every traveler.
Welcome Matsumoto
25.3 km
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Kawanakajima Old Battlefield
41.4 km
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Kamikōchi
43.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Kamikōchi, a picturesque valley in the Japanese Alps, perfect for hiking, photography, and nature exploration.
Site of Yato Castle
47.2 km
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The Prince Karuizawa
47.8 km
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Daihongan, Zenkōji Temple
48.8 km
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Niōmon Gate, Zenkōji Temple
48.8 km
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Zenkōji Honbō Daikanjin
49.0 km
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Zenkōji Main Hall
49.2 km
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Zenkōji temple
49.2 km
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Chubu-Sangaku National Park
51.4 km
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Megane Bridge (Usui No. 3 Bridge)
53.9 km
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Yamamura Daikan Yashiki Museum
56.0 km
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Yokokawa Station
56.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mt. Fuji
10.5 km
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Former Yamabe Elementary School (Local History and Folklore Museum)
10.6 km
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Hoshikuzuno Satotakayama Kokuyoseki Taiken Museum
11.0 km
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Katsura Shigehide Museum
11.0 km
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Matsumoto City Archaeological Museum
11.2 km
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Matsumoto Mingeikan Folk Art Museum
11.5 km
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Old System High School Memorial Hall
12.4 km
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Matsumoto City Museum of Art
13.0 km
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Fukashijinjahaiden
13.2 km
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Fukashi-jinja Shrine
13.2 km
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Nakamachi Shopping Street Promotion Association
13.4 km
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Yasuka Museum
13.5 km
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Yohashira-jinja Shrine
13.5 km
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Matsumotojō Taikomon Gate
13.5 km
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Nawate Shopping Street
13.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Doon Shokudo Indoyama
13.1 km
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the Source
13.3 km
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Nagato bokujō farm
15.2 km
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GojiGoji sobockle
19.7 km
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Restaurant Sanza
19.8 km
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Kusabue Ueda Shop
23.1 km
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Asashinatei
25.8 km
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KAI
29.5 km
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Shima Sushi
32.9 km
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Thomas
35.8 km
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Katsura
38.7 km
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Showaken
38.8 km
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Wachigai
39.2 km
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Restaurant kura
39.7 km
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Dining Iwanaan
43.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
MORINO NAKA STORE/森の中ストア
13.3 km
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Book Off Okaya Wakamiya
18.5 km
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Musashi Home Improvement
20.4 km
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Maraika Aishititen
20.9 km
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BOOKOFF
23.9 km
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Ogino Chino
24.8 km
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BOOKOFF Saku Nakagomi
32.3 km
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MIDORI Nagano
47.2 km
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Hands Nagano Store
47.2 km
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XUÂN SHOP VIỆT NHẬT
47.4 km
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Nagano Tokyu Department Store
47.4 km
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Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
48.0 km
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Maraika OUTLET Karuizawaten
48.5 km
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ヨイト | yoito
48.5 km
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Studio Ghibli Gift Shop
48.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
SIDECAR（サイドカー）
13.3 km
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Old Rock
13.6 km
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Mahorobi
13.9 km
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ＳｉｎｋＯｒＳｗｉｍ１８
14.0 km
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Bar Zizz
29.5 km
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bar ORKINY
39.2 km
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Bar Horn
44.2 km
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Bar Mountain Box Norikura
46.6 km
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helmsdale karuizawa
47.2 km
Experience the finest fish and chips in Karuizawa at Helmsdale, a perfect blend of casual dining and gastropub charm.
BA BAR
47.4 km
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BAR 599
47.5 km
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The Red Dragon
47.6 km
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Bar Moet (バー モエ)
47.7 km
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BAR ROCK BREEZE（バー・ロック・ブリーズ）
48.0 km
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Bird
48.3 km
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