Enjoy a Drive to a Sky-High Art Museum Along with Kamikochi!

Have you ever considered taking scenic drives with a rental car in Japan?

Kamikochi in Matsumoto, Shinshu is a special destination beloved not only by hiking enthusiasts but also by nature-loving tourists. Make your Kamikochi journey even more unforgettable with this extra stop!

Right next to Matsumoto City, where Kamikochi is located, lies the charming area of Ueda City. Between Matsumoto and Ueda stretches the natural wonder of Utsukushigahara Highland at an elevation of 2,000 meters. This highland is often referred to as the "Sky-High Drive" and "Sky-High Art Museum."

This route is filled with historical romance, connecting two famous castles: Ueda Castle, the fortress of the legendary Sengoku warlord Sanada Yukimura, and the beautiful black-painted National Treasure that is Matsumoto Castle. Embarking on this luxurious route not only showcases the region's breathtaking nature and art, but also Japan's historical culture.

Ueda Castle and Castle Town Exploration

Upon arriving at Ueda Station (accessible by Shinkansen) in Nagano Prefecture, explore the historic sites related to the Sengoku warrior, Sanada Yukimura. The station displays armor of the Sanada clan, and you can enjoy stone-paved alleys and traditional wooden architecture along the walkable "Yanagimachi Street."

In the afternoon, visit Ueda Castle. The spacious park features reconstructed turrets and gates, and on clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views of distant mountains and Ueda's townscape. The tourism association and product center right next to the castle offers plenty of Shinshu specialties and Sanada goods.

Don't forget to try Ueda's soul food, "Oishidare Yakitori" (literally translated as delicious sauce grilled chicken). The soy sauce-based sauce with grated garlic is absolutely addictive.

Experience Japanese Hot Spring Culture at Bessho Onsen

Pick up your pre-reserved rental car near Ueda Station. Various rental car companies operate near Ueda Station, with some offering foreign language websites and one-way rental options.

With the one-way rental service, you can return the car directly at Matsumoto Station at the end of your trip, making it very convenient for travelers who want to use their time efficiently. Drive about 30 minutes from Ueda city center to Bessho Onsen. We recommend stopping by the charming retro Bessho Onsen Station along the way.

In the hot spring town, narrow stone-paved streets are lined with hot spring manju (sweet bun) shops and souvenir stores, while dignified temples and shrines like "Kitamuki Kannon" and "Anrakuji" are scattered throughout the inner part of the town.

At Bessho Onsen accommodations, enjoy kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal Shinshu ingredients and relax in the gentle hot springs, also known as "beauty baths," to heal your fatigue.

Sky-High Drive Route

After departing from Bessho Onsen, we recommend first stopping at Ikushima Tarushima Shrine.

This shrine is a renowned power spot with a particularly prestigious and long history amongst Nagano's shrines. The vermillion torii gate and main hall are very vibrant, making it a perfect "Instagram-worthy" spot. Taking commemorative photos at the shrine entrance and taking a quiet moment to pray at the main hall is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

After making a prayer, continue driving to obtain the latest highland area information at the "Takeshi Tourism Center." From here, drive up the mountain road to reach Utsukushigahara Highland at its 2,000+ meters high elevation. Along the way, incredible panoramic views begin to unfold from your car windows, with clear views extending to the snow-capped peaks of the distant Northern Japan Alps.

Combined with the spectacular Alpine scenery and the refreshing highland breeze, driving through the highland feels as if you're in a dream. Every angle offers spectacular views with numerous photo opportunities.

Art Experience at the Sky-High Art Museum

The "Utsukushigahara Highland Open-Air Museum" and "Sky-High Art Museum" are located at an elevation of 2,000 meters high, with art installations scattered all across an outdoor space. The sculptures, mounted all across the Japanese green grasslands, are great for pictures!
Museum admission is 1,000 yen.

Utsukushi Tower and the Road to Matsumoto

"Utsukushi Tower" is a symbolic presence of the highland. Surrounded by pastures and windmills, you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views. Under the open sky where clouds drift by, this quiet place is filled only with the sounds of the wind and birds.

After fully enjoying Utsukushigahara, head toward "Tobira Pass" and continue to Matsumoto. As you descend the mountain, the greenery gradually becomes more intense, allowing you to enjoy climate changes due to elevation.

Upon arriving in Matsumoto City, visit the National Treasure "Matsumoto Castle." Matsumoto Castle is an existing castle keep, also known as Japan's oldest five-story, six-floor castle. Its appearance with the Northern Japan Alps mountains as a backdrop is perfect for photography. You can also enjoy its collaboration with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

The next day, you can head to the famous tourist destination of Kamikochi.

The Spring-Only Paradise "Yori Ichiri Hanamomo no Sato" (Peach Blossom Village)

～Encountering Japan's Original Landscape - A Spring Miracle～

While driving from Bessho Onsen to Utsukushigahara Highland, follow a small sign and turn along a mountain road to discover a fairytale-like paradise. This place is called "Yori Ichiri Hanamomo no Sato" (Peach Blossom Village).
This area is named after the former "Yori Ichiri-zuka", and is a hidden scenic spot in the quiet satoyama (traditional rural landscape area) where over 500 peach blossom trees bloom. The best viewing period is only about two weeks from late April to early May each year. Illuminated by spring light, red, white, and pink, the flowers bloom in overlapping layers, creating beauty as if pastel clouds have descended to earth.

Surrounded by no tall buildings or signs, this area offers peaceful and comforting scenery that can be called Japan's "original landscape."
Walking along the peach blossom paths, roads wind between fields and rice paddies maintained by local residents, allow you to experience the simple and warm rural culture of Japan, different from tourist destinations.

While this is a seasonal landscape, this "phantom-like spring" is a detour spot we highly recommend visiting on your way from Bessho Onsen to Utsukushigahara. The delicate beauty unique to peach blossoms is different from cherry blossoms, and the quiet spring atmosphere of Nagano will surely help your heart unwind.