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Utsukushigahara Highlands

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Utsukushigahara Highlands

Enjoy a sweeping 360-degree panorama shaped by the ridgeline.

Last update :
Supervised by :  Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center

A highland plateau at an elevation of 2,000 meters spanning Matsumoto City, Ueda City, and Nagawa Town in Nagano Prefecture. It is known as a scenic destination with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of majestic mountains including the Northern Alps, Southern Alps, Mt. Fuji, and the Yatsugatake Mountains. Another draw is the roughly 300 species of alpine plants that grow naturally here, creating beautiful scenery in every season. Gentle hiking trails are well maintained, so even beginners can easily give hiking a try. The pastoral scenery of grazing cows peacefully eating grass is also part of its charm.

Also not to be missed are an open-air sculpture museum displaying Approx. 350 contemporary sculptures across Approx. 40,000 tsubo of grassland, and Roadside Station Utsukushigahara Kogen, known as the highest-elevation roadside station in Japan, with an observation restaurant serving local cuisine.

Hotels with outstanding views of the Alps and Mt. Fuji, as well as cottages where you can fully enjoy the surrounding forests and other natural scenery, are also popular. Events such as stargazing sessions and sea-of-clouds tours are held throughout the year.

Highlights

  • A scenic viewpoint offering sweeping panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the Alps.
  • Gentle hiking trails are well maintained, so even beginners can enjoy them with ease.
  • Be aware that the weather can change suddenly, including strong winds, dense fog, and lightning.
  • Also known for its beautiful starry skies and sea of clouds, with tours and events available as well.
  • Do not enter the ranch area. Do not touch the cows. Do not fly drones.

Photos

  • Enjoy spectacular open views on a sweeping 360-degree scale

    Enjoy spectacular open views on a sweeping 360-degree scale

  • The peaceful sight of cows grazing in the grass is soothing as well

    The peaceful sight of cows grazing in the grass is soothing as well

  • Utsukushigahara Highlands' symbol, the Utsukushi no To Tower

    Utsukushigahara Highlands' symbol, the Utsukushi no To Tower

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

It is available at Utsukushi Terrace (the shop on the Matsumoto City side). It is not available at Roadside Station Utsukushigahara Kogen, Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, or Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center. Availability at other accommodations is unknown.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

Yes, they are available at Roadside Station Utsukushigahara Kogen.

Q

Are there restrooms?
A

Restrooms are available during the season (from around late April to late October or around early November) at Roadside Station Utsukushigahara Kogen, Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, Utsukushi Terrace, Shiokureba, and Omoide no Oka. Some accommodations also allow restroom use for a fee.

Q

Can I visit in winter?
A

From mid-November to late April, the Venus Line and the road from Misuzuko to Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center are closed for winter. On the Ueda City and Nagawa Town side, Prefectural Route 178, the Utsukushigahara Wada Line from Wadajuku, is open year-round. Roadside Station Utsukushigahara Kogen, Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, Utsukushi Terrace, and Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center are unavailable from mid-November to late April. For winter stays at accommodations, please check each facility's website.

Q

Can I drive from Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum or the Nagawa Town parking lot to Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center?
A

Private vehicles are not allowed in the highland area (called Daijo) between Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum and the Nagawa Town parking lot (Ueda/Nagawa side) and Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center (Matsumoto side), so please travel on foot (Approx. 80 minutes). If traveling by car, part of Prefectural Route 62 (Utsukushigahara Park Okin Line) is currently closed, so please use the Venus Line via the Yomogikoba Forest Road (Approx. 2 hours).

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Details

Name in Japanese
美ヶ原高原
Postal Code
390-0222
Address
Iriyamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone
0263-39-7176 (Matsumoto Tourist Information Center)
Closed on
Varies by facility
Hours
Varies by facility
Admission
Varies by facility
Access
Bus: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from JR Matsumoto Station
Car:
・Via the Venus Line
1) Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Suwako IC on the Nagano Expressway via the Venus Line
2) Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway via the Azalea Line and Venus Line
・Via the Utsukushigahara Skyline (via Misuzuko)
3) Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway via the Utsukushigahara Skyline
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
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