Utsukushigahara
Utsukushigahara Plateau is an expansive highland that stretches approximately 2,000 meters above sea level and is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. During the summer season, one can witness the sight of grazing cows and the beautiful landscapes of colorful alpine plants swaying in the wind. From this plateau, a 360-degree panoramic view of magnificent mountains such as the Northern Alps, Mount Asama, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji can be enjoyed, earning it the nickname "Alps Observatory." The view from the highest peak, Mount Kogatake (2,034 meters), is particularly stunning, offering a sweeping vista of pastoral grasslands and steep terrain. There are also ample tourist facilities such as the Utsukushigahara Art Museum and Kogatake Hotel, making it an ideal spot to enjoy both nature and culture. The Venus Line, which connects Utsukushigahara Plateau with Chino City in Nagano, is a perfect route for summer drives and touring through the plateau.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Utsukushigahara
- Location
- Wada, Nagawa Town, Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access
- From Matsumoto Station, there is a direct bus to the Utsukushigahara Highlands (typically operating from early June to late September), taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it stops right at the Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center. Buses run during the summer season.
By taxi from Matsumoto Station on the JR Shinonoi Line, the journey takes about 1 hour.
From Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway, it takes about 90 minutes.
From Okaya IC on the Nagano Expressway, it takes about 60 minutes.
From Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway, it takes about 70 minutes.
From Tohbu Yunomaru IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, it takes about 70 minutes.
From Sakaki IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, it takes about 90 minutes. - Parking
- 【Venus Line Side】
P1 Utsukushigahara Plateau Parking Lot (800 regular cars / 15 buses) (In front of the Utsukushigahara Kogen Station)
P2 Nagawa Town Public Parking Lot (60 regular cars / 5 buses) (In front of Yamamoto Goya Furusato-kan)
【Utsukushigahara Skyline Side (via Misuzuko)】
P3 Utsukushigahara Parking Lot (150 regular cars / 15 buses) (In front of Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center) - Business Hours
- Open for visits freely.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：0263-34-8307
- Official Website
