A three-day winter art and adventure in Matsumoto, Nagano. Set against a snowy landscape, the historic beauty of this former castle town resonates quietly with contemporary art expressed through light and space.
Stroll through the streets shaped around Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure, before entering the castle at night on a special guided experience. Here, history and the present moment gently overlap through an artistic play of light. The journey continues the following day to the Norikura Highlands, where hidden powder snow and the stillness of primeval forests await. Within nature, a transparent dome seamlessly blends into the landscape, offering local cuisine rooted in the rhythms of winter life.
This journey reveals Matsumoto’s winter as a living story—where history, nature, art, and the lives of its people are brought together by light.
Highlights
- Experience the history and culture of Matsumoto’s castle town and the traditional life of a mountain village.
- Enjoy a special guided night visit to Matsumoto Castle, with access to areas normally closed to the public.
- Walk through untouched powder snow in Norikura on kanjiki (traditional Japanese snowshoes), surrounded by a silent winter landscape.
Itinerary
(Walking distance: Approximately 5 km)
Upon arrival at Matsumoto Station, check in to your accommodation.The journey begins with a tasting of locally brewed sake, paired with a briefing for the days ahead.
With your guide, take a leisurely walk through the castle town, visiting the exterior of Matsumoto Castle, traditional machiya townhouses, and local craft shops. You will also visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to experience the modern artistic side of Matsumoto, known as the birthplace of Yayoi Kusama. Here, the historic castle town and creativity nurtured across generations quietly come together.
In the evening, enjoy the sight of Matsumoto Castle illuminated by projection mapping, followed by a special guided tour inside the castle. Experience the history and spaces of the castle brought to life by light, and conclude the day where history and modern art resonate with one another.
*Accommodation: Downtown Matsumoto City / 4-star
(Walking distance: Approximately 3~5 km)
Today, travel to Norikura Kogen, blanketed in pristine powder snow.
Accompanied by a local private guide, walk across open snowfields and through primeval forests while wearing kanjiki (traditional Japanese snowshoes). Moving quietly through the forest and into snow-covered landscapes offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with winter nature.
At the end of the forest path, a transparent dome appears, standing quietly in the snowy fields. In this space that blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature, take time to rest and enjoy a regional lunch prepared by a local innkeeper. While the crisp winter air remains outside, the dome is gently warmed by sunlight, and simple dishes such as rice balls, miso soup, and meals made with local vegetables provide comfort for both body and soul.
After lunch, enjoy time at your own pace, whether playing in the snow around the dome or spending quiet moments taking in the surrounding scenery. It is a full day to experience the winter of Norikura, where nature and daily life come together.
*Accommodation: Same as Day1
We can arrange trekking, cycling, and other outdoor activities or cultural experiences in Matsumoto and surrounding areas according to your preferences.
We can also arrange transportation and accommodations when moving to the next area in the morning.
Accommodation on the second night can also be arranged at a traditional ryokan in the Norikura Highlands area.
This itinerary is subject to change
