Hello! This time, I’m reporting on a weekend trip to Ueda, Matsumoto, and Chiisagata District in Nagano Prefecture. It was a two-day adventure packed with nature, activities, and gourmet experiences. I’ll also be sharing the travel route and recommended spots, so please use this as a reference for your travel plans!
Day 1: Flying in Nagano!? My First Paragliding Experience
From Tokyo, we took the limited express train “Kaiji” and arrived at Ueda Station in about an hour and a half! We rented a car at the station and headed to our first destination, “Paragliding Park Aoki.” Surrounded by mountains, this spot is full of open spaces and perfect for trying paragliding for the first time!
The weather was clear, and the sky felt so high—it was refreshing! I flew with the instructor for about 15 minutes, learning various trivia about the history and nature of Matsumoto Plain. The view from the sky was truly otherworldly. It felt like being a bird, and all my daily stress disappeared instantly! It was such an amazing experience that I felt like saying, “I want to fly again!”
A Relaxing Break with Ramen
After working up an appetite from paragliding, we headed to the ramen shop “Suimen Konohana” in Ueda. The bowl of ramen, with its generous portion of braised pork, was truly satisfying.
Enjoying Hot Springs and Horse Meat Cuisine at Night
Our accommodation was the hot spring hotel “OMOTO” in Asama Onsen Town. Soaking in the hot springs while gazing at the night view of Matsumoto was the perfect way to unwind from the trip. My skin felt smooth and rejuvenated! The room was also very comfortable, with a relaxing atmosphere. The sauna with a view of the Northern Alps and the private cypress bath were also fantastic—highly recommended!
Dinner at Horse Meat Bar “Baniku Specialty Izakaya Shinmi Yoshi”
For dinner, we went to the horse meat bar “Baniku Specialty Izakaya Shinmi Yoshi.” The horse sashimi, soba noodles—a specialty of Nagano—and various mushrooms were all exquisite! The rich flavor of the horse sashimi lean meat was particularly impressive. We had a fulfilling and happy evening.
Day 2: Enjoying the Culture and Traditions of Matsumoto
The next morning, we explored the famous sights of Matsumoto. Our first stop was Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure! The contrast between the black castle and the blue sky was stunning, so I took lots of photos. We fully immersed ourselves in its rich history.
Next, we visited the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. We explored the permanent exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s works and immersed ourselves in her unique art world. It’s said that Kusama’s works are influenced by the nature and culture of Matsumoto, providing us with a unique local perspective.
The Final Treat! Shopping District Gourmet
On the way back, we stopped by the shopping district near Ueda Station to conclude our trip with some dango and apple juice. The dango from “Tamakiya,” a shop founded in Meiji 2, was chewy, and the sauce had the perfect sweetness. The fresh apple juice made from Shinshu apples, available at “Shinshu Apple Pie Laboratory Q,” was so delicious that it made me want to come back just for this drink.
Summary
Matsumoto is an excellent travel destination that offers the best of nature, culture, and gourmet experiences. The view from the sky during paragliding and the combination of hot springs and horse meat cuisine were particularly unforgettable. It’s perfect for a 1-night, 2-day weekend trip, so make sure to visit on your next break!
Until the next adventure!♪
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