Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport 1 hr 7
Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya (5 min)
Site of 2 shrines comprising the lower section of Suwa shrine, one of Japan's oldest Shinto sites. Matsumoto Castle (39 min)
Known for its black walls, this grand, 16th-century castle features exhibits of historical weapons. Suwa Taisha Upper Main Shrine (Kamisha Honmiya) (29 min) Shimosuwa Hot Spring (5 min) Suwako SA (up) (18 min) Lake Suwa (11 min)
Tranquil lake & recreation spot popular for being featured in anime, movies & computer games. Utsukushigahara (1 hr 27)
Peaceful highlands with rolling hills, pasture land & an eclectic collection of outdoor art. Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel (12 min)
Simple rooms with lake views in a casual hotel offering a restaurant & hot spring bathhouses. Takashima Castle (16 min)
Tours of a centuries-old castle with scenic views of a namesake park known for its cherry blossoms. Takabotchiyama (36 min)
Grassy plateau with annual horse races, grazing cows & views of the Japanese Alps & Mount Fuji. Lake Shirakaba (42 min) 蓼科高原 (52 min)
Autumn leaf color, lake, skiing, art museum, and golf Yashimagahara Wetland (39 min)
Yashimagahara Wetlands offer hiking, bird watching, ancient relics & Kirigamine Highlands views. Kurumayama (39 min)
Highland peak built out for winter sports & nature hikes through the warmer months. Mount Kirigamine (32 min)
Sparse mountain offering grass-covered terrain, glider launch points & wintertime ski-lifts. | 
