RENT & RIDE JAPANNagano: Matsumoto to Nagawado & Norikura Foothills
Matsumoto to Norikura Kogen Autumn Ride
A one-day nature ride from Matsumoto up the dam-lined Route 158 gorge into Norikura Kogen, chasing the autumn foliage front past an arch dam, alpine grasslands, and the highland's famous waterfalls.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 12 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Leave TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji early and head for Matsumoto in Nagano via the Chuo Expressway on this one-day nature ride. From the Matsumoto IC, Route 158 climbs the Azusa River gorge past three dams — Inekoki, Suiden, and Nagawado — with tunnels and sweeping curves alternating in a road built for riding.
Highlights
- Nagawado Dam: An arch concrete dam about 155 m tall, with the national road running right along its crest — an unusual sight — overlooking the scenic Lake Azusa.
- Norikura Kogen foliage front: Autumn colors descend over roughly a month from the high Sanbon Falls down through Ichinose to Bansho Great Falls.
- The three famous Norikura waterfalls: Zengoro Falls and Sanbon Falls (one of Japan's 100 finest) frame the valley in color.
In September and October the alpine grasslands turn golden, and the mountain road toward Shirahone Onsen carries the distinctive scent of sulphur. It gets cold at altitude, so bring warm gear, plan to descend before dusk, and allow plenty of time for the return to Hachioji.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji toward Matsumoto via the Chuo Expressway.
TIPSStart early. Fill up on fuel and pack warm gear for the cold highlands.
- 2VIEW~15 min
Inekoki Dam
The first arch dam to appear along Route 158 in the Azusa River gorge.
TIPSFrom Matsumoto IC, take Route 158 toward Kamikochi. The lowest of the three Azusa dams and where the winding begins.
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Photo: Qurren / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 3VIEW~30 min
Nagawado Dam
The uppermost and largest of the three Azusa dams, an arch dam about 155 m tall.
HISTORYA large hydroelectric arch concrete dam on the Azusa River (Shinano River system), unusual for having Route 158 running across its crest. Its reservoir, Lake Azusa, colors on both banks in autumn.
TIPSParking and an exhibit hall sit on the Matsumoto side right after the tunnel. Watch for the in-tunnel junction. Great photo stop over Lake Azusa.
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Photo: Qurren / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4VIEW~30 min
Bansho Great Falls
A powerful waterfall 15 m wide and 40 m tall at about 1,248 m elevation, near the entrance to Norikura Kogen.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe lowest of Norikura's three famous falls, so its foliage lasts longest. A short trail from the parking lot leads to the viewpoint.
- 5FOOD~50 min
Soba-dokoro Nakanoya
A soba restaurant along the Norikura Kogen road, keeping alive the water-wheel-milled 'Bansho soba' tradition.
TIPSKnown for pure ten-wari (100% buckwheat) soba with no binder; mori soba around 900 yen. Come early in peak season and confirm opening days/hours in advance.
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Image - 6VIEW~35 min
Zengoro Falls
A graceful 8 m wide, 21.5 m tall waterfall with views of Mt. Norikura from the viewpoint.
TIPSThe parking area offers good views of Mt. Norikura. Walk the trail to the viewpoint, where foliage and falls combine beautifully.
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Photo: photo: Qurren (talk) Taken with Canon IXY 10S (Digital IXUS 210) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 7VIEW~45 min
Ichinose Enchi
The heart of Norikura Kogen, a wetland-and-pond area famed for reflections of Mt. Norikura and golden autumn grasses.
TIPSGolden larch and birch and a lone large maple make a stunning scene, peaking roughly mid-to-late October. A stroll along the trails is recommended.
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Photo: Mountainlife / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 8ONSEN~45 min
Yukemuri-kan (Norikura Kogen Onsen)
A day-use hot spring near the Norikura Tourist Center, with milky sulphur waters to soothe riding fatigue.
TIPSMilky sulphur springs typical of the highlands — perfect before the descent. Confirm opening hours in advance.
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Photo: Snake Head 1995 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Descend Route 158 to Matsumoto and take the Chuo Expressway back to Hachioji.
TIPSAim to descend before dusk and allow ample time on the expressway home.
