Matsumoto City Alps Park — Attraction in Matsumoto

We spent nearly a week in Matsumoto in the summer mostly to help us slow the pace of our Japan trip. Came to Alps based on family bloggers and on the recommendation of locals. Hubs and I were a bit skeptical up front mostly because our 10 and 13 year old are easily bored with anything not tv/video games/etc. The 13 year old was particularly ornery up front and grouched the entire morning. We came up at 10 and at the start of the park is a gorgeous view of the city and a dinky playground ... but walking a bit further we were surrounded by gorgeous trees that open up into an amazing park! Super cool playground sets, a gigantic climbing wall with a long slide, zip lines, rope courses, a giant dinosaur to climb on, 3 long giant slides and a super fun forest coaster (that my kids went on four times). Initially, hubs and I were worried about how long the kids would last (only one bus goes out at 10 and comes back at 2:23) but we could have stayed longer and didn't even make it to the museum or play mini golf. We did pack a lunch and had coins to buy ice cream and drinks at the multiple vending machines around the park. Both of our kids thought this was their favorite day in Matsumoto (even more than the hours the spent playing Pokemon Friends at the Aeon mall). Personally if you decide to come visit Matsumoto - I wouldn't sleep on the Alps park. If you don't have kids and don't plan on enjoying the playground, the trails and views are definitely worth it - and anyone of any age can ride the...

A picturesque park set in the mountains. We have come multiple times and it never fails to impress.

The perfect picnic spot for the day during cherry blossom season in Matsumoto. The local spot to hang out and enjoy fresh mountain air and panorama views of Matsumoto. It's vastness prevents the feeling of over crowding on busy days, and adds to the wonder and relaxed enjoyment of outing.

There are multiple play areas for kids (3-13) including a fun toboggan run (¥400). The many and various playground equipment is well-maintained, and challenging both physically and mentally for the little ones.

Weather permitting, it's a great place for kids to burn energy in a wonderful open space while the adults enjoy the beauty of nature.

Key highlights and tips:

-We love to end our day with gelato from a van vendor parked at the start of the walk back to the carpark. The gelato is flavourful and deliciously rich.🥰

-The park has numerous amenities that are clean, but no cooking facilities, and cooking is not allowed in the park. So stop by a convenience store and grab some food for your picnic. They will gladly heat food in store for you. (Our fave is family mart chicken and their souffle pudding)

-It can get quite windy especially in the afternoon, so bring an extra layer...

Huge park with plenty of playground equipment, stream, lookout, eatery, zoo and spacious walkways and scenery - worth the trip. It is great to take the children or just for a day out for yourself or a couple The zoo was a new discovery for me - quite surprising and an impressive array of animals for an inner city park The whole family can enjoy the zoo and the information about the animals it is a good educational experience Couples can enjoy a nice picnic on a Scenic area and the lookout over Matsumoto is outstanding Children can enjoy a playground with a jungle gym a climbing wall roller slides and a trampoline and many other attractions like a flying fox and the things that younger elementary-age children love to play with for hours. They can also enjoy cooling their feet or playing in the brook in the warmer weather. Food and refreshments are also available readily - basically I feel that this is Matsumoto best and biggest park with many free attractions and Amusements Go for a picnic or a family day out a romantic occasion just to look at the scenery and walk around...