Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum — Attraction in Ueda

Great place for a day out. It's quite a long drive from Matsumoto, noticeably further than the other side (Oh-ga-tou) of the Utsukushigahara highland with the TV antennas, where you should go if you just want to hike around the mountain top and enjoy the views. The gallery though is wonderful, a gloriously decadent money-is-no-object Bubble-era project that is easily worth the 1000 yen adult entry fee. It has I guess 250 outdoor sculptures, mostly biased toward the abstract, spread across a lovely highland area that takes two-three hours to walk around at a leisurely photo-taking pace. The artists may not be so famous, but the sheer scale of the pieces, like the huge dangling silver ball office toy, more than makes up for that. This is Bubble money in action! Along with the economic downturn, the harshness of the winter climate here has taken its toll, making the place a bit run down, but it is still well worth a visit. To see the pieces, to enjoy the views (go on a nice day and take a coat in case its windy), and to contemplate on Japan during the Bubble. The gallery must make huge losses, so go while it is still open. You will learn much more about Japan from this than the (hopeless) Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto. For people with kids, there is a covered children's area conveniently near the entrance. It should cheer them up if they are grumpy from the...

美ヶ原高原はまさに絶景の宝庫！忘れられない感動体験がここに！

Utsukushigahara Kogen is truly a treasure trove of spectacular views! An unforgettable moving experience awaits you here!

先日、念願の美ヶ原高原を訪れました！もう、本当に最高の場所で、感動の連続でした！

I recently visited the long-awaited Utsukushigahara Kogen! It was truly the best place, a continuous stream of感動 (deep emotion)!

まず、車を降りて目に飛び込んできたのは、360度の大パノラマ！北アルプスをはじめとする雄大な山々が目の前に広がり、そのスケールにただただ圧倒されました。

First, stepping out of the car, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolded before my eyes! Majestic mountains, including the Northern Alps, stretched out in front of me, and I was simply overwhelmed by their scale.

特に、夕暮れ時の景色は息をのむほど美しく、空の色が刻々と変わっていく様子は、一生忘れられない光景です。

In particular, the scenery at sunset was breathtakingly beautiful, and the way the sky's colors changed moment by moment was a sight I'll never forget.

広大な草原には、のんびりと草を食む牛たちの姿があり、その愛らしい姿を眺めていると、日々の疲れも吹き飛んでいくようでした。

In the vast meadows, there were cows leisurely grazing, and watching their adorable figures seemed to make the fatigue of daily life vanish.

ゆったりと草を食む牛たちとのふれあいは、何とも言えない安らぎを与えてくれ、心がじんわりと癒されるようでした。都会の喧騒を忘れ、ゆったりとした時間を過ごしたい方には本当におすすめです。

Interacting with the leisurely grazing cows brought an indescribable sense of peace, and my heart felt gently soothed. It's truly recommended for those who want to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a relaxed time.

そして、ぜひ足を延ばしてほしいのが「王ヶ鼻」です！

And next, I highly recommend extending your trip to "Ougahana"!

「美ヶ原高原 王ヶ鼻 標高2,008m」と刻まれた石碑があり、ここからの眺めはまさに絶景！記念撮影スポットとしても最高で、素敵な思い出が作れますよ。

There's a stone monument inscribed with "Utsukushigahara Kogen Ougahana Altitude 2,008m," and the view from here is truly spectacular! It's also the best spot for記念撮影 (commemorative photos), allowing you to create wonderful memories.

また、美ヶ原高原美術館では、自然の中に溶け込むように展示されたユニークな屋外彫刻の数々に触れることができ、アートと自然の融合を楽しめます。

Furthermore, at the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, you can encounter a variety of unique outdoor sculptures displayed as if blending into nature, enjoying the fusion of art and nature.

ドライブでもハイキングでも楽しめる美ヶ原高原は、どんな方にもおすすめできる素晴らしい場所です。

Utsukushigahara Kogen, enjoyable for both driving and hiking, is a wonderful place recommended for everyone.

澄み切った空気と、どこまでも広がる大自然に包まれて、心身ともにリフレッシュできること間違いなし！

Enveloped by the clear air and the boundless great outdoors, there's no doubt you'll feel completely refreshed, both in mind and body!

ぜひ一度、この感動を体験しに訪れてみてください！

Please do visit and experience this profound emotion...

Wenn sie im September/Oktober als Tourist dieses Museum besuchen wollen und kein Auto haben, scheint es unmöglich, aber es gibt einen Weg! Vom Bahnhof Matsumoto fährt um 8:15 und um 13:15 ein Bus zum Utsukushigaharashizenhogo Center. Sie können mit dem Bus bis zur Hochebene fahren und dann eine Stunde durch das Hochland zum Museum laufen. Es gibt nur am Anfang eine Steigung und dann ist der Weg sehr einfach zu gehen. Die Bustickets kosten 1200 Yen und müssen vor der Abfahrt online reserviert werden. Wenn sie dabei Hilfe benötigen, fragen sie in der Touristeninformation, am Bahnhof Matsumoto. Ich empfehle den Bus um 8:15 hin und 16:15 zurück zu nehmen. Dann haben sie genug Zeit, um entspannt den Weg zu gehen, das Museum auf sich wirken zu lassen und noch etwas zu essen. Ich habe auf dem Hinweg den Bus genommen und bin den Rückweg per Anhalter gefahren. Wenn sie etwas Geduld haben, finden sie auf dem Parkplatz vor dem Museum sicher Menschen, die sie wieder vom Berg runter fahren. Das Museum hat mir sehr gefallen. Im Nebel hatten die Skulpturen eine besondere Wirkung und das Museum war nicht so überfüllt. Wenn sie also kein Problem mit regnerischem/nebligem Wetter haben, kann ich einen Besuch im Herbst...