Top Things to do in Koshinetsu
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Koshinetsu That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Matsumoto Castle, Zenko-ji Temple, Untoan Temple, Suwa Shrine, Stone Church, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Saifukuji Temple, Ponshukan, Suntory Hakushu Distillery, Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
3. Untoan Temple
4. Suwa Shrine
5. Stone Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Beenster - Yardley, United States
This church is small simple and stunning, I loved its natural beauty with the vines and water flowing. I could have sat there all day
6. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By NewcastleKiwigirl - Newcastle, Australia
For anyone with an interest in textiles this is a must see. Take the time to watch the short film first to understand what you are looking at as the techniques used are incredibly complex. I had never seen anything like it. Every piece is a work of art. It is quite a story of a person following their passion and perfecting it. The gardens and shop are lovely as well.
7. Saifukuji Temple
8. Ponshukan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By Miracosta - Honolulu, United States
Great fun tasting sake, had Koji soft serve(back of Ponshu kan), hot spring bath, tons of restaurants. We had a blast, spent almost 2hours there.
9. Suntory Hakushu Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By 639geoffreys - Deptford, United States
I love whisky distilleries and this one did not disappoint (except for one thing, to be mentioned below). The location was breathtaking, in the Japanese Southern Alps, and the tour was fantastic. There's a museum of whisky, and a restaurant on site. It culminated with a great tasting. The production capacity appeared very high, and there's a lot of barrels aging. Unfortunately there was no ability to buy a bottle of the whisky made on site. That was my only disappointment. The bar in the visitor's center was really special. They were pouring some incredible whisky for really good prices. This is a must-see day-trip from Tokyo.
10. Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
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