Top Things to do in Koshinetsu
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Koshinetsu, Chubu
Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Ide Sake Brewery, Nakasendo Tsumagojuku, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba, Naraijuku, Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, Zenkoji Temple, Matsumoto City Timepiece Museum, Ishii Miso.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu
1. Ide Sake Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By joannamoog - Southampton, United Kingdom
This was an interesting and fun place to visit for an hour or so. We booked in advance online. The tour was done in English and she showed us around the brewery as much as was possible. There were some interesting videos to watch too. We got the chance to see the old house and gardens that belong to the brewery family - they're very beautiful. The tour ended in the shop, where we sat around a table and understood more about the different types of sake they make there - and then got to try a few. The sake was very delicious and we were going to buy some but unfortunately didn't have space in the suitcase. Next time!
2. Nakasendo Tsumagojuku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 reviews
This historic footpath through the Kiso Valley connects the villages of Tsumago and Magome. The partially paved trail is approximately 8 kilometers in length and passes by several historic and natural wonders.
Reviewed By micheledU7968JK
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 5 day walk through the Kiso valley on the Nakasendo trail. Mac's Adventures( in partnership with Oku) was the company we used and everything - accommodation, food, walking notes and country and village scenery - was above expectation.Would recommend this walk to those who like to walk on trails that are not busy ( only the first day to Tsumago had quite a few walkers) and have an interest in Japanese culture.
3. 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.
4. Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Jobby005 - Bangkok, Thailand
This is rebuilt traditional Japanese style village on hill (destroyed from mud slide). Almost every home change to shops and restaurants. One home show history of this village during mud slide disaster. Two home have traditional Japanese warm table and art show. Mt Fuji view is very beautiful.
5. Naraijuku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By xiaojiumux
It is a laid back town with a traditional feel. A lot of interesting things to see. Great place to shop, eat, rest and take pictures. Met a few elderly shop owners who took great pride in the things that they were selling. They were enthusiastic in introducing their products but not pushy in making sales.
6. Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum
7. Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
For foreign customers : You can enjoy tax-free shopping in our shop from June 1, 2018! Imayo Tsukasa started as an inn and sake shop. From the late Edo period to the early Meiji era, Niigata was said to have a higher population than Edo. Since the middle of the Meiji era Imayo Tsukasa has been a fully dedicated sake brewery. The Niigata soil was fertile, the Agano water was clean, and we built a facility in Nuttari, a hub for Japanese fermented goods like miso, sake and soy sauce. Wanting to review our brand and reflect on our brewing method, In 2006 Imayo Tsukasa vowed to be an “only-junmai” company. It’s not easy. Because you can’t add anything to adjust taste or alcohol content, you have to take extra special care of the rice in every step of the process. We value the importance of producing nothing but high-level sake, working hard to make only premium sake. These include Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo and Junmaishu.
Reviewed By bentI6394PS
I came here as a last minute stop in Niigata before heading home. I was able to get a tour in English and it was very informative about the sake brewing process and the culture behind it! The tour guide was very friendly and was helpful when I had a question. I unfortunately was driving so I couldn’t sample the sake, but for 1000 yen you can try a variety of the sake they have. I really liked their amazake (non-alcoholic sweet sake). They are also one of the only few dozen breweries in Japan to use wooden barrels when making sake. The gift shop had a lot of sake choices and flavors! I’m totally glad I came here.
8. Zenkoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By 798keviny - Victorville, United States
It will be great to read some history of Takeda Shingen from the war period in Japan prior to visiting the temple. A totally historical place that continue to play import religious roles in the neighborhood. The dark room located at the basement is kind of scary to me.
9. Matsumoto City Timepiece Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By williamsM29HU - Kobe, Japan
If you are curious about technology or history this is a fascinating museum. Who knew the Egyptians invented the hourglass as an advance over water to tell time. There were candles for predetermined times (7 minute egg?). Early clocks were not fixed units - daytime units were shorter than nighttime and winter units were longer than springtime. I have never considered variable units of time. The exhibits included interesting mechanisms and the development of timekeeping. Oh, and a portable handheld sundial. Perhaps not so interesting for kids unless you are willing to explain.
10. Ishii Miso
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Ishii Miso Co,Ltd was founded in 1868 (the end of the Edo era) and is still producing miso by a unique traditional natural method. Miso, soybean paste, is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. We have miso soup every day and sometimes use it for other dishes. Miso is fermented food so it is very healthy. Nagano Prefecture where Matsumoto is included is the top producer of miso (46%) in Japan. Miso used to be made in homes. But now, many Japanese don't know or find out how to make miso. We use wooden barrels to ferment miso, which is also unique. Normally the barrels are plastic or metal, but wooden barrels enable air to permeate so they are good for fermentation. Many foreigners visit this brewery even though it does not appear in guide books and there is no English website.
Reviewed By Luigi_Fino - Tokyo, Japan
We were greeted by the president of the company who explained the history of his factory and his concept of premium miso, which is quite different from the average industrial product that you buy at the supermarket. Although not a big fan of miso miself, I deeply appreciated the tasty meal and would like to add that visiting this place is a must when staying in Matsumoto.
