Hie Izakaya

Top choice in Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps


This lovely little izakaya (bar-restaurant) in Echoland is so popular that you'll need to make a booking; get your accommodation owner to set you up at least a day ahead. Expect all the usual izakaya fare here on a useful English menu, but you'll also find house specials such as seared tuna and avocado. Cosy atmosphere next to Mockingbird Bar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps attractions

1. Kurobe Dam

13.25 MILES

This massive dam, completed in 1963, is central to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

2. Togakushi-Okusha

13.25 MILES

From Okusha bus stop it's 2km (40 minutes' walk) to Okusha (meaning 'Upper Shrine') – the innermost of the three sub-shrines making up Togakushi-jinja –…

3. Togakushi-Hōkōsha

13.3 MILES

Although it's nestled among cedars apparently close to the village, Hōkōsha, the pretty lower sub-shrine of Togakushi-jinja, is reached via 274 ancient,…

4. Togakushi-jinja

13.94 MILES

Comprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m…

5. Togakushi-Chūsha

13.95 MILES

One of the three sub-shrines of Togakushi-jinja, intimate Chūsha, meaning 'middle shrine', is the most accessible, located prominently in the centre of…

6. Togakushi Folk Museum & Ninja House

14 MILES

Above the Okusha bus stop you'll find this museum housing artefacts from a time when local yamabushi (mountain monks) practised what became known as ninpo…

7. Chihiro Art Museum Azumino

19.04 MILES

This popular art museum showcases the work of Chihiro Iwasaki (1918–74), who became world-renowned while specialising in children's-book illustrations…

8. Zenkō-ji

19.31 MILES

Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure Zenkō-ji is home to the revered statue Ikkō-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan …