Suwa and Matsumoto are located in the middle of Nagano Prifecture. Lake Suwa is the main feature of this area. This area is surrounded by Kita Alps mountains and Tateshina Mountains. Both of mountains are very popular for hiking and climbing. In winter, lake Suwa frozen up completely. Suwa Shirne and Matsumoto Castle are the major historic site in this area. Matsumoto Castle is one of 12 existed remaining castle from Sengoku Period and also chosen as the national treasure of Japan.