This is Azumino, the upper part of the Matsumoto valley, just north of Matsumoto. It is surrounded by the mountains to the west and to the east.
The picture above is showing the North Japan Alps in the west. The mountains are popular with Japanese hikers and climbers, and many of the trails are suitable for day trips through the mountains. Kamikochi ("the upper highlands") is the most famous spot. At the peak of the summer vacation season, Matsumoto station itself becomes transformed into hiker Grand Central Station: filled with backpacks, sleeping bags, and sun-burned hikers awaiting the trains in and out of this popular location.
Much of Azumino is farmland producing rice, vegetables, as well as fruit such as apples and peaches. There are a number of rivers going through the valley providing fresh water for irrigation. Besides agriculture, there are many companies in the area such as Epson and Seiko, producing computers, robots, cameras, and other high tech products. Among the companies in the valley is Harmonic Drive Systems which graciously opened its doors to me when I first looked for summer internships in Japan. There are a number of towns in Azumino, the largest being Toyoshina, Hotaka, and Omachi. The Azumino Family Chapel is located between Toyoshina and Hotaka. The photograph on the right shows a view taken near the chapel.

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