Japan Drive Route Guide

Area

Around Tokyo & Mt.Fuji(Kanto)

Travel Period

5D4N

Route

1505

Overview

Start

Niigata

Goal

Chichibu/Nagatoro

Way

one_way_trip

Travel Pace

normal

Distance

600 km

Rank

Highway fee

¥ 4,950

About this route

Five days four nights one-way driving route you can drive across the Honshu(main) island from Niigata to Tokyo. It is an opposite driving route of route336 which heads to Niigata from Tokyo. The driving distance is about 600km for 5days. You can drive along the mountains, coast, highlands, old town and so on. It doesn't include a consecutive stay in the same city, but you can travel at a relaxing pace because of the short driving distance. If you want to come back to Niigata from Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours only by bullet train. It is recommended for travelers who like Onsen because you can stay a maximum of 3 nights stay at an inn with Onsen, including Kusatsu, a nationally famous onsen town in Japan. The highlight of this route is Mt.Yahikoyama, "Togakushi Shrine Avenue of cedar trees", "Onioshidashi Volcanic Park", UNESCO world heritage "Tomioka Silk Mill" and so on. And on day 4th, you can enjoy driving on "Shiga Kusatsu Route(Route292)" from Nagano to Kusatsu, which is consider as one of the best scenic driving route in whole Japan. Recommended food are seafood suchi as Sushi in Niigata, Togakushi Soba, Pork miso bowl in Chichibu and so on. Another feature of this route is that you can enjoy flowers of various seasons. In spring, you can enjoy contrast of cherry blossom and rape blossom, Poppyand Moss Pink. And in autumn, you can enjoy amazing autumn colored leaves at many sightseeing spots. Moreover, you also can drive between the snow corridors on the Shiga Kusatsu Route(Route292) from the end of April to the beggining of May. Our daily driving map will recommend you only the spots where is the best timing to visit. Please be careful that "Shiga Kusatsu Route(Route292)" is closed from Beginning of November to End of April. If you want to travel this period, this route is not recommended.

Bookmark Route

Day. 1Niigata to Nagano/Myoko

This day will head from Niigata to Nagano or Myoko city. Mileage is more than 200km and this day has many attractions. It is recommended to depart at 8:00～9:00 if you don't like hurried travel. If you haven’t visited “Mt.Yahikoyama(弥彦山)”, it is recommended to visit first. You can enjoy the dynamic scenery of the mountain peak. After that, you can enjoy driving along the coast. It is highly recommended to eat fresh seafood for the lunch at either “Teradomari Street Market (Sakana no Ameyoko)-寺泊魚の市場通り(魚のアメ横)” or “Nihonkai Fisherman's Cape(日本海フィッシャーマンズケープ)”. The driving distance is long and most of the highlights such as “Naena falls(苗名滝)” and “Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine) Avenue of cedar trees-戸隠神社奥社表参道杉並木” are located at the end of this day. To save your time, it is also recommended to take the expressway. If you stay in Nagano city, it is recommended to stay in Shukubo(temple stay) but in that case, please reach your accommodation by 18:00 due to their check-in time.

Rent a car at Niigata

If you want to rent or return your car in Niigata, below branches are recommended. Please choose the one which is suitable for your itinerary. [1]Niigata Bandai branch-新潟万代営業所 There are two branch near Niigata Station. If you stay northside(Bandai-Exit(万代口)) of Niigata station, this branch is recommended. It is located 500m away from Niigata Station. [2]Niigata Station Shinkansen branch-新潟新幹線口営業所 There are two branch near Niigata Station. If you stay southside(Shinkansen-Exit(新幹線口)) of Niigata station, this branch is recommended. It is located 200m away from Niigata Station. [3]Niigata Airport branch-新潟空港営業所 If you want to rent or return your car at Niigata Airport(KIJ), this "Niigata Airport" branch is recommended regardless of whether you take international flight or doemstic flight. From / to Niigata airport terminal, rental car company provides free shuttle bus. Normally, it takes 1-2min only. Niigata Airpot is located about 6km away from Niigata Station.

High light

Teradomari Street Market (Sakana no Ameyoko)

Naena Falls

Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine) Avenue of cedar trees

Stay at Nagano/Myoko

On this day, you will stay in Nagano city(長野). Most of the accommodations are concentrated around Nagano Station. Most of the accommodations in this city are not Japanese style Ryokans but western-style hotels. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your hotels with breakfast only or without meals. We also recommend staying at a temple called "Shukubo" around Zenkoji, a symbol of Nagano City. This is basically a plan with two meals per night for shōjin dishes (vegetarian dishes that do not use meat or fish). Some shukubo offer to morning ceremony called "Oasaji" or some activities such as copying sutras(Shakyo). Please note that few inns in Nagano have their own parking lots, and in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately or you will be instructed to park in a public parking lot. For those who want to stay at an inn with a hot spring, we also recommend the "Myoko" area, which is also famous as a snow resort. It is about 32km from Nagano City and about 45 minutes by car. "

Day. 2Nagano/Myoko to Kusatsu

This day will head from Nagano or Myoko to Kusatsu. It is a very relaxing day because the Mileage is about 90km only. If you stay in Nagano city, it will be a very unique experience to wake up early and join the daily morning ceremony(Oasaji) at "Zenkoji Temple(善光寺)". It takes additional time but if you haven't visited, “Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine) Avenue of cedar trees-戸隠神社奥社表参道杉並木” is a must-see spot. Just 18km away from Nagano, "Obuse(小布施)" town which called small Kyoto is highly recommended to visit. You can enjoy walking allow a pass in a charming town. It is also good to have lunch there. After Obuse, famous snow monkeys are waiting for you at "Jigokudani Monkey Park(地獄谷野猿公園)". From the monkey park, you will start mountain driving along the Kusatsu-Shiga road(route292) which is one of the best scenic driving routes in Japan for its altitude(more than 2000m height) and an active volcano. From the end of October to the beginning of May, you also can enjoy driving in between snow walls. It is really unique experience and highly recommended. But because of them, sometimes it will be closed due to snow or volcano activity. Please check the official information in advance. Kusatsu Onsen, definitely one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan has many attractions such as "Yubatake (湯畑)" and "Netsu no Yu(熱乃湯)". It is also a good idea to reach there in the early time.

High light

Obuse Town

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Yugama

Stay at Kusatsu

On this day, you will stay Kusatsu Onsen(草津温泉). Kusatsu is one of the most famous Onsen areas in the whole of Japan and most of the accommodations, both western-style hotels and Japanese-style Ryokans have Onsen facilities. If you stay 4-5 star Ryokans, it is possible to enjoy a room with private Onsen and nice Japanese Kaiseki-style dinners. In that case, it is recommended to book with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast. There are many shops and restaurants around Yubatake, a landmark of Kusatsu Onsen. If you stay at a reasonably priced inn, the plan without dinner is recommended and you can enjoy meals at a local restaurant. Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. There are many free footbaths and some spots are light up in this town and walk around there at night is also consider as the attraction of Kusatsu. It recommends staying at an inn within walking distance of Yubatake and Sainokawara Park. For those who have stayed in Kusatsu before or those who like mountain resorts, Manza Onsen located 20km west is also recommended.

Day. 3Kusatsu to Karuizawa

This day, you will head from Kusatsu to Karuizawa. It is a very relaxing day because the Mileage is about 90km only. If you haven't walk around "Yubatake (湯畑)" and "Netsu no Yu(熱乃湯)" in Kusatsu, it is recommended to visit there first. "Aisai no Oka hill(愛妻の丘)" is recommended to see the amazing view. It is also famous for its unique concept. Couples must make unforgettable memories. If you will travel with children, "Karuizawa Toy Kingdom(軽井沢おもちゃ王国)" is a must-visit spot. It is like heaven for kids and easy to spend the whole day. There are many nice restaurants around there. Most of them are located in a beautiful forest and you can have lunch in a relaxing atmosphere. The best highlight of the day is "Onioshidashi Volcanic Park(鬼押出し園)" where you can tour the strange scenery formed as a result of a large amount of lava that flowed out during the eruption. You also can see the magnificent view of Mt.Asama and the panoramic view of the forest you drove this day. If you still have time, "Shiroito Waterfalls(白糸の滝)" is also worth to visit due to its very unique shape. Please remember that some roads around Onioshidashi park and Shiraito Waterfalls are paid road. Please also be careful that due to the town laws of Karuizawa, most of the restaurants close around 20:00-21:00. Convenience stores also close at 23:00.

High light

Aisai no Oka hill

Mt.Asama magma stone park(Onioshidashi Volcanic Park)

Shiraito Waterfalls(Karuizawa)

Stay at Karuizawa

On this day, you will stay Karuizawa city(軽井沢) where is famous for summer and snow resorts. The inns are spread over a wide area around Karuizawa Station and Basically, Karuizawa inns are not Japanese style Ryokan but western-style hotels. When you stay in Karuizawa, you have to be careful about dinner time. Karuizawa itself is a very famous tourist destination and there are many shops and restaurants. However, due to the town laws of Karuizawa, most of the restaurants close around 20:00-21:00. Even all convenience stores also close at 23:00. Please note that there is no place where you can eat dinner at a late time. There are many attractive restaurants, so it is recommended to book your inn without dinner enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Please take note that most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.

Day. 4Karuizawa to Chichibu/Nagatoro

This day, you will head from Karuizawa to Chichibu or Nagatoro. It is a very relaxing day because the Mileage is about 110km only. The first destination is "Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street(旧軽井沢銀座通り)" in Karuizawa. You can walk around the charming historical street and enjoy shopping and eating. Although you are not very interested in flowers or garden, "Karuizawa Lage Garden(軽井沢レイクガーデン)" is nice to visit. Especially rose season and autumn colored leave season is wonderful. After 50km driving from Karuizawa, there is UNESCO World Heritage "Tomioka Silk Mill(富岡製糸場)" which is greatly involved in the modernization of Japan. Their old huge warehouse is worth to visit although you are not very interested in history. Today's destinations, both Nagatoro and Chichibu have many attractions too. It is also a good idea to reach there in the early time.

High light

Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street

Karuizawa Lake Garden

Tomioka Silk Mill

Stay at Chichibu/Nagatoro

On this day, you will stay either Chichibu(秩父) or Nagatoro(長瀞). Chichibu and Nagatoro are about 13km apart, about 20 minutes by car. Nagatoro is on the north side and Chichibu is on the south side. Both towns are not too far away and there is no big difference, so choose your favorite inn considering the next day's journey and access to the surrounding sightseeing spots. Both Chichibu and Nagatoro have inns of various styles from 3 stars to 5 stars. However, neither is a very large town, and the number of inns and restaurants is limited. If you are staying at Japanese style Ryokan with a hot spring, we recommend a plan with dinner and breakfast. If you are staying at a hotel, we recommend a plan without dinner, but it is recommended that you think about where to eat dinner in advance. Please take note that most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.

Day. 5Chichibu/Nagatoro to Chichibu/Nagatoro

This day, you will head from either Chichibu or Nagatoro to Tokyo. Mileage is about 130km. But if you want to visit "Mitsumine Shine(三峯神社)" it is required additional 3 hours, and in that case, please depart at least 9:00. There are many attractions in Chichibu and Nagatoro area such as Nagatoro river cruise or fruits picking at "Komatsuzawa Leisure Farm(小松沢レジャー農園)". And Saitama prefecture, which Chichibu belongs, has more than ten spots for flowers or autumn colored leaves. Only the spots which are in the right time to visit during your travel will appear. If you find these seasonal spots on your map, it is highly recommended to visit. The best highlight of this day is "Kagwagoe Town(川越)" a town that keeps a typical traditional street with old houses, shops, and warehouses. It is easy to spend 2-3 hours to walk around. It is about 60km from Kawagoe to the center of Tokyo. It takes at least 1.5hours to use the expressway. Please plan a schedule in advance. There are many traffic jams in the center of the Tokyo area. We highly recommended planning with plenty of time. The above plan is for travelers who will stay in Tokyo on this day. There is the possibility of falling into an unpredictable situation, and very risky to try to take a flight or bullet train after returning your car on this day. We highly recommend you to extend your travel period or choose shorter driving routes. If you don't stay in Tokyo and take a flight on this day, please reach the rental car shop at least 3 hours before the flight.

Return a car at Chichibu/Nagatoro

High light

Mitsumine Shrine

Komatsuzawa Leisure Farm

Kawagoe Town

Check Other 5D4N Around Tokyo & Mt.Fuji(Kanto) Route

Route number	Start city	Goal city	Way	Travel Pace	Distance	Rank	Highway fee	Detail
335	Chichibu/Nagatoro	Chichibu/Nagatoro	return_trip	normal	700 km		¥ 8,150	check
336	Chichibu/Nagatoro	Niigata	one_way_trip	relaxing	600 km		¥ 4,950	check

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Northern Honshu(Tohoku)

Around Tokyo & Mt.Fuji(Kanto)

Chugoku&Shikoku

Kyushu

Okinawa

Japan Drive Route Guide

Niigata

Nagano/Myoko

Teradomari Street Market (Sakana no Ameyoko)

Naena Falls

Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine) Avenue of cedar trees

Roadside Station TsubameSanjo Regional Products Center

Kakuda Misaki Lighthouse

Mt.Yahikoyama

Mt.Yahikoyama Ropeway

Yahiko Shrine

Yahiko Park & Omotenashi Hiroba

Teradomari Street Market (Sakana no Ameyoko)

Yunaginohashi Bridge

Shifuku no Jikan

Cape Koibito Misaki(Lover's Cape)

Omigawa Station

Nihonkai Fisherman's Cape

Takada Castle

Naena Falls

Myokokogen Skycable

Kaifutei Nihonkai

Tomiya

Shounsanso Garden

Ramen Sobayoshi

Joetsu Aquarium Umigatari

Agosuke

Takahashi Ameya

No name view spot(Yahiko)

Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden

Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine) Avenue of cedar trees

Kagamiike Pond

Togakushi Shrine Chusha(Middle Shrine)

Zenkoji Temple

Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Bandai

Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Station Shinkansen Exit

Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Airport

Misa

Nagano/Myoko

Kusatsu

Obuse Town

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Yugama

Zenkoji Temple

Nishinomon Yoshinoya

Chikuma River Fureai Park

milgreen

Obuse Town

Hokusai Museum

Kurinoki Terrace

Kurino Komichi

Kurabu

Ganshoin Temple

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Kanmandaki Waterfall

Tanohara Marsh

Kidoike Ponds

Hiratoko Daifunsen

Mt.Yokote observatory

Shiga Kusatsu Route(Route292)Snow Corridor

Yugama

Sesshogawara

Kusatsu Onsen Town (Yubatake Tourist Parking）

Sainokawara Park

Netsu no Yu

Yubatake (Hot Water Field)

Kusatsu

Karuizawa

Aisai no Oka hill

Mt.Asama magma stone park(Onioshidashi Volcanic Park)

Shiraito Waterfalls(Karuizawa)

Shiraito Waterfalls(Karuizawa)

Karuizawa Lake Garden

Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street

Manpei Hotel Cafe Terrace

Kumobaike pond

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza(Premium outlet)

HARUNIRE Terrace

Sonmin Shokudo

Mt.Asama magma stone park(Onioshidashi Volcanic Park)