Japan Drive Route Guide

Area

Northern Honshu(Tohoku)

Travel Period

2D1N

Route

205

Overview

Start

Niigata

Goal

Niigata

Way

return_trip

Travel Pace

busy

Distance

220 km

Rank

Highway fee

¥ 0

About this route

2 days 1-night driving route which you can drive from Niigata City to the historical castle town AizuWakamatsu and back. The driving distance is about 250km. If you like Onsen, you can stay Japanese style Ryokan with onsen on day1. Due to long driving distance and many sightseeing spots, the travel pace is very busy. And you cannot drive "Bandai-Azuma Skyline road(Route70)" which is considered one of the best scenic driving routes in the whole of Japan. It is highly recommended to extend your travel period and choose route 206 or 207. The highlight of this route is the "Northern Culture Museum", "AizuWakamatsu city" with its long history and many attraction, and so on. Recommended food is fresh seafood around Niigata City, Kitakata Ramen, and Horse meat in Aizu-Wakamatsu. In spring, you can enjoy tulips, rape blossoms, and Iris. There are also many amazing cherry blossom spots too. In autumn, you can enjoy amazing autumn colored leaves at many sightseeing spots. Our daily driving map will recommend you only the spots where is the best timing to visit.

Bookmark Route

Day. 1Niigata to AizuWakamatsu

This day will head from Niigata to AizuWakamatsu city. Mileage is about 110km. But if you want to visit the "Mt.Yahikoyama(弥彦山)" area or you want to keep enough time for Kitakata town, it is recommended to depart by 9:00. The first destination is "Northern Culture Museum(北方文化博物館)" huge traditional house with an amazing garden. On the way from Niigata to AizuWakamatsu, you can stop by some hidden gems such as "Shogunsugi giant cedar tree(将軍杉)". If you like ramen, it is highly recommended to have lunch at "Kitakata town(喜多方)" where is nationally famous for their soy source based Kitakata Ramen. Today's destination "AizuWakamatsu(会津若松) city" is a historical castle town and the most recommended spot on this day. There are many nice spots like traditional houses, a Sake brewery, a Japanese garden, and AizuWakamatsu castle. It is highly recommended to reach AizuWakamatsu city at least 15:00. Along this day's route, there are many spots where are famous for flowers like cherry blossom, turnips, Sunflowers, and autumn colored leaves. Only the spots which are in good timing to visit during your travel will appear. If you find these seasonal spots on your map, it is recommended to visit.

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

Northern Culture Museum

Shogunsugi giant cedar tree

Kitakata town parking

Stay at AizuWakamatsu

Day. 2AizuWakamatsu to Niigata

Return a car at Niigata

High light

AizuWakamatsu City Parking

Kitakata town parking

Mt.Yahikoyama