Japan Drive Route Guide
Area
Northern Honshu(Tohoku)
Travel Period
3D2N
Route
206
Overview
Start
Niigata
Goal
Niigata
Way
return_trip
Travel Pace
busy
Distance
430 km
Rank
Highway fee
¥ 350
About this route
3 days 2 nights driving route which you can drive from Niigata city to historical castle town AizuWakamatsu and Yonezawa.
The driving distance is about 450km for 3days and you can drive along the coast of sea of Japan, very scenic mountain road, old towns and so on.
If you like Onsen, you can stay Japanese style Ryokan with onsen on day1. But this route doesn't include enough time to travel around Niicaga city. If possible, we recommend route207.
The highlight of this route is "AizuWakamatsu city" with its long history and many attractions, breathtaking beautiful "Goshikinuma ponds" and so on. And on day 3rd, you can enjoy driving on "Bandai-Azuma Skyline road(Route70)" from AizuWakamatsu to Yonezawa, which is considered one of the best scenic driving routes in the whole of Japan.
Recommended food are fresh seafood around Niigata City, Kitakata Ramen, Horse meat in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Yonezawa beef considered one of the three most famous beef brands in Japan, and salmon dishes in Murakami town.
Another feature of this route is that you can visit so many flowers of various seasons and autumn foliage.
In spring, you can enjoy tulips, rape blossoms, and Iris. There are also many amazing cherry blossom spots too.
In summer, you can enjoy sunflowers and lilies.
And in autumn, you can enjoy dahlia and amazing autumn colored leaves at many sightseeing spots. This route is really recommended for those who are looking for flowers.
Our daily driving map will recommend you only the spots where is the best timing to visit.
In winter, swans can be seen and seafood is the most delicious. However, please note that the Bandai-Azuma Skyline road is closed for the winter and cannot drive from mid-November to early April.
Niigata
rental_car32 877 520*46
Location Guide Page
AizuWakamatsu
sightseeingMC:Check Description
Location Guide Page

Northern Culture Museum
sightseeing32 588 292
Location Guide Page

Shogunsugi giant cedar tree
sightseeing463 493 079*86
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Kitakata town parking
public_facilityMC:97 825 649*67
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Lake Hyoko
sightseeing32 598 890*34
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Northern Culture Museum
sightseeing32 588 292
Location Guide Page

Roadside Station Aganosato
public_facility463 547 185
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Shogunsugi giant cedar tree
sightseeing463 493 079*86
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Mikawa Tourism Mushroom Farm
restaurant463 465 894*84
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Shikimeguri Observatory Tennyono Hanaikada
sightseeing463 446 190*74
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Niigata Rice Cracker Kingdom
sightseeing524 050 151*10
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Niigata Chuo Wholesale Market
restaurant32 765 829*53
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Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Bantai
rental_car32 877 520*46
Location Guide Page
Pia Bandai
sightseeing524 007 444*61
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Garden Cafe Ichishima
restaurant157 370 813*44
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Kanda Farm Milk Passport
sightseeing32 329 355*17
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Kawara Terrace
restaurant32 418 805*61
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Y&Y GARDEN
restaurant32 417 081*63
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Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Station Shinkansen Exit
rental_car32 847 745*24
Location Guide Page
Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Airport
rental_car524 103 266*62
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Sannokura Highland Flower Farm
sightseeing674 299 463
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Roadside Station Kitanosato
public_facility413 690 626*83
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Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom
sightseeing97 854 132*88
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Abe Shokudo
restaurant97 855 037*70
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Bannai Shokudo
restaurantCheck Description
Location Guide Page

Genraiken
restaurant97 824 237*62
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Tsuki to Ohisama
restaurant97 824 742*02
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Yamatogawa Sake Brewery
sightseeing97 824 805*81
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Wakaki Shoten
sightseeing97 824 569*26
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Kirinoko Ningyokan
sightseeing97 824 224*25
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AizuWakamatsu
sightseeingMC:Check Description
Location Guide Page

Yonezawa
sightseeing515 268 700
Location Guide Page

Nisshinkan(Samurai School)
sightseeingMC:97 503 346*81
Location Guide Page

Goshikinuma pond
sightseeing413 533 665*34
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Mt.Azuma Kofuji & Jododaira Visitor Center
sightseeing475 181 390
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Hanamiyama Park
sightseeing475 299 161*82
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Bandai Azuma Skyline road observatory
sightseeing475 274 286
Location Guide Page

Tengu no Niwa
sightseeing475 243 669
Location Guide Page

Mt.Azuma Kofuji & Jododaira Visitor Center
sightseeing475 181 390
Location Guide Page

Kunimidai Observatory
sightseeing937 014 353
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Nakatsugawa Valley
sightseeing377 873 780*26
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Sanko Paradice
sightseeing937 000 721
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Ryofu Pass
sightseeing413 628 093
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Moto Coffee
restaurant413 655 341*56
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Nakasenuma Pond Walking Tail
sightseeing413 624 841
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Morohashi Museum of Modern Art
sightseeing413 566 055
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Goshikinuma pond
sightseeing413 533 665*34
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Lake Hibara
sightseeing413 533 813*02
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Suiho
restaurant413 565 758*57
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Il Regalo
restaurant413 566 452*46
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Maboroshinotaki Falls
sightseeing413 380 167*74
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Sankodai Observatory
sightseeing413 319 836
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Inawashiro Herb Garden
sightseeing377 423 692
Location Guide Page

Kannonji River Cherry Trees
sightseeing377 422 323*63
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Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum
sightseeing413 114 879*60
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den en cafe
restaurant413 143 080*78
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Bandai Minamigaoka Farm
sightseeing413 109 898
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Roadside Station Kitanosato
public_facility413 690 626*83
Location Guide Page
Uesugi Shrine
sightseeing515 268 700
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Onariyama Park
sightseeing515 264 373
Location Guide Page

Meetpia
restaurant515 298 229*13
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Azumaken
restaurant827 119 352*63
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Tengendai Highland Ropeway
sightseeing937 360 638*25
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Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa
restaurant515 298 854*54
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Yonezawa
sightseeing515 268 700
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Niigata
rental_car32 877 520*46
Location Guide Page
Roadside Station Iide
public_facility515 674 707*45
Location Guide Page
Watanabetei Residence
sightseeing250 023 394
Location Guide Page

Sennensake Kikkawa
sightseeing250 492 504*36
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Iyoboya Kaikan(Salmon Museum)
sightseeing250 492 871
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Sennensake Kikkawa
sightseeing250 492 504*36
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Shintaku
restaurant250 492 650*60
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Takanosu Bridge
sightseeing829 852 153
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Watanabetei Residence
sightseeing250 023 394
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Toukeien
restaurant250 023 394
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Ijimino Park Iris Garden
sightseeing157 373 395
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Shimizuen Garden
sightseeing157 369 833*17
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Fukushimagata Lagoon Water Park
sightseeing32 899 308*66
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Lake Hyoko
sightseeing32 598 890*34
Location Guide Page

Niigata Rice Cracker Kingdom
sightseeing524 050 151*10
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La Trattoria Estorto
restaurant524 020 601*10
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CoCoLo Niigata
sightseeing32 878 031*24
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Cafe Motokojiya
restaurant250 168 687*04
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Shibata Castle
sightseeing157 429 094*44
Location Guide Page

Nora Cucina
restaurant32 896 434*05
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The Garden Hhouse Ikarashi
restaurant463 871 143*45
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Miso Ramen Magokorotei
restaurant32 818 344*55
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Kojimaya Sohonten
restaurant32 759 608*22
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Ashira
restaurant250 068 057*58
Location Guide Page

Uobei
restaurant32 759 490*41
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Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Bantai
rental_car32 877 520*46
Location Guide Page
Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Station Shinkansen Exit
rental_car32 847 745*24
Location Guide Page
Nippon Rent a Car Niigata Airport
rental_car524 103 266*62
Location Guide Page
Akashibakyo Gorge
sightseeing555 550 631
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Roadside Station Shiroimori Oguni
public_facility555 553 362
Location Guide Page
Marudai Ogiya
sightseeing127 664 831*43
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Nagai Ayame Park
sightseeing127 694 704*76
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Mogami River Cherry blossom
sightseeing127 665 588*08
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Matsugaike Park(Shirotsutsuji Park)
sightseeing127 635 885*34
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Iide Dondendaira Lily Garden
sightseeing515 822 538*25
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Farmhouse Restaurant Erbe
restaurant515 824 105*52
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Roadside Station Iide
public_facility515 674 707*45
Location Guide Page
Kawanishi Dariya Garden
sightseeing127 274 880*40
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Lake Shirakawa
sightseeing515 333 194*73
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Eboshiyama Park
sightseeing127 470 730*62
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Kumano Taisha Shrine
sightseeing127 587 001
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Takahata Winery
sightseeing127 228 701*66
Location Guide Page

Uesugi Shrine
sightseeing515 268 700
Location Guide Page

Toko Sake Museum
sightseeing515 268 297*03
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Fruit Shop Kiyoka
restaurant515 299 751*42
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Araiya
restaurant515 299 034*86
Location Guide Page

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.
Stay at AizuWakamatsu
Day. 2AizuWakamatsu to Yonezawa
This day will head from AizuWakamatsu to Yonezawa city.
Mileage is about 160km and it is recommended to depart 8:00~9:00 if you don't like hurried travel.
If there are spots in Aizuwakamatsu that you've been meaning to visit but haven't yet, please visit first.
After that, Samurai School "Nisshinkan(會津藩校日新館)" is a unique spot. You can learn how strict Samurai children's life was.
The best highlight of this day is "Goshikinuma ponds(五色沼)". There are walking trails through many beautiful color ponds and you must be amazed. There are some more spots where you can enjoy walking around Goshikinuma ponds and these are also recommended.
This day's destination Yonezawa located northern side. However, we highly recommend heading east to enjoy driving along "Bandai Azuma Skyline" which is one of the most scenic driving roads in the whole of Japan. You can also enjoy short climbing at "Mt.Azuma Kofuji(吾妻小富士)".
It is still about 45km from the endpoint of Bandai Azuma Skyline road to Yonezawa city. Please take expressway E13(Tohoku-chuo) to Yonezawa city.
Enjoy Yonezawa before dinner which is considered one of the generally recognized three most famous beef brands in Japan, along with Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef.
Along this day's route, there are nice spots for cherry blossom 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.
Stay at Yonezawa
Day. 3Yonezawa to Niigata
This day will head from Yonezawa to Niigata city.
Mileage is about 160km and it is recommended to depart 8:00~9:00 if you don't like hurried travel.
Recommended spots for this day depend on seasons. You can enjoy flowers like cherry blossom, rape blossom, Iris, Lily, Dariya and Swans, Autumn colored leave, and submerged forest. 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.
There is "Watanabetei Residence(渡邉邸)" huge traditional house with a gorgeous garden that most of the local people in Niigata don't know about because of its inconvenient location. It is on the way to Niigata and worth stopping by.
20km after Watanabetei Residence, you can reach Murakami town which is famous for its salmon. "Sennensake Kikkawa(千年鮭きっかわ)" is a beautiful shop that sells processed salmon. You will be surprised to see hundreds of hanging salmon and can understand their rich culture with salmon. It is highly recommended to have a salmon lunch.
It is still more than 50km from Murakami town to Niigata city. It is recommended to take expressway E7(Nihonkai Tohoku) to save time.
There are many restaurant options for dinner in Niigata and most restaurants are open late.
Return 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.
Check Other 3D2N Northern Honshu(Tohoku) Route
Sorry, we provide our service for Kyushu and Okinawa only. Other areas are under development.