Central Japan 12 Days Itinerary-A

９：００

Today’s mileage is long about 220km. Please try to shorten the travel time by using expressways as much as possible.

１１：００

First of all, you will go from Nagoya Airport to Mino IC on the expressway for about 100km.

The first destination is [Monet’s Pond]. The water lilies blooming in the highly transparent spring water are very beautiful, and the appearance of Nishikigoi swimming elegantly in the pond is like Monet’s masterpiece “Water Lilies”.
(Note) Nishikigoi is a general term for carp breeds that have been improved for ornamental fish, and is characterized by its colorful body color.

If the weather is bad or if you are traveling in winter, we recommend skipping here to save time.

１２：３０

After that, the highlight of the day is [Gujo Hachiman]. Spring waters and waterways spread out in the old townscape designated as an important traditional buildings preservation district of the country, and it has a wonderful atmosphere. There are many attractions such as Sogi-sui, Yanaka-Mizu no Komichi, Igawa Komichi, and Gujo Hachiman Castle, so it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible in Gujo Hachiman.

We recommend having an eel lunch at Gujo Hachiman. You can refer to the recommended restaurant on the day-by-day Driving Map

１５：３０

On this day, you are staying at [Hida Takayama], the center of the Hida region where you can feel the history and culture. If you book inn near Old town, it is good idea to check-in your inn first.

After checking in at the hotel, please take a leisurely stroll around the old town.

If your inn is located far from old town, please use above MAPCODE for convenient parking.

１５：００

After check-in, enjoy walking in the [Takayama Old Town] called “Little Kyoto”. The appearance of castle towns and commercial towns in the Edo period (1603-1868) is preserved. Shopping while looking at the old cityscape, a tour of the sake brewery, eating Hida beef, minced meat cutlet, pudding, etc. are fun, and time passes in no time.

Please drop in at [Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan]. The stalls used at the nationally famous Takayama Festival are always on display.

９：００

The mileage on this day is 140km, which is standard, but if you want to see plenty of Shirakawago Village and Kanazawa City, we recommend that you leave around 9 o’clock.

Speaking of Takayama in the morning, please go to the morning market. Before checking out, please enjoy a walk in [Miyakawa Morning Market] or [Jinyamae Morning Market].

１０：２０

The highlights of the day are [Shirakawago Village] and [Gokayama village], which are World Heritage Sites. First, head to Shirakawago Village. There is not much to see along the road to Shirakawa-go, so move quickly for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In Shirakawago Village, general vehicles are not allowed to enter the center of the village. Please park your car in the Seseragi Park parking lot, cross the river, and stroll through the village while looking at the gassho-style houses.

You can also see the inside of some houses, so be sure to visit them.

The Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory on the hill is a great spot with a famous panoramic view of Shirakawago Village. It is recommended to walk from the village but those who have bad legs can also drive. Please refer driving map.

Be sure to visit!

１３：３０

Next, you will go to [Ainokura Village] in Gokayama town, another World Heritage Site. Although it is smaller than Shirakawago Village, there are fewer tourists, and you can feel the original scenery of Japan with gassho-style houses.

１５：３０
At the beginning of Kanazawa, let’s visit [Kenrokuen Garden], which is widely known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It is a wonderful garden where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons and has been awarded three stars by Michelin Green Guide Japan.

The cherry blossoms (Bgn April) and autumn leaves (Bgn November-End November) in Kenrokuen are especially recommended.

Next to Kenrokuen, you can walk to [Kanazawa Castle], which was the residence of the feudal lord of this area during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is currently maintained as a park, and the turrets and stone walls make you feel the history.

１６：３０

If you have time, stop by [Higashi Chaya District]. This is also one of the popular tourist spots in Kanazawa, and you can see the teahouse-style buildings that have been selected as an important traditional buildings preservation district of the country.

１８：３０

You are staying in Kanazawa on this day. In Kanazawa, there are many restaurants around Kanazawa station. Please try local gourmet food such as high-class fish “Nodoguro”, crab, and Kanazawa oden.

１０：００

This day is a day to visit sightseeing spots in Kanazawa city, so it is a relaxing day. The recommended itinerary assumes that you will be traveling by car, but if you park your car in a parking lot near Kenrokuen, you can walk (about 10km) to all of the sites. If your hotel is close to the sightseeing spots introduced, you can leave your car at the hotel and go sightseeing on foot.

１０：１０

If you haven’t been to Kenrokuen Garden yet, please go to [Kenrokuen Garden] first. It is widely known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It is a wonderful garden where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons and has been awarded three stars by Michelin Green Guide Japan.

The cherry blossoms (Beg April) and autumn leaves (Beg November-End November) in Kenrokuen are especially recommended.

Next to Kenrokuen, there is [Kanazawa Castle], which was the residence of the feudal lord of this area during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is currently maintained as a park, and the turrets and stone walls make you feel the history.

１２：００

Next, you will head to Omicho Market. Please enjoy lunch with the famous Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) here.

１３：００

Then you will head to the Nagamachi Samurai House district. This is an area where earthen walls and stone-paved streets from the samurai era remain, and magnificent samurai residences line the streets.

１４：００

Afterward, you will go to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum was built in the center of the lawn as a circular glass-enclosed building and has a mysterious structure that looks at the front from any direction. You can enter from any direction, and the area where you can enter for free is wide, and you can appreciate many works for free.

１５：００

Your final stop for the day is the [Higashi Chaya District]. It is located along the Asano River, which runs through the eastern side of the city, and once prospered as a teahouse district, it is one of the popular tourist spots in Kanazawa.

１６：３０
On this day you will stay in Kanazawa for consecutive nights following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time at the hotel. Please try local gourmet food such as phantom high-class fish “Nodoguro”, crab, and Kanazawa oden if you missed the previous day.

１０：００

The mileage on this day is normal at 145km.

If your tour of Kanazawa city is not enough, please visit places in the city that you haven’t been to.

１０：４５

After leaving Kanazawa, you will head to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway which is a rare sandy beach that you can drive by car.

１２：３０

Next, you will head to [Amaharashi Coast] where you can view the Tateyama Mountain Range beyond Toyama Bay if the weather is good.

１４：００

Next, you will head to Shin-minato Kittokito Market. Today’s lunch is a specialty fish dish using fresh seafood.

１５：００
Please also stop by Kaiomaru Park, which is nearby. This is a resting bay area centered on the sailing ship Kaiomaru. You can safely experience the ship, the port and the sea, and play freely on the spacious grounds. You can also tour the inside of Kaiomaru.

１６：２０
Next you head to the Sankyoson Observatory. This is a scenic spot where you can overlook the the beautiful rural scenery and Sankyoson village. The sunset seen from here is beautiful, especially around the beginning of May when the sun is reflected on the paddy fields. This place is a little-known hidden gem that only rent-a-car travelers can enjoy.

１８：００

Toyama, where you stay on this day, has many hotels on the south side of Toyama Station, and there are many restaurants in the surrounding area. Enjoy local gourmet food such as Toyama black ramen, Himi udon, and Masuzushi, as well as delicious fish and sake.

９：００

This day is a long drive of 210km, so please use the expressway (E8) to reduce travel time. Also, make sure to take regular breaks while driving.

１１：００

The first place to visit today is Takahashi Ameya. After leaving Toyama, drive on the expressway while looking at the Sea of Japan to the left, and Takahashi Ameya is just after exiting the highway at Joetsu IC.
This is the oldest candy store in Japan with nearly 400 years of history. Try traditional Japanese candy.

１２：３０

After that you will head towards Togakushi. You can find one of Togakushi’s most famous Soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurants on day-by-day Driving Map.

１３：３０

Next, you will head to [Togakushi Shrine Okusha(Main Shrine)] which is famous for its beautiful cedar trees over 400 years old. The 300 cedar trees line up for 500m from the Zuishinmon Gate and a truly mysterious world spreads.

１５：００

Next you will stop at Kagami Pond. Kagami means mirror, and this pond reflects the mountains and clouds in the background like a mirror.

There is nice cafe near the park and good for lunch.

１６：３０

Next, you will head to Zenkoji Temple which is one of the most important and popular temples in Japan.

１７：３０

You will stay in Nagano on this day. Nagano has many hotels between Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple. If you are going to go to Zenkoji Temple after checking in to the hotel, you may want to book a hotel as close as possible to the Temple.

１０：００

The mileage is short, about 125km, but about 40km of it is a mountain road. There are also many attractions and places to go for a walk, so it is recommended that you start early.

If you haven’t yet, we recommend going to Zenkoji Temple early in the morning before checkout. In that case, it would be a good idea to go for the Osaji (morning service) and experience it yourself. This is a memorial service held by all the priests of Zenkoji Temple, and the start time is one hour after sunrise, which changes every day (5:30-7:00). See the below link for more detail.

１１：００

The first destination for the day is [Jigokudani Monkey Park], which is worldwide famous for snow monkeys!

It is also nice to relax at the ENZA cafe near the parking for Monkey Park.

１３：００

Your next destination is [Mt. Yokote observatory].
If you have time, you can also use the skylator and lift to climb the summit of Mt. Yokote.

Mt.Yokote Summit has a Crumpet Cafe with a wonderful view. Also, about 50m away from there, there is the Yokote Summit Hut, and the bakery there is very famous. On this day, we recommend having lunch at one of these restaurants.

１６：００

About 15 minutes from Mt.Yokote observatory, there is the [Highest point of Japan National Route]. At the best viewpoint on the Shiga Kusatsu Road, you can enjoy a magnificent view.

１７：３０

On this day, you will stay at Kusatsu Onsen, one of the most famous Onsen town in all over Japan.
Kusatsu is full of highlights such as walking around the symbols [Yubatake] and [Sainokawara Park], and a hot spring fir show at [Netsunoyu]. Please enjoy walking around the city after checking in at the inn.

１０：００

The mileage is short at 60km, so you can drive comfortably.

１０：３０

We recommend [Mt. Asama magma stone park (Onioshidashi Volcanic Park)]. You can take a walk for about 30 minutes in the desolate scenery of the cold and solidified lava of Mt. Asama. In autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves from here.

１２：００

Next, you will visit [Shiraito Waterfalls(Karuizawa)] along the Shiraito Highland Way on the toll road. There is no river upstream, and it is a mysterious waterfall where the water seeps out from the mountain surface and flows down.

１３：３０

After that, you will go to the town of Karuizawa and walk on [Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street]. It is the main street of Karuizawa, a historic summer resort. You can enjoy walking around the cute church and the bakery where John Lennon attended. It is also recommended for lunch.

１５：３０

The last destination is [Karuizawa Lake Garden]. It is especially breathtaking in spring and fall, when the roses are in full bloom and the leaves are changing colors.

１７：００

There are many nice restaurants in Karuizawa where you will stay on this day, but all of them are closed from 8 to 9 pm due to town regulations. The convenience stores also close at 23:00. Please make sure you arrive at the inn by about 6 pm so you don’t miss your dinner.
A walk in the town of Karuizawa will be tomorrow.

９：００

The mileage is short, about 130km, but about 50km of it is a mountain road. There are also many attractions and places to go for a walk, so it is recommended that you start early.

１０：３０

Firstly, you will head towards Lake Shirakaba and enter the Venus Line near Lake Shirakaba. We recommend eating lunch at Kurumayama on this day, so please buy a lunch box around Lake Shirakaba.

After Lake Shirakaba, you will enter the very beautiful Venus Line. There are some shops to take a rest and observatories along the way, so stop by and enjoy a drive.
After that, it is the biggest highlight of the day [Kurumayama Highland]. A truly awesome 360-degree view spreads out. You need to take a lift to the top of the mountain, but you will never regret it. Highly recommended. And don’t forget to bring your lunch!

１２：４５

You then head to [Yashima Wetlands]. You can take a walk in the marshland, which stretches over a plateau at an altitude of 1600 m, and is full of rare plants and flowers. Yashima Wetlands can be circumnavigated in about an hour and a half.

１５：００

After that, you will head to [Mitsumine Viewing Platform]. You can take a break while gazing at the superb view. If you plan to visit the inside of Matsumoto Castle, we recommend leaving here by 15:15.

１６：３０

The final destination of the day is [Matsumoto Castle], which is synonymous with Matsumoto. Please use the expressway (E19) to reduce travel time.

You can see the inside of the castle tower, which is one of the few original castle towers in Japan. However, please note that the final admission time is 16:30 – 17:30 depending on the seasons.

１８：００

Matsumoto, the largest city in Nagano prefecture. Many restaurants are open until night, so you don’t have to worry about dinner.
If you have time, we recommend taking a walk along “Nakamachi-Dori street”, which is lined with buildings with Namako walls.

９：００

The mileage is as short as 100km, but it’s better to leave early to enjoy Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route fully.

１０：１５

Today’s first destination is Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the biggest highlight today. First, please aim for Ogizawa, which has the entrance on the Nagano side.

After parking the car in the Ogizawa parking lot, take a trolley bus and head to Kurobe Dam. The bus goes through a narrow and dark tunnel.

At Kurobe Dam, please enjoy the huge Kurobe Dam, which is known as the highest dam in Japan. Especially powerful water discharge is great. If you are confident in your legs, we recommend to go to an observatory located in a high place.

After that, please walk on the dam and head to Kurobe Lake Station of the Kurobe cable car on the other side. And you will take the cable car to Kurobeidaira Station.

At Kurobedaira Station, you will change to Tateyama Ropeway and head to Daikanbo. This ropeway is 1700m long and has no pillars on the way, and the longest ropeway in Japan. And Lake Kurobe and the surrounding mountains are so beautiful that you will feel like you are flying in the air of the alpine route.

At Daikanbo, please change to a trolley bus. At that time, please don’t forget to go to the rooftop observatory at the station. Lake Kurobe and the large panoramic view of the Alpen Route are one of the best beauties.

The trolleybus then arrives at Murodo, the highest point of the Tateyama Alpine Route. In Murodo, please enjoy the Yuki-no-Otani (mid-April to mid-June), Mikurigaike Pond walk, and more.

After enjoying Murodo, please return to Ogizawa the way you just came, without going further in the direction of Tateyama.

１６：００

Next, you will head to the Daio Wasabi Farm. This is known as the best wasabi garden in Japan, and many tourists visit. After walking around, please try wasabi soft-serve ice cream.

１７：３０

It takes about 15km to Matsumoto. Please go back to the same inn. Please spend a relaxing time.

９：００

The mileage is as short as 100km, but it’s better to leave early to enjoy Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route fully.

１０：１５

Today’s first destination is Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the biggest highlight today. First, please aim for Ogizawa, which has the entrance on the Nagano side.

After parking the car in the Ogizawa parking lot, take a trolley bus and head to Kurobe Dam. The bus goes through a narrow and dark tunnel.

At Kurobe Dam, please enjoy the huge Kurobe Dam, which is known as the highest dam in Japan. Especially powerful water discharge is great. If you are confident in your legs, we recommend to go to an observatory located in a high place.

After that, please walk on the dam and head to Kurobe Lake Station of the Kurobe cable car on the other side. And you will take the cable car to Kurobeidaira Station.

At Kurobedaira Station, you will change to Tateyama Ropeway and head to Daikanbo. This ropeway is 1700m long and has no pillars on the way, and the longest ropeway in Japan. And Lake Kurobe and the surrounding mountains are so beautiful that you will feel like you are flying in the air of the alpine route.

At Daikanbo, please change to a trolley bus. At that time, please don’t forget to go to the rooftop observatory at the station. Lake Kurobe and the large panoramic view of the Alpen Route are one of the best beauties.

The trolleybus then arrives at Murodo, the highest point of the Tateyama Alpine Route. In Murodo, please enjoy the Yuki-no-Otani (mid-April to mid-June), Mikurigaike Pond walk, and more.

After enjoying Murodo, please return to Ogizawa the way you just came, without going further in the direction of Tateyama.

１６：００

Next, you will head to the Daio Wasabi Farm. This is known as the best wasabi garden in Japan, and many tourists visit. After walking around, please try wasabi soft-serve ice cream.

１７：３０

It takes about 15km to Matsumoto. Please go back to the same inn. Please spend a relaxing time.

９：００

The mileage is relatively long at 180km, so it is recommended that you leave the hotel by 9 o’clock at the latest. Also, use the expressway as much as possible to reduce driing time.

If you haven’t visited Matsumoto castle yet, let’s visit before you leave Matsumoto. They open from 8:30.

１０：５０

The first destination is [Lake Suwa Observatory (Tateishi Park)]. It is a place visited by many tourists with a wonderful view of Lake Suwa and the city of Suwa.

１２：４０

Next, you will move to Yamanashi Prefecture and visit [Shosenkyo], which is said to be “the best valley beauty in Japan”. It is about 75km, about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive using the Chuo Expressway (E20).

You can enjoy the natural beauty of cliffs, special-looking rocks, and beautiful water streams from the well-maintained promenade.

１５：４０

After Shosenkyo, you will go to [Oishi Park] where you can see Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko which is one of the Fuji Five Lakes at the same time. It is about 65km, about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive using the Chuo Expressway (E20). The flowers of the four seasons are also beautiful here, especially during the lavender season (mid-June-mid-July).

１６：５０

We recommend staying around Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka on this day. After checking in at the hotel, you can enjoy local gourmet food such as Hoto or Yoshida udon, which are local dishes of Yamanashi prefecture, while strolling along the lakeside. At dusk on Lake Yamanaka, you may be able to capture the lake, Mt. Fuji, and the setting sun in one photo.

９：００

Since the mileage of this day is long at about 310-325km, we recommend to leave your hotel before 9:00.

９：１５

Your first destination of the day is [Mt.Arakura Sengen Park] near Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a popular spot where you can see Mt. Fuji and the five-storied pagoda as a set.

１２：００

Next you will head to the Yaizu Sakana Center. It will be a long drive of about 120km, 1 hour and 45 minutes, so please use the expressway (E1). At Yaizu Sakana Center, we recommend a fresh seafood lunch.

１３：３０

After that, you will head to [Tea Museum Shizuoka]. This is a museum about tea. You can actually touch it, see it, and smell it. You can also see Mt. Fuji from the garden.

１５：４５

Next, you will head to [Toyokawa Inari Temple] which is counted as one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan, and is known nationwide for its benefits of prosperous business. Please take the expressway (E1) again to save travel time.

１８：００

This concludes your Chubu road trip.
For those who use Chubu Centrair International Airport, please pay attention to the time that going to the airport takes 10 minutes longer than going to Nagoya station.
Please use the map codes of the nearest car rental shops and gas stations at Nagoya Station and Chubu International Airport on the drive map.

Nagoya offers a variety of delicious gourmet foods. In particular, hitsumabushi, miso katsu, miso stewed udon, Nagoya cochin, and kishimen are recommended.