Summary
- Start
Chubu Centrair International Airport or Nagoya Station - Finish
Chubu Centrair International Airport or Nagoya Station - Mileage
Total 1050km
210km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max. 4 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
This itinerary takes 4 days to circle around the central Japan area and Mt.Fuji.
Due to very long daily mileage and by staying consecutive nights in 1 city only, the travel pace is very fast.
Nagoya – Takayama(Sample)
Start: Nagoya (名古屋)
Finish: Takayama (高山)
Mileage:220km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will head from Nagoya to Takayama.
1
Inn in Nagoya
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
Today’s mileage is long about 220km. Please try to shorten the travel time by using expressways as much as possible.
120 min
2
Monet’s Pond
Parking MAPCODE:
289 518 742*24What is MAPCODE?
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.
30 min
3
Gujo Hachiman
Parking MAPCODE:
289 895 728*50What is MAPCODE?
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
70 min
4
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
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.
5
Takayama Old Town
Parking MAPCODE:
191 196 559*62What is MAPCODE?
If your inn is located far from old town, please use above MAPCODE.
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.
5 min
There is one of the world’s largest rose gardens, [Gifu World Rose Garden], on the way to the spot on this day. You can enjoy flowers such as roses, sunflowers, and cosmos all year round. The rose season (mid-May-early June, late October-early November) is especially recommended.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Takayama(高山) city which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Takayama station and Miyagawa river.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Luxury Ryokans provides free parking. But middle-range hotels may ask you to park in a nearby public paid parking lot. - Onsen
Many of the inns provide Onsen. However, some western-style hotels don’t have it. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants in and around the hotel for dinner, so please make reservations according to your preference.
Takayama – Takayama🔒
Start: Takayama (高山)
Finish: Takayama (高山)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace:Normal
It is a day to fully enjoy the world heritage Shirakawago and Gokayama, which is the best highlights of the Central Japan.
1
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is not very long 160km, but due to many attractions, it is recommended to leave by 9 o’clock.
80 min
2
Shirakawago Village
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:20
The highlights of the day are [Shirakawago Village] and [Gokayama], which are World Heritage Sites. First, head to Shirakawago Village.
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!
40 min
It is recommended to drive NOT expressway(E41) but normal route156 from Shirakawago village to Ainokura. The travel time is almost same and you can drive scenic mountain roads.
There is nice soba restaurant using Gassho style old house and nice for lunch.
3
Ainokura Gassho style Village
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:30
Next, you will go to [Ainokura Gassho style Village] in Gokayama town, a 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.
110 min
When you go back to Takayama, it is recommended to take expressway(E41).
If you haven’t visited Hida Furukawa town or Utsue 48 Waterfalls yet, it is also good idea to stop by.
5
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:45
On this day you will stay in Takayama for consecutive nights following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time at the hotel.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Takayama(高山) city which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Takayama station and Miyagawa river.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Luxury Ryokans provides free parking. But middle-range hotels may ask you to park in a nearby public paid parking lot. - Onsen
Many of the inns provide Onsen. However, some western-style hotels don’t have it. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants in and around the hotel for dinner, so please make reservations according to your preference.
Takayama – Matsumoto🔒
Start: Takayama (高山)
Finish: Matsumoto (松本)
Mileage:140km
Travel Pace:Relax
You are heading from Takayama to Matsumoto on this day. Enjoy walking in the beautiful Kamikochi highland!
1
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
8:45
The mileage is about 140km, which is short. The highlight of the day is walking in Kamikochi one of the most famous highland in all over Japan.
It is recommended to leave Takayama at 8:45 to catch the 9:50 bus from “Akandana Parking”.
50 min
2
Kamikochi
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:35
The first is today’s highlight [Kamikochi] highland.
Kamikochi is restricted to private cars throughout the year, so park your car at the “Akandana Parking Lot” and head for it by shuttle bus. Buses depart at 20 and 50 minutes per hour.
The recommended course is to get off at “Taisho Pond” and walk to “Kappa Bridge”. Even children can walk on the road for about 1 hour and half at a slower pace, and you can enjoy the most pleasant walk.
Once you reach Kappa bridge, you can walk 6min to bus terminal. Additionally, there are some restaurants around Kappa bridge and nice for lunch.
Kamikochi is also known for its beautiful autumn colors (Mid-Oct-End October). Please note that it will be closed in winter from Mid-Nov to End-Apr.
30 min
3
Shinhodaka Ropeway
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:30
Next, if the weather is nice, head to the [Shinhodaka Ropeway]. Japan’s first two-story gondola is in operation, and you can enjoy a large panorama of the Northern Alps. The autumn leaves season (Mid-Oct-End Oct) is especially recommended.
The ropeway departs at 15 and 45 minutes per hour.
You can check the weather from live camera
100 min
4
Matsumoto Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:00
It takes about 50km, 1 hour, and 40 minutes to reach the next Matsumoto city.
[Matsumoto Castle] is the symbol of Matsumoto and is a national treasure where the original castle tower remains. Known for its beautiful contrast of black and white, the castle has a wonderful landscape against the backdrop of the mountains of the Alps. The last entry is 16:30.
10 min
5
Inn in Matsumoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
You are staying at Matsumoto on this day. There are many hotels on the east side of the station, and there are plenty of restaurants.
In addition, Asama Onsen is located just east of Matsumoto City. This is recommended if you want to stay at a hot spring inn.
Enjoy local gourmet food such as Toji soba noodles and Sanzoku-yaki (Chicken thigh dish).
If you have time, we recommend taking a walk along Nakamachi-dori road, which is lined with buildings with Namako walls.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Matsumoto (松本) city.
Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Matsumoto Station
The inns are concentrated east side of Matsumoto Station. This area is convenient for dinner and visiting Matsumoto castle but no inns offer Onsen.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
②Asama Onsen(浅間温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 4km north of Matsumoto station. If you would like to stay in better accommodation with Onsen, here is recommended.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This area is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Matsumoto – Mt.Fuji🔒
Start: Matsumoto (松本)
Finish:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Mileage:180km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will head from Matsumoto to Mt.Fuji.
1
Inn in Matsumoto
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
80 min
2
Lake Suwa Observatory(Tateishi Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
80 min
3
Shosenkyo Gorge
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
80 min
4
Oishi Park
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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).
10 min
5
Inn in Lake Kawaguchi
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
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.
On this day, you can enjoy beautiful flowers if the seasons match. We recommend that you adjust the time and stop by, such as [Jindai Zakura], [Sunflower field of Akeno], and [Lake Yamanaka Flower Park].
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
Lake Kawaguchiko, located on the northern side of Mt. Fuji, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and is also famous for its Onsen. Many inns line the eastern shore of the lake.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 5-star Japanese Ryokans. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and some of the inns have one. Some hotels provide you can enjoy an open-air Onsen with a Mt.Fuji view.
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
There are a few restaurants around in this area but it is recommended to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Mt.Fuji – Nagoya🔒
Start:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Finish: Nagoya (名古屋)
Mileage:
To Nagoya Station: 310km
To Chubu International Airport: 325km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will head to Nagoya from Lake Kawaguchiko.
1
Inn in Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
Since the mileage of this day is long at about 310-325km, we recommend to leave your hotel before 9:00.
15 min
2
Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
75 min
3
Yaizu Sakana Center
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
30 min
4
Tea Museum Shizuoka
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
75 min
5
Toyokawa Inari Temple
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
70 min
6
Nagoya
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the rental car company branch you booked.What is MAPCODE?
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.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
Nagoya is the 3rd biggest city in Japan and the gateway of central Japan travel. Chubu Centrair International Airport and Nagoya station are 50km away and take 45min by expressway. There are hundreds of accommodations around Nagoya Station and the Sakae downtown area.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Your Perfect Travel Companion!
Our Travel Kit makes your road trip safer and more memorable!
What is DJ Travel Kit?
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expertly designed travel kit, perfect for uncovering Japan’s hidden treasures! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or driving in Japan for the first time, this kit guarantees a seamless mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation.
What’s Inside:
Why Choose Our Travel Kit?
Unforgettable Memories: Each day promises unique experiences, from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures off the beaten path, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Flexibility in Your Itinerary: Our maps are packed with top attractions, hidden gems and eateries along the day’s route. Dive into the places that spark your interest and craft an itinerary that’s uniquely yours. The adventure is in your hands—make it unforgettable!
Stress-Free Travel: With everything you need in one convenient kit, you can focus on enjoying your road trip. Our comprehensive tools and expert tips ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Kit 1: Day-by-day Driving Map
Plan your perfect road trip day-by-day with our Google Maps-based driving maps. Each day’s itinerary, such as “Day.1 Tokyo to Hakone,” is packed with curated routes featuring 15-20 sightseeing spots and restaurants along the way, each pinpointed with a MAPCODE(Kit 2).
Sample Day-by-day Driving Map(Tokyo – Hakone)
- Scenic Routes:
We designed for scenic drives, not just the shortest path, ensuring a memorable journey. - Flexibility:
Spend your time only on your preferred tourist spots and dining venues. - Safety First:
Routes are optimized for appropriate driving distances, avoiding risky roads for a secure road trip. - Find Hidden Gems:
Discover spots Google misses or public transport can’t reach.- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
This photogenic shrine is located along the route from Fukuoka to Yufuin, and within 20 minutes you can have the wonderful scenery all to yourself. Few Japanese, let alone foreigners, know about it, and its inconvenient location makes it difficult to visit except by car.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ENmDp69E6V7V3B49
Drive Japan day-by-day driving map will introduce you the these hidden gems everyday and make your road trip more wonderful experience!
- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
Kit 2: Parking MAPCODE
Tired of hunting for parking? Enter MAPCODE instead of addresses in your car’s navigation system! It lead you straight to the most convenient parking at each tourist hotspot, ensuring you spend less time circling and more time adventuring.
- Accurate Navigation:
With MAPCODE, you’re guided straight to the parking spots, not to the middle of a lake or inside a garden! For road trippers visiting 5-6 destinations each day, accurate parking guidance is crucial to make the most of your journey. - Time is Money:
Why waste precious travel time searching for parking or researching routes? International travel is an investment, costing an average of USD 16 per person per hour. For a group of three on a 7-day trip, that’s over 10 hours lost to parking hunts alone. Let MAPCODE streamline your travels, so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your adventure!
Kit 3: Restaurant List
Explore curated restaurant lists for each town you stay in, featuring recommended dining options.
Sample Restaurant List(Asahikawa)
- Local Cuisine:
Taste regional specialties and must-try dishes at our handpicked spots. We do not accept advertising fees from restaurants. Our selected restaurants are chosen solely based on their appeal and our firsthand experience. - Convenience:
Easily access Google Maps links for each restaurant, allowing quick checks on photos and operating hours. - Practical Advice:
Provides things you should know about dinner in the town you’re staying in, such as “towns with few restaurants” and “towns with very fast last orders by ordinance.”
Car Booking
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
The main international airport in Central Japan. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 13:00, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Nagoya and departing the next morning.
It takes 30-60 min to Nagoya station by train and 45 min by car. - Nagoya City
The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the 3rd biggest city in Japan. Most car rental shops are located around Nagoya Station.
Nagoya Station, a Shinkansen stop, and downtown Sakae Station are only 5 min by train.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at Centrair Airport and return to Nagoya Station, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is about JPY5000. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
If you travel from the end of November to the end of March, you must book a car with snow tires.