Central Japan 7 Days Itinerary-B

Summary

  • Start
    Chubu Centrair International Airport or Nagoya Station
  • Finish
    Chubu Centrair International Airport or Nagoya Station
  • Mileage
    Total 1030km
    150km per day
  • Travel Pace
    Relaxing
  • Onsen Stay
    Max. 6 nights
  • Recommended Seasons
    All year round

This itinerary takes 7 days to circle around the central Japan area.
Due to standard mileage and, by staying consecutive nights in 2 cities, you can travel at a relaxing pace.


 

Nagoya – Gero(Sample)

Start: Nagoya (名古屋)
Finish: Gero (下呂)
Mileage:140㎞
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day you are heading from Nagoya to Gero.

Recommended  Itinerary

1

Inn in Nagoya

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9:00

Today’s mileage is about 140km.




10 min

2

Nagoya Castle

Parking MAPCODE:

4 348 423What is MAPCODE?

Nagoya Castle, symbolized by the golden orca

9:10

The first destination is [Nagoya Castle], which is famous for the golden Shachihoko(imaginary creature) statue on the roof. Nagoya Castle is recommended not only for its huge and majestic exterior but also for its interior, such as the ceiling and fusuma paintings inside the Honmaru Palace.

Inside the gorgeous Honmaru Goten of Nagoya Castle




40 min

3

Inuyama Castle

Parking MAPCODE:

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Inuyama Castle, the oldest castle tower in Japan

10:50

Next, you will head to [Inuyama Castle] on the south bank of the Kiso River. Inuyama Castle is known as the original castle tower, and Japan’s oldest castle tower is designated a national treasure. On the way from the parking lot to the castle, there is also Haritsuna Shrine and Sanko Inari Shrine with red torii gates, so you can enjoy a walk.




50 min

4

Miyachika

Parking MAPCODE:

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12:45

After visiting the Inuyama Castle, why not stop by a restaurant called [Miyachika], which boasts natural Gujo sweetfish, for lunch? The front glass is wide and open, and the feeling of liberation is outstanding. From the beginning of August to the end of October, you can also experience picking sweetfish on a bamboo gimmick called Yanaba in Nagaragawa river. Also recommended for children.

Image for sweetfish picking at Yana

Sweetfish picking experience in Miyachika



25 min

5

Gujo Hachiman

Parking MAPCODE:

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Old streets and waterways of Gujo Hachiman

14:10

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.

Yanaka Mizu no Komichi in Gujo Hachiman




60 min

6

Inn in Gero

Parking MAPCODE:

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Gero Onsen, one of the three best springs in Japan

16:40
On this day you are staying at Gero Onsen. Here, enjoy Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, which is called one of “the best three springs in Japan” along with Arima in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture. Local gourmet foods such as Hida beef, Hoba miso, and soba are also attractive.

Hida Takayama’s Local Cuisine – Hoba Miso




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.

One of the world’s largest rose gardens Hana Festa Memorial Park
Driving Map For the Day

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.

[Drive Map]Nagoya-Gero – Google マイマップ
Nagoya-Gero

Where to stay in Gero

On this day, you will stay in Gero town(下呂) which is the nationally famous Onsen town. The inns are spread over a wide area around Gero Station.

  • 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 town 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.

 

Gero – Takayama🔒

Start: Gero (下呂)
Finish: Takayama (高山)
Mileage:90km
Travel Pace: Relax

On this day you will head from Gero to Takayama.

Recommended  Itinerary

1

Inn in Gero

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10:00

The mileage is as short as 90km, so it is a day when you can travel comfortably.

In the east of Gero Onsen Town, the [Ideyu Morning Market] is held every morning from mid-March to early December, so nice to stop by.




80 min

2

Hida Furukawa

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Hida Furukawa’s dazzling white-walled storehouse district

11:20

The first destination is [Hida Furukawa] town after passing Takayama. This is the Town of White-Walled Storehouses. There isn’t much to see along the road to Hida Furukawa, so let’s move around for about 1 hour and 20 minutes without stopping.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll while gazing at the traditional white-walled storehouses that stand along the river. Hida Furukawa Station is also famous as the setting for the anime “Your Name.”




15 min

3

Utsue 48 Waterfalls

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Utsue 48 Falls, which changes its appearance in various ways

12:30

Next, we recommend going to [Utsue Forty-eight Waterfall]. The various waterfalls are wonderful, and in the fall you can enjoy the collaboration between the waterfall and the autumn leaves (mid-October-early November).




30 min

4

Inn in Takayama

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Hida Takayama’s Local Cuisine – Hoba Miso

14:00

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, let’s take a leisurely stroll around the old town.

Hida beef steak




5

Takayama Old Town

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

The old town of Takayama.

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.

Try Takayama Menchikatsu Croquette using Hida Beef
The are many gift shops, restaurants and Sake Brewary in Takayama
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, a permanent exhibit of actual Takayama Matsuri floats

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




5 min

Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Takayama

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.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Takayama

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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

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Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site where you can enjoy the original landscape of Japan

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.

Ogimachi Castle Ruins in Shirakawa-go View from the observatory

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.

Sansai(Mountain begetable) Soba at Shokuro is nice!

3

Ainokura Gassho style Village

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Ainokura Gassho style Village

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.

Aikura Gassho-Zukuri Village, representing the World Heritage Site of Gokayama




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.

Hida Furukawa’s dazzling white-walled storehouse district
Utsue 48 Falls, which changes its appearance in various ways

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.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Takayama

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!

Recommended  Itinerary

1

Inn in Takayama

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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

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Autumn foliage in Kamikochi (mid-October to late October)

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.

You need to take bus from Apandana Parking to Kamikochi

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.

Pleasant riverside walking pass in Kamikochi
Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi

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 bus terminal

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

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Shin Hotaka Ropeway is recommended on a clear day

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

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Magnificent view of Matsumoto Castle

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.

Matsumoto’s Toji Soba
Matsumoto Nakamachi Street lined with sea cucumber walls

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.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Matsumoto

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- Matsumoto🔒

Start : Matsumoto (松本)
Finish : Matsumoto (松本)
Mileage : 100km
Travel Pace : Fast

On this day you will stay in Matsumoto for consecutive nights following yesterday. And you will enjoy “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” on a day trip.
If you prefer another place, Japan Alps “Kamikochi” is recommended too.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Matsumoto

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9:00

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




75 min

2

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

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10:15

Trekking along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama side) with an overwhelming sense of nature

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.

huge Kurobe Dam

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.

Kurobe cable car in 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.

Yuki-no-Otani (Snow wall) in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (mid-April to mid-June)
Mikurigaike Pond

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




50min

3

Daio Wasabi Farm

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16:00

The water around Daio Wasabi Farm is clear and really beautiful.

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.




30min

4

Inn in Matsumoto

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

17:30

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




If you prefer another place, Japan Alps “Kamikochi” is recommended too.
You can enjoy 1 hour of walking in the breathtaking scenery.

Pleasant riverside walking pass in Kamikochi
Autumn foliage in Kamikochi (mid-October to late October)
You need to take bus from Apandana Parking to Kamikochi
Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Matsumoto

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- Matsumoto🔒

Start: Matsumoto (松本)
Finish: Matsumoto (松本)
Mileage:130km
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day you will stay in Matsumoto for consecutive nights following yesterday. Enjoy exhilarating driving on Venus Line road, one of the most scenic road in Japan.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Matsumoto

Parking MAPCODE:

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10:00

The mileage is as short as 130km, but about 50km of it is a mountain road.

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

Magnificent view of Matsumoto Castle




60 min

2

Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum

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Utsukushigahara Kogen Museum of Art seems to float in the sky

11:00

When you leave Matsumoto, you first go up the mountain road called Azalea Line to [Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum]. The museum itself is wonderful and the amazing view is a must-see.




25 min

3

Mitsumine Viewing Platform

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The Great Observatory of the Mitsumine is a great place to take a break.

12:20

After that, you will finally be on the [Venus Line] drive.
Please drop in at [Mitsumine Viewing Platform]. You can take a break while gazing at the superb view.

Venus Line, which everyone wants to drive at least once




15 min

4

Yashima Wetlands

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Yashima Marsh stretching across the plateau

13:00

Next is [Yashima Wetlands], which spreads over a plateau at an altitude of 1,630m. This marsh is designated as a national natural monument, and about 400 species of subalpine plants can be observed throughout the year.

Short walking course:800m/15min
Marshland round trip course:3.6km/1.5hours




20 min

5

Kurumayama Highland

Parking MAPCODE:

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From Kurumayama Kogen Sky Terrace, the Venus Line can be seen far below.

14:00

The biggest highlight of the day is [Kurumayama Highland]. A truly incredible 360-degree view spreads out. You need to take a lift to the top of the mountain, but you will never regret it, so please visit.

Some restaurants and cafes are at the bottom and middle of the mountain. And it is also a good idea to buy sandwiches or a lunch box and eat at the TOP of the mountain.

Fantastic Kurumayama Shrine




30 min

After Kurumayama Highland, return a little to the road you came from and head toward Suwa Lake.

6

Lake Suwa Observatory(Tateishi Park)

Parking MAPCODE:

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Lake Suwa, overlooked from Tateishi Park, is famous for the anime “Your Name”

16:30

After that, [Lake Suwa Observatory (Tateishi Park)].
It is a panoramic observatory where you can look down Lake Suwa. It became famous as a sacred place for the animated movie “Your Name”, and is especially recommended to see the sunset.




70 min

7

Inn in Matsumoto

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

16:30

It is about 40km to Matsumoto. Please go back to same inn. Please spend a relaxing time.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Matsumoto

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 – Nagoya🔒

Start: Matsumoto (松本)
Finish:Nagoya (名古屋)
Mileage:240km
Travel Pace: Fast

On this day, you will head from Matsumoto to Nagoya along Nakasendo (Route 19), a series of historic post towns.

Recommended  Itinerary

1

Matsumoto

Parking MAPCODE:

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9:00

It is recommended to leave around 8:00 or 9:00 at the latest, as the mileage is quite long at 240km. Also, please use the expressway on the way.

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

Matsumoto Castle is recommended to visit early in the morning.




55min

2

Naraijuku

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Streetscape of “Narai-juku,” an inn town

9:55

After leaving Matsumoto, you will drive along the Nakasendo Road and head to Naraijuku which is the Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Naraijuku is a place where the townscape of the post town of the Edo period (1603-1868) has been almost completely preserved to this day.




40min

3

Nezame no Toko Gorge

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Nezame-no-Toko, one of the five most famous gorges in Japan

11:30

Next, you will visit [Nezame no Toko Gorge], which has been popular as a landmark of Kisoji. The contrast between the white rock surface and the emerald green river flow is wonderful.




40min

4

Tsumagojuku

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The old townscape of Tsumagojuku.
Waki-Honjin Okutani in Tsumago Yado is a National Important Cultural Property

13:15

After Nezame no toko Gorge, you will go to [Tsumagojuku] where the vestiges of the Edo period (1603-1868) remain intact. Tsumagojuku was the first post town in Japan to preserve its old townscape, which was designated as an Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildingsand in 1976 for the first time in Japan.
The next post town, Magomejuku, is also popular.

However, since this day is the last day, you may not have enough time. In that case, we recommend skipping Tsumagojuku and then Eihoji Temple.




65min

5

Eihoji Temple

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15:15

Great ginkgoes with autumn leaves of Eihoji Temple (Mid Nov-End Nov)

After passing through Magome, you will come to Nakatsugawa City. It is known as the birthplace of chestnut kinton, and there are many Japanese confectionery shops where you can enjoy chestnut kinton and wonderful Mont Blanc.

The distance from Nakatsugawa to Nagoya is about 90km. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes on the Chuo Expressway.

If you have time, please visit Eihoji Temple, which is known for its 700-year-old ginkgo tree. Especially during the fall foliage season, many people flock to see the wonderful scenery of the precincts dyed in yellow and red foliage.




65 min

6

Nagoya

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the rental car company branch you booked.What is MAPCODE?

16:30

This concludes your Chubu road trip.
For those who use Chubu Centrair International Airport, please pay attention to the time as the airport is about 45 km from Nagoya Station (center of Nagoya), about 40 minutes away on the highway.
Please use the map codes of the nearest 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.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

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.

Where to stay in Nagoya

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)

[Drive Map]Tokyo - Hakone/Atami - Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

  • 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!
Ukiba Inari Shrine with torii gate leading to the sky

Kit 2: Parking MAPCODE

MAPCODE
MAPCODE will navigate the most convenient parking

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
*Please change the location and date by yourself
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.
 
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