Summary
- Start
Haneda airport or Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya Station - Finish
Haneda airport or Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya Station - Mileage
Total 750km
150km per day - Travel Pace
Normal - Onsen Stay
Max. 3nights - Recommended Seasons
Beg May – Beg Nov
This itinerary takes 5 days to circle around Tokyo and Mt.Fuji.
Due to standard daily mileage, you can travel at a pace that is not too rushed.
If you want to stay in Tokyo after the road trip, you can return the car not to the airport but to Tokyo. Due to traffic jams and lack of parking, walking and the train are more convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo.
Tokyo – Karuizawa(Sample)
Start: Tokyo (東京)
Finish: Karuizawa (軽井沢)
Mileage:190km
Travel Pace: Fast
You will head to Karuizawa from Tokyo on this day.
1
Rental car branch at Haneda airport, Narita airport or Tokyo
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is long at about 190km, so we recommend that you depart as early as possible.
60 min
2
Kawagoe
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check belowWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
The distance from Tokyo(Tokyo Station) to Kawagoe is about 45km, and it takes about 1 hour using the expressway. Kawagoe is known as Little Edo, where you can feel the culture of Edo (old Tokyo) with its rows of buildings from the Edo period.
In Kawagoe, please use the following parking lots.
[1] Paid parking lot MAPCODE: 14 013 220*58
[2] Free parking lot (1km on foot) MAPCODE: 14 014 743*46
30 min
3
Tomioka Silk Mill
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check below.What is MAPCODE?
12:30
Your next destination is the World Cultural Heritage [Tomioka Silk Mill]. The factories and warehouses that greatly contributed to the modernization of Japan remain as they were when they first opened 150 years ago.
Please use the following parking lots.
① Nearest parking lot (charged) MAPCODE: 94 002 243*32 In front of the Tomioka Silk Mill
② Machinaka Exchange Center (charged) MAPCODE: 94 002 374*80
After leaving Tomioka, take the expressway (E18) toward Karuizawa.
There is a very popular matcha ice cream shop along the way, so it is recommended for a break.
40 min
4
Karuizawa Lake Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
292 464 474*42What is MAPCODE?
14:45
Next, you will head to [Karuizawa Lake Garden]. The rose season is in spring and the season of autumn leaves is breathtaking.
15 min
5
Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street
Parking MAPCODE:
292 676 492*30What is MAPCODE?
16:00
The last destination of the day is [Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street]. It is the main street of Karuizawa, a historic summer resort. It’s a fun way to stroll around the cute churches and the bakery that John Lennon used to go to.
5 min
6
Inn in Karuizawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:20
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 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.
Also, if you look at the driving map of the day, you will see a lot of pink pins. It means that there are many famous places for flowers and autumn leaves in the surrounding area. If you are traveling during those seasons, please give priority to your visit.
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 Karuizawa city(軽井沢) which is famous for its summer and snow resorts.
The inns are spread over a wide area around Karuizawa Station.
And when you stay in Karuizawa, be aware of the strict town ordinances. All restaurants close by 21:00 and all convenience stores also close at 23:00.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
Most inns don’t have onsen. If you would like to stay at an inn with an onsen, “Karuizawa Prince hotel” is recommended. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many nice restaurants for dinner around the hotel. And some inns also provide nice dinners too. Therefore, please make reservations according to your preference. Due to the town ordinances, most of the restaurants close around 20:00-21:00. Please note that there is no place where you can eat dinner at a late time.
Karuizawa – Kusatsu🔒
Start: Karuizawa (軽井沢)
Finish: Kusatsu (草津)
Mileage:60km
Travel Pace: Relaxed
On this day you will head from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen.
1
Inn in Karuizawa
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
The mileage is as short as about 60km, so you can travel comfortably even if you depart late.
10 min
2
Karuizawa Lake Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:10
The first destination is [Karuizawa Lake Garden]. Especially the rose season in spring and autumn and the season of autumn leaves are breathtaking.
15 min
3
Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:25
After that, you will return 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.
25 min
4
Shiraito Waterfalls(Karuizawa)
Parking MAPCODE:
292 851 679What is MAPCODE?
12:50
Departing from Karuizawa, there is [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.
10 min
From there you will comfortably drive through the woods of Kitakaruizawa. You can also enjoy sweets if you take a break on the way. Please refer driving map.
5
Mt.Asama magma stone park(Onioshidashi Volcanic Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:00
We also 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.
30 min
6
Inn in Kusatsu Onsen
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:00
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]. Arrive at the inn around 16:00 and enjoy walking around the city after checking in at the inn.
The next day you will be traveling a long distance, so take a rest in the hot springs to save energy.
Please check hot spring show time at Netsunoyu
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.
Kusatsu is one of the most famous onsen town in all over Japan.
Drive Japan recommends an inn within walking distance of the symbolic “Yubatake” hot spring field.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with onsen facilities.
There are a variety of inns like western-style hotels and Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. But some of their parking is far from the inn and they provide a free shuttle bus. - Onsen
Of course, most of the inns have onsen. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are some restaurants around the hotel for dinner, so please make reservations according to your preference.
Kusatsu – Yuzawa🔒
Start:Kusatsu (草津)
Finish:Yuzawa (湯沢)
Mileage:140km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day, you will head to Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture from Kusatsu Onsen via National Route 292 (Shiga Kusatsu Road), a breathtakingly scenic road through the highest elevation in Japan. This is one of the biggest highlights of this road trip.
1
Inn in Kusatsu Onsen
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is about 140km, but about 50km of this is a mountain road, so it takes time. There are some spots such as Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park that take time, so if you want to visit many sightseeing spots, we recommend that you leave at 9:00 at the latest.
25 min
As soon as you leave Kusatsu, you will enter [Shiga Kusatsu Road]. The area around Sassho-gawara just after entering Shiga Kusatsu Road is prohibited from parking or driving with the windows open due to gas caused by active volcanic activity. Please proceed with caution.
As you drive the Shiga Kusatsu Road, you will exceed the forest limit and get a better view. There are many observatories along the way, so stop by and enjoy the most exhilarating drive.
2
Highest point of Japan National Route
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:25
When you go further, you will arrive at [Highest point of Japan National Route]. At the best viewpoint on the Shiga Kusatsu Road, you can enjoy a magnificent view.
5 min
3
Mt.Yokote observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
About 2km from there, you will arrive at [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.
35 min
4
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:15
After that, when you go down the mountain and pass the Shiga highland, you will arrive at [Jigokudani Monkey Park], which is very popular with foreign tourists.
There is nice cafe near the park and good for lunch.
100min
It takes about 90km and about 2 hours from Monkey Park to Yuzawa. Please drive along the Chikuma River while taking a break at the roadside station.
5
Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:00
Especially in this area, we recommend the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, where you can take photogenic photos.
25 min
There are nice flowers and autumn foriage spots along the way.
6
Inn in Yuzawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:15
Yuzawa, where you stay on this day, is also a famous onsen town.
Also, if you drive from Echigo Yuzawa on the Kan-Etsu Expressway for about 30km and 40 minutes, you will reach Minakami Onsen. Many inns are of a slightly higher grade, and the mileage the next day will be shorter, so this is also recommended.
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 either Yuzawa town or Minakami town. It is 35km and takes about 30min away across the very long Kanetsu Tunnel on the expressway. Both of them are famous for their Onsen and Minakami town is known to have more luxurious inns.
- 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 onsens and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
Both towns don’t have many restaurants and recommended to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Yuzawa – Nikko🔒
Start: Yuzawa (湯沢)
Finish: Nikko (日光) or Kinugawa(鬼怒川)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head to Nikko from Yuzawa through three waterfalls called Oku-Nikko three major Waterfalls, Senjogahara, and Irohazaka.
1
Inn in Yuzawa
60 min
Immediately after leaving Yuzawa, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway and head to Minakami through the Kan-Etsu Tunnel. Be sure to drive expressway (E17) as it is a very detour and a waste of time on ordinary roads.
2
Fukiware Waterfall
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check belowWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
Your first destination on this day is [Fukiwari Waterfall]. It is a very mysterious waterfall formed by the river eroding over a long period of time from the rock formed by the solidification of lava.
Please use one of the following parking lots.
① Takinoeki Fukiware-滝の駅吹割
MAPCODE: 540 115 493
② Kyaraen-伽羅園
MAPCODE: 540 115 701
55 min
3
Yudaki Falls & Lake Yunoko
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:55
From there you cross Mt. Nikko-Shirane and head for Oku-Nikko. The next destination is [Yudaki Falls & Lake Yunoko].
The water flowing from Lake Yunoko becomes a huge Yudaki Falls with a height of 70m and a width of 25m. The view from the observatory just below the basin is impressive.
10 min
4
Lake Chuzenjiko
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:05
You will arrive at [Lake Chuzenjiko] from Yudaki via Senjogahara and Ryuzu Falls. From the lakeside parking lot, you can also enjoy a walk to [Chuzenji Temple], [British Embassy Villa], and [Italian Embassy Villa].
35 min
5
Akechidaira Ropeway
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:10
After leaving Lake Chuzenjiko, go down the famous Irohazaka (mountain road) to the Nikko city area.
If you have time, we recommend the Akechidaira Ropeway Observatory. This is only accessible from the one-way Irohazaka climbing line, so you’ll have to go down once and then climb again. However, you can meet the magnificent view of Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenjiko, and the Kegon Falls that flow down from there.
25 min
6
Inn in Nikko
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
On this day you will stay in Nikko. An inn near Toshogu is convenient for sightseeing the next day. If you drive about 15km from Toshogu, you will reach Kinugawa, a hot spring resort that represents the Kanto region. There are many inns, and you can relax in the hot springs, so this is also recommended.
You will visit Nikko shrines and temples such as Toshogu tomorrow morning.
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 Nikko(日光) City. Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Toshogu Shrine
The biggest highlight of Nikko is “Toshogu Shrine” and many inns are concentrated near it.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star Japanese Ryokan and 5-star historic western hotels. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
Most inns don’t have onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants for dinner in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
②Kinugawa Onsen(鬼怒川温泉) area
Kinugawa located 20km and takes 30min from the Toshogu shrine is famous for onsen.
- 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 onsens 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.
Nikko – Tokyo🔒
Start: Nikko (日光) or Kinugawa(鬼怒川)
Finish: Tokyo (東京)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will return to Tokyo from Nikko.
1
Inn in Nikko or Kinugawa
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is long at about 200km, but 100km or more is a drive on the expressway.
10 min
2
Shrines and Temples of Nikko(Toshogu Shrine)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:10
The first destination is the world heritage [Shrines and Temples of Nikko] including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
You will first go to [Nikko Toshogu Shrine], which enshrines Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of Edo, now the world city Tokyo. This shrine is too famous for the Yomeimon Gate and sleeping cats. [Futarasan Shrine], [Rinnoji Temple], and [Daiyuin], which enshrines Tokugawa Iemitsu, are also worth seeing.
25 min
3
Akechidaira Ropeway
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:00
If you have time, we recommend the Akechidaira Ropeway Observatory. Located on the hillside of Irohazaka, you can see the magnificent view of Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenjiko, and the Kegon Falls that flow down from there.
50 min
4
Oya Museum
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
After that, head to [Oya Museum]. Although it is named a museum, it is actually the site of a huge underground quarry of stone named Oya stone used for warehouses. You will be amazed at its size, which is like an underground city.
120min
The distance from Oya to Tokyo is 120km on the Tohoku Expressway (E4), which takes about 2 hours.
Please drive safely taking a break in the service area on the way. We recommend the unique Hanyu parking area for a break.
Also, along the route of the day, there is [Ashikaga Flower Park] where flowers bloom all year round, and [Gongendo Park] which is famous for cherry blossoms. If you are traveling during the flowering season, we recommend that you give priority to this.
6
Rental car branch at Haneda Airport, Narita Airport or Tokyo
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
17:30
This is the end of this road trip.
①Returning a car at Haneda Airport
They provide a free shuttle bus from the branch to the airport. Normally it takes 15-20 min but may take up to 1 hour during busy times.
②Returning a car at Narita Airport
If you use Narita Airport, please be aware that it is about 70km from central Tokyo and about 1 hour by expressway. They provide a free shuttle bus from the branch to the airport. Normally it takes 15-30 min but may take up to 1 hour during busy times.
③Returning a car in Tokyo
Traffic jams often occur in Tokyo. Be sure to return your car with plenty of time to spare.
There are 80,000 restaurants in Tokyo! Enjoy your last Japanese meal before returning to your home country as much as you want!
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.
If you are planning to stay overnight in Tokyo, we recommend the following places.
①Shinjuku Station
Convenient for sightseeing, shopping, and eating.
②Shibuya Station
Convenient for sightseeing, shopping, and eating.
③Tokyo Station
Recommended for travelers who will take Shinkansen.
④Haneda Airport
There are some huge hotels at the airport.
⑤Narita Airport
As you may know, Narita Airport is located 80km away from Tokyo and takes about 2 hours by car. Please travel well in advance of your schedule.
- Inn Type
There are about 3,000 inns in Tokyo. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
A few inns provide onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are 80,000 restaurants in Tokyo. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
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
- Airport
Tokyo has 2 main airports. Haneda is close to Tokyo and Narita is 70km away.
If you arrive after 14:00 at Haneda or 12:00 at Narita airport, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Tokyo and departing the next morning.- Haneda Airport
20km to center of Tokyo
30-45 min to Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku Stations by train. - Narita Airport
70km to center of Tokyo.
60 minutes from Tokyo by train, 90 minutes by car.
- Haneda Airport
- Main stations in Tokyo
- Tokyo Station
Recommended for travelers who will take Shinkansen. - Shinjuku Station
- Shibuya Station
- Tokyo Station
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 the airport and return at the stations, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is about JPY3000~7000. - 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.