Central Japan 5 Days Itinerary-B

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 is not very long 160km, but due to many attractions, it is recommended to leave by 9 o’clock.

１０：２０

The highlights of the day are [Shirakawago Village] and [Gokayama Village], which are World Heritage Sites. First, head to Shirakawago Village to avoid crowds.

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.

１６：４５

On this day you will stay in Takayama for consecutive nights following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time at the hotel.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.