Summary
- Start
Haneda airport or Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya Station - Finish
Haneda airport or Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya Station - Mileage
Total 850km
150km per day - Travel Pace
Relaxing - Onsen Stay
Max.4 nights - Recommended Seasons
End Apr – End Nov
This itinerary takes 6 days to circle around Tokyo and Mt.Fuji.
Due to standard daily mileage and by staying consecutive nights in 2 cities, you can travel at a relaxing pace.
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 – Mt.Fuji(Sample)
Start: Tokyo (東京)
Finish:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day you will head from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji.
1
Rental car branch at Haneda airport, Narita airport or Tokyo
Parking MAPCODE:
10:00
The mileage is about 150km, which is standard. There are many sightseeing spots around Fuji Five Lakes, including Lake Kawaguchiko, so if you want to visit many sightseeing spots, please start early.
There are not many spots between Tokyo and Mt.Fuji area. We strongly recommend that you take the expressway(E20) and drive all the way to the Kawaguchiko area, where there are many sights to see at once.
100 min
2
Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park
Parking MAPCODE:
161 276 580*54What is MAPCODE?
11:40
First of all, we recommend [Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park] near Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a popular spot where you can see Mt. Fuji and the five-storied pagoda as a set, so the first visit in the morning is recommended.
20 min
3
Oshino Hakkai
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check belowWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
After that, you will drive toward Lake Yamanakako and head for the very famous [Oshino Hakkai].
Oshino Hakkai located between Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko is where eight springs of the underground water of Mt. Fuji meet and shoot up. It is registered as a World Cultural Heritage along with Mt. Fuji.
Please use either of the following parking lots.
Hinodeya Parking Lot(ひのでや駐車場): MAPCODE 161 130 608
Ikemoto Parking Lot(池本駐車場): MAPCODE 161 130 849
40 min
Our recommendation for lunch in Yamanashi is hoto. In particular, there are many hoto restaurants around Lake Kawaguchi, so be sure to visit them. Please refer driving map.
4
Mt.Fuji(Fuji Subaru Line 5th station)
Parking MAPCODE:
689 223 008What is MAPCODE?
15:00
If you have time, head to [Mt.Fuji(Fuji Subaru Line 5th station)]. It is about 20km and 40 minutes from the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center at the foot of the mountain. Also, please note that general vehicles are not allowed to run from mid-July to mid-September.
35 min
5
Inn in Lake Kawaguchiko
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:40
The area around Lake Kawaguchiko is a famous hot spring resort. It will be a long-distance drive tomorrow, so please take a rest and save your energy at the hot springs of Lake Kawaguchiko.
There are many famous spots for flowers and autumn leaves around Mt. Fuji that can only be reached by car. These are must-visit places if you visit in spring or autumn.
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.
Lake Kawaguchiko, located on the northern side of Mt. Fuji, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and is also famous for its Onsens. Many inns line the eastern shore of the lake.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 4 to 5-star Japanese Ryokans. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for onsens and some of the inns have one. Some hotels provide you with an open-air onsen to enjoy accompanied by a breathtaking view of Mt.Fuji. - Meal Plan Reservations
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 – Mt.Fuji
Start:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Finish:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Mileage:80km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day, you will stay at Lake Kawaguchiko as you did yesterday and tour around the Fuji Five Lakes.
1
Inn in Lake Kawaguchiko
Parking MAPCODE:
10:00
The mileage is about 80km even if you go to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, so it is a day when you can travel comfortably.
10 min
2
Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park
Parking MAPCODE:
161 276 580*54What is MAPCODE?
10:10
First of all, if you haven’t visited yet, please visit [Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park] near Lake Kawaguchi. It is a popular spot where you can see Mt. Fuji and the five-storied pagoda as a set, so the first visit in the morning is recommended.
20 min
3
Oshino Hakkai
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check belowWhat is MAPCODE?
11:30
After that, you will drive toward Lake Yamanakako and head for the very famous [Oshino Hakkai].
[Oshino Hakkai] near Lake Yamanakako are the eight springs that make the underground water of Mt. Fuji come up. It is registered as a World Cultural Heritage along with Mt. Fuji.
Please use either of the following parking lots.
Hinodeya Parking Lot(ひのでや駐車場): MAPCODE 161 130 608
Ikemoto Parking Lot(池本駐車場): MAPCODE 161 130 849
15 min
4
Lunch
Parking MAPCODE:
12:40
Speaking of lunch in Yamanashi, hoto is recommended. Please refer driving map. In particular, there are many hoto restaurants around Lake Kawaguchiko.
Also, the map introduces famous hamburger shops and robatayaki restaurants with a nice atmosphere, so please refer to them.
At the western confectionery and coffee shop [Abend] (MAPCODE: 161 215 436), you can enjoy anmitsu, waffles, and specialty curry made from Fuji’s famous water.
35 min
5
Fuji Subaru Line 5th station
Parking MAPCODE:
689 223 008What is MAPCODE?
14:20
After lunch, you’re finally heading to today’s highlight, Mt.Fuji. After drivinging the [Fuji Subaru Line] for about 30km from the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, you will arrive at the [Mt. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station]. Located at an altitude of about 2300 meters, it offers wonderful views of the Fuji Five Lakes and the mountains of the Alps.
* General vehicles cannot run from mid-July to mid-September. Please be careful. Also, the 5th station is 10 ℃ colder than the base, so be sure to bring warm clothes.
60 min
6
Saiko Iyashi no sato NENBA
Parking MAPCODE:
59 019 045What is MAPCODE?
16:15
If you still have time to go down to the foot of the mountain, we recommend [Saiko Iyashi no sato NENBA] near Saiko. The restored thatched-roof houses are lined up, and it is truly a world of old Japanese tales.
20 min
There are numerous tourist destinations scattered around the Fuji Five Lakes.
You can play for a whole day at [Fuji-Q Highland] and [Museum of Music and Forests], and in spring and autumn there are many famous spots for flowers and autumn leaves, so please visit according to the weather.
7
Inn in Lake Kawaguchiko
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:30
It will be a long-distance drive tomorrow, so please take a rest and save your energy at the hot springs of Lake Kawaguchiko.
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.
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. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are some restaurants around in this area but it is recommended to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Mt.Fuji – Matsumoto
Start:Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)(河口湖)
Finish:Matsumoto (松本)
Mileage:190km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day you will head from Lake Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto.
1
Inn in Lake Kawaguchiko
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is long, about 180km. Please use the expressway if the car navigation system recommends it to save time.
10 min
2
Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park
Parking MAPCODE:
161 276 580*54What is MAPCODE?
9:10
First of all, if you haven’t visited yet, please visit [Mt.Arakurayama Sengen Park] near Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a popular spot where you can see Mt. Fuji and the five-storied pagoda as a set, so the first visit in the morning is recommended.
80 min
3
Shosenkyo Gorge
Parking MAPCODE:
59 848 186*53What is MAPCODE?
11:30
After that, you will head to [Shosenkyo Gorge]. Here you can enjoy a stroll through the valley of strange rocks and rivers.
50 min
4
Seisenryo
Parking MAPCODE:
359 005 538What is MAPCODE?
14:20
Then you will head north to Yatsugatake. Please use the expressway (E20) to reduce travel time.
Around Kiyosato, there is soft serve ice cream made from rich jersey milk and nice restaurants making it a perfect spot for lunch.
40 min
5
Lake Suwa Observatory(Tateishi Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
218 780 003What is MAPCODE?
15:30
After that, you will head to the highlight of the day, [Lake Suwa Observatory (Tateishi Park)]. Please use the expressway (E20) to reduce travel time.
It is a place that became famous as a sacred place for the animated movie “Your Name”, and you can enjoy a wonderful sight, especially at dusk.
50 min
6
Matsumoto Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
75 851 375What is MAPCODE?
16:50
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.
Matsumoto castle
10 min
7
Inn in Matsumoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
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.
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 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 Onsens.
- 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.
1
Inn in Matsumoto
Parking MAPCODE:
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
Parking MAPCODE:
691 491 628What is MAPCODE?
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.
50min
3
Daio Wasabi Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
158 319 338What is MAPCODE?
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.
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 30min – 1.5 hour of walking in the breathtaking scenery.
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 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 – Karuizawa
Start: Matsumoto (松本)
Finish: Karuizawa (軽井沢)
Mileage:130km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Matsumoto to Karuizawa via the Venus Line, one of Japan’s leading tourist mountain roads. This is one of the biggest highlights of this road trip.
1
Inn in Matsumoto
Parking MAPCODE:
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.
55 min
2
Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum
Parking MAPCODE:
468 527 302What is MAPCODE?
9:55
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
Parking MAPCODE:
468 286 293What is MAPCODE?
11:20
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.
35 min
4
Yashima Wetlands
Parking MAPCODE:
468 139 076What is MAPCODE?
12:40
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.
15 min
5
Kurumayama Highland
Parking MAPCODE:
468 055 716What is MAPCODE?
13:50
After Yashima wetlands, you will enter the most beautiful section of the 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.
90 min
After leaving Kurumayama Highland, you will go down to [Shirakaba Lake], then leave the Venus Line and head toward Karuizawa.
6
Inn in Karuizawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:55
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.
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 dinner 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 – Tokyo
Start: Karuizawa (軽井沢)
Finish: Tokyo (東京)
Mileage:190km
Travel Pace: Fast
You will return to Tokyo from Karuizawa on this day.
1
Inn in Karuizawa
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is long at about 190km and it is a tough day.
There are many attractions in Karuizawa city and around Tomioka, so enjoy sightseeing there, and then return to Tokyo using the Kan-etsu Expressway(E18).
5 min
2
Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street
Parking MAPCODE:
292 676 492*30What is MAPCODE?
9:05
The first destination 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.
15 min
3
Karuizawa Lake Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
292 464 474*42What is MAPCODE?
10:15
The next destination will be [Karuizawa Lake Garden]. The rose season is in spring and the season of autumn leaves is breathtaking.
40 min
After leaving Karuizawa, take the expressway (E18) toward Tokyo.
There is a very popular matcha ice cream shop along the way, so it is recommended for a break.
4
Tomioka Silk Mill
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check below.What is MAPCODE?
12:00
2km from there, you will arrive at 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
70 min
5
Kawagoe
Parking MAPCODE:
Please check belowWhat is MAPCODE?
14:30
The distance from Tomioka Silk Mill to Tokyo (Tokyo Station) is about 130km, and it takes about 2 hours using the expressways (E18, E17).
There is also Little Edo [Kawagoe] on the way, so it is recommended that first-timers adjust the time.
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
60 min
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!
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.
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 onsen. - 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.