japan road trip planner

Japan Route Finder & Calculator

Find the best route including bullet train, bus, airline, and taxi. Compatible with your railway pass. Plan your trip by calculating the train cost and distance. Check the train schedule. View the route on a map. Know which station to transfer, which exit to go out.

Often Used Routes

Japan travel tips.

Was the information on this site useful?

Insufficient content

Thank you for your response. We will continue to strive for improvement in quality.

プライバシーポリシー ・ 利用規約 に同意の上、ボタンを押してください。

ログイン（無料）すると より便利に利用できます

Change password

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Japan Trip Planner

Top destinations in japan.

Top attractions in Japan

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Tateshina-machi
• Nagawa-machi
• Shimosuwa-machi
• Sakuho-machi
• Miyota-machi
• Sakaki-machi
• Minamimaki-mura
• Chikuhoku-mura
• Kitaaiki-mura
• Fujimi-machi
• Minamiaiki-mura
• Karuizawa-machi
• Nanmoku-mura
• Tatsuno-machi
• Yamagata-mura
• Ikusaka-mura

All related maps of Japan

• Map of Japan
• Map of Tateshina-machi
• Map of Nagawa-machi
• Map of Tomi
• Map of Komoro
• Map of Saku
• Map of Shimosuwa-machi
• Map of Sakuho-machi
• Map of Ueda
• Map of Miyota-machi
• Map of Aoki-mura
• Map of Komi-machi
• Map of Suwa
• Map of Chino
• Map of Okaya
• Map of Sakaki-machi
• Map of Hara-mura
• Map of Matsumoto
• Map of Minamimaki-mura
• Map of Shiojiri
• Map of Chikuhoku-mura
• Map of Kitaaiki-mura
• Map of Omi-mura
• Map of Fujimi-machi
• Map of Minamiaiki-mura
• Map of Karuizawa-machi
• Map of Nanmoku-mura
• Map of Azumino
• Map of Tatsuno-machi
• Map of Yamagata-mura
• Map of Ikusaka-mura

Japan throughout the year

• Japan in January
• Japan in February
• Japan in March
• Japan in April
• Japan in May
• Japan in June
• Japan in July
• Japan in August
• Japan in September
• Japan in October
• Japan in November
• Japan in December

Q&A about Japan

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

10 road trips that will show you the best of Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Hitting the road in Japan lets you take in spectacular landscapes, like those around volcanic Mt Aso in Kyūshū © grandspy_photos / Shutterstock

Want to see the best of Japan ? We suggest hitting the road.

Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshū , or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel.

And as an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan knows how to deliver epic scenic drives.

Buckle up: here’s the list of our 10 favorite road trips in Japan.

1. The Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaidō

Best road trip for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridges   Onomichi – Imabari; 70km (43 miles), allow one day

A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Shimanami Kaidō traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages lost in time.

Drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolor views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many humpbacked islands that dot its expanse. 

Detour: For a detour you won’t forget, check out Kōsan-ji , a singularly kitschy temple on the island of Ikuchi-jima. This garish religious monument fuses a litany of architectural styles, from Italian marble foundations to ancient Chinese iconography. 

2. Coast-to-coast Hokkaidō

Best road trip for gorgeous northern countryside Rausu – Hakodate; 700km (435 miles), 3–4 days

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō  is a driver’s dream: vast, untamed, sparsely populated and veined with quality roads (though they’re best avoided during winter’s copious snows).

The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles (644km) of open road, from the UNESCO-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. 

Given the wealth of natural scenery and worthwhile diversions, this is a worth savoring slowly savored,: the 17-mile (27km) pencil-straight “Road to Heaven” highway  (天に続く道); the calderas and primeval forests of Akan-Mashū National Park; the “Roller Coaster Rd,” which zigzags almost vertically through the pastoral farmlands of Biei; and Sapporo , a lively entertainment hub and the largest metropolis north of Tokyo . 

3. Shikoku’s 88 temples pilgrimage 

Best road trip for meditative magic, secret surf spots and solitude Naruto – Sanuki; 1200km (745 miles), two weeks

It may seem antithetical to embark upon a pilgrimage on four wheels. Yet with 88 individual temples to discover along 1200 kilometers of terrain on the Shikoku henro (pilgrimage) – dedicated to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi – you’re going to want all the help you can get. 

We recommend entering from Kōbe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge (its main span is 2km /1.25 miles): you’ll have jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas.

The temple route traverses all four of Shikoku’s prefectures, passes through its most bustling port cities, and encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks, onsen soaks and short temple sojourns.

Local tip: If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for pilgrims in white clothes and carrying bamboo walk sticks along the roadsides.

4. Izu Peninsula to Hakone

Best road trip for variety, from sea level to Mt Fuji highs Minamiizu – Hakone; 115km (71 miles), 1–2 days

The epic route from the Izu Peninsula to Hakone is a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

From the Izu Peninsula ’s southern tip, the coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town, and Higashiizu, whose “Moon Road” – so called for dreamy view of waxing moons that trace a beam of light across the Pacific – supposedly imbues any witness with a divine energy.

Further north, the road hugs the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone , from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. 

Finish this road trip in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty  tōge (mountain road) that served as an inspiration for the Hollywood movie  The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (though the actual mountain drift-race scenes in the film were shot in LA).

Local tip: The driftway is one of 30-plus “Melody Roads” in Japan – the name derives from the tactile grooves that produce a range of notes as they send vibrations up through your car.

5. Kyūshū: Mt Aso to Cape Sata 

Best road trip for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibes Mt. Aso – Cape Sata; 322km (200 miles), 2–3 days

Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt Aso. The Aso Panorama Line offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim and perpetually casting its gaze toward the belching volcano in the middle. 

From Aso, head south along the spine of Kyūshū  toward the most southern tip of Japan’s four main islands, Cape Sata.

Planning tip: Before you arrive at the observatory pinned to the Pacific coast, consider a night at one of the many onsen towns en route, or an overnight stay in the laid-back subtropical city of Kagoshima  to enjoy some black pork, sweet-potato shōchū (distilled liquor) and views of volcano Sakurajima seemingly floating on the bay.

6. The Noto Peninsula drive

Best road trip for dramatic coastal seascapes Takaoka – Kanazawa; 236km (147 miles), 1–2 days

From the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture, this road trip will take you past some of Japan’s finest coastal scenery.

The route centers around Noto, a dark, rugged peninsula that’s home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes. In west Noto, you’ll also find the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces tumbling down toward the sea, and the port city of Wajima, with its 1000-year-old morning market.

Finish the journey in Kanazawa , a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Planning tip: The city is home to a number of enlightening museums, including the impressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art .

7. Coastal Wakayama

Best road trip for  onsen , sacred trails and a castle Wakayama City – Shingu; 180km (112 miles), allow one day

Wakayama Prefecture sits on the bulbous Kii Peninsula south of the Osaka–Kyoto conurbation and is the gateway to the misty forests of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail. 

The 100-mile (160km) coastal road skirts Wakayama’s 16th-century feudal castle and the onsen (hot spring) resort town of Shirahama, where evening suns set behind the moon-shaped hole of Engetsu-tō Island.

The toothy rock features and soaring cliffs of Kushimoto in the south will both vie for your attention. The route culminates in Shingu on the Mie Prefecture border, where Kamikura-jinja shrine marks the spot upon which Japan’s Shinto gods are said to have first descended to the earth. 

8. Central Western Japan: Shimane to Kyōtango

Best road trip for cool geology, chill coastline and an ancient shrine Iino-Ura – Ine; 355km (22o miles), 2–3 days

The scenic drive from Iino-Ura (Shimane) to Ine (Kyōtango) snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated coastline.

Along the way, you’ll hit Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines ( Izumo Taisha ), the sparkling bay of Lake Shinji in Matsue City, and Japan’s only large dune system at Tottori’s San’in Kaigan Geopark. 

In the Kyōtango region, rolling hills and crystal-blue waters set the scene for your final destination: Ine, a picture-book village famed for its funaya (fishing boat houses) built on stilts above the waterline.

Best road trip for exploring rural backroads Fukushima City – Aomori City; 335km (208 miles), 2–3 days

Tōhoku , a region whose name means “northeast,” is webbed with immaculate roads that carve through its national parks, virgin forests, and towns and cities still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. 

The journey from Fukushima to Aomori swerves past the green-coated islets of Matsushima Bay – whose beauty is said to have put the 17th-century father of Japan’s haiku poetry, Matsuo Bashō, at a loss for words – and the foamy seascapes and knobbly sea stacks of the 1000km-long (621km) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Detour: Top detours include the winding road to the large volcanic crater lake at Mt Zaō in Miyagi Prefecture, and the road circumnavigating Aomori’s pristine Lake Towada, whose serene waters you can paddle by kayak.

10. Tsushima

Best road trip for remote historic sites and isolated beauty Cape Tsutsu – Kankoku Observatory; 70km (43 miles), 1–2 days

Limited access to public transport and an abundance of lush coastal scenery make Tsushima perfect for exploring on a road trip.

This small island – off Japan’s west coast, in the middle of the Korea Strait – provided the backdrop for the critically acclaimed 2020 PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima . 

Though only 43 miles (70km) north-to-south, Tsushima brims with natural and manmade wonders: the Kaneda Fortress ruins, the lonely Watatsumi Shrine, islet-littered Asō Bay and the Korean-style Kankoku Observatory on the island’s northern tip.

(On a clear day, you can see  Busan in South Korea  in the distance.) Day hikers can summit one of Tsushima’s forested peaks, while its rivers and beaches offer plenty of inviting spots to relax along your island drive.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

Explore related stories

Feb 17, 2024 • 10 min read

South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 17 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

12-Day Shikoku Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Traveling Japan’s Hidden Gem

Last Updated April 22, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 12-Day Shikoku Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Traveling Japan’s Hidden Gem

Are you ready for an adventure that takes you off the beaten path in Japan? Look no further than Shikoku, a hidden gem that promises to leave you in awe. This stunning island, tucked away from the bustling crowds, offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil landscapes. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Japan’s smallest main island on this 12-day Shikoku itinerary. 

By using this guide, you’ll learn the intricacies of how a road trip around the island of Shikoku can look like. Through my personal experiences, you’ll get deeper insight into this region than anywhere else.

What You’ll Get Out of This Article

• Day-by-day breakdown that covers how to build a 12-day itinerary in Shikoku.
• Critical details for important activities and sights you won’t find anywhere else such as which locations are cash-only, how to make reservations, critical mistakes you don’t want to make, and more.
• Google Map of all locations on the itinerary.
• Downloadable access to the itinerary spreadsheet.

Table of Contents

My shikoku journey, how to use this shikoku itinerary, where is shikoku, itinerary day 1 – feel the energy of tokushima, itinerary day 2 – enter hidden iya valley, itinerary day 3 – uncover iya valley secrets, itinerary day 4 – from yokai to castles, itinerary day 5 – knife-making in shimanto, itinerary day 6 – adventure in nakatsu gorge, itinerary day 7 – mighty matsuyama castle, itinerary day 8 – memory lanes of ozu and uchiko, itinerary day 9 – climb to new heights in kotohira, itinerary day 10 – enter the mediterranean of japan, itinerary day 11 – art immersion on naoshima island, itinerary day 12 – experience okayama’s past, map of shikoku itinerary, why it makes sense to rent a car, why you shouldn’t rent a car, advice on renting a car in shikoku, car rentals in tokushima, how to save money on car rentals in shikoku, 1 – challenges of driving in the valley, 2 – go during the off season, 3 – get used to using your translation app, 4 – expect to use more cash than you think, 5 – prepare for changes in weather, how much did this trip cost, closing thoughts on 12 days in shikoku, frequently asked questions, read more japan travel content, best place to book hotels in japan.

Knowing that I’d be coming from a week in Tokyo and having done the Golden Route through our 12 day Japan itinerary , I asked experts I knew, where they’d recommend if I wanted to somewhere completely off-the-beaten-path. Shikoku was mentioned a few times and what I heard intrigued me.

From there, I started planning a journey through somewhere that I could tell hadn’t been discovered by the masses. Online information was sparse and not well consolidated. Thankfully Shikoku Tours was there to help fill in some of the gaps but I was determined to do it fully independently.

Digging in, I quickly realized that there are a few primary ways Shikoku is explored:

• Pilgrimage – Known as the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage or Shikoku Hendo , this involves travellers centering their trip around visiting many of the sacred Buddhist sites on the circular-shaped route. Most don’t do all 88 but do a selection of the highlights and combine walking with public transit, go with a private guide , or do special bicycle tours .
• Cycling – The second major interest in Shikoku is cycling, especially with the Shimanami Kaido route where you get to bike on Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, crossing the Seto Inland Sea. You can do day trips or multi-day cycling circuits .
• Road trip – Although not as well documented, it was clear from the outset that relying on public transportation would not be efficient. I ended up opting for this because I felt like it was closer to my interests and would allow me the flexibility to see everything in a neat 12 days.

I certainly didn’t expect to be doing a full-on road trip loop in Japan of all places, but I have to say that I was very happy with how it turned out.

This part of the trip was solo after spending a month with Chantelle in Hokkaido and Tokyo.

Special Promotion with Shikoku Tours

Putting together a trip to Shikoku but would rather have someone plan it for you? The folks on the ground that helped me and are the go-to tour company on the island is Shikoku Tours .

As a bonus, we’ve also partnered with them so that you’ll get a free Imabari towel, Japan’s highest quality towel and made from the Ehime prefecture of Shikoku.

How? All you have to do is mention “Going Awesome Places” when you submit your inquiry.

We created this itinerary with you, our readers, in mind. We put down as much detail as we can so that all of the information is one place. From there, you get to use it as is or make tweaks based on your own schedule and interests.

This is a road trip version of a Shikoku itinerary so many of the specifics relate to being able to drive from location to location. That said, we’ve tried to share alternative details where we can.

Pay particular attention to our boxes called “What you need to know”. These extract essential details about important points of interest and activity, while also injecting our own observations. Japan is one of those places where you can easily get caught off-guard if you don’t know about specific rules and quirks.

We also make sure we summarize every day and each of those have links to either review pages or where to book specific activities. Lastly, we have our trip map near the end of the article, which is great for the visual planners out there.

At Going Awesome Places, we are obsessed about building travel itineraries because that’s how we do our trip planning and it’s the kind of detail that is hard to find these days. You’ll see a lot of similarities with other ones we’ve created such as the Adventure in the Ozarks of Missouri , Easter Island itinerary , 10 days in Patagonia , and classic Egypt itinerary .

So where the heck is Shikoku? We’re sure that even if you ask 10 or even 100 foreign tourists in Japan about Shikoku, most would give you a blank stare.

Shikoku is a secret that you’re going to be glad to be in on.

Japan is comprised of 4 main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Shikoku is the smallest and least populated and that’s precisely why it’s unlike anywhere else in Japan.

The name Shikoku comes from the word shi (four) and koku (region) and as you guessed, there are 4 prefectures on the island: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima . To the south is the Pacific Ocean and to the north is the Seto Inland Sea.

Up until the mid-1980s, you could only get here by boat but luckily, modern engineering connected it to the mainland through 3 massive bridges. Then you have airports that serve each prefecture in the cities of Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama, and Takamatsu .

It’s worth mentioning that while this is a Shikoku itinerary, it does overlap with other regions. For one, there’s Setouchi region which covers all of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea and all adjacent coastal areas. The trip also ends in Okayama and this is outside of the island of Shikoku but is part of Setouchi .

As you’ll see really soon, there’s a real sense of mystery in Shikoku and with that, the excitement of uncovering the secret for yourself.

The Best 12-Day Shikoku Itinerary

You will hit the ground running in Tokushima with full day of adventure and cultural immersion. Ride the Bizan Ropeway for stunning city views, witness the captivating Naruto whirlpools on a boat tour, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of an Awa Odori dance performance in the evening.

Arrive in Tokushima

For this Shikoku itinerary, we recommend starting in the city of Tokushima and working your way around in clock-wise fashion. Tokushima is also a great place to start as it’s not overwhelming and quite easy to get around on foot.

You’ll most likely fly into Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS) which is primarily serviced by domestic airlines. In my case, I flew in directly from Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport via Japan Airlines.

After you land, you’ll catch the local bus which will take you right to the center of town, Tokushima Station .

TIP: At the far end of the airport is the bus ticket vending machine. The fare for Tokushima Station is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children. You can pay by cash or IC card only. Remember to tap “Receipt” to get a receipt printed.

First order of business – drop your off your bags at your hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima , which is conveniently right next to the station. Re-organize your daypack if you need to because you won’t be back until the afternoon.

See Tokushima From Above

One of the best ways to get oriented is at the top of one of the symbols of Tokushima – Mt. Bizan . At the summit, you’ll see how the city is situated at the mouth of the Yoshino River, pointing northeast.

Sharing the same building as where you’ll be watching the Awa Odori performance in the evening is the Bizan Ropeway . The view from the top gives you a stunning overlook of the area and as far out as Awaji Island and Kii Peninsula on a clear day.

In addition to the main viewing platform, there’s a large kaleidoscope art installation, a Burmese pagoda honoring the soldiers from World War 2, and an expansive park of cherry blossom trees.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• April 1 – October 31 – 9AM – 9PM
• November 1 – March 31 – 9AM – 5:30PM
• It is usually closed for several weeks between January to February for annual inspection.
• The ropeway takes 6 minutes and runs every 15 minutes (timetable in image above).
• The Bizan Cafe at the summit is open from 10AM – 7PM.
• The ropeway is closed the second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December. If any of these land on a public holiday, it’ll shift to the next day.
• Adults (Junior High School Student and above) – ¥620 one way, ¥1,030 round trip
• Elementary School Students – ¥300 one way, ¥510 round trip
• 3 set (Awaodori performance, museum, ropeway) – ¥1,830 for adults, ¥1,280 for children up to 15, and ¥810 for children up to 12
• 2 set (museum, ropeway) – ¥1,130 for adults
• 2 set (Awaodori performance, museum) – ¥1,000

Parking: There’s parking at the Awaodori Kaikan Theater (drive to the rear) for a fee. You can get your parking validated (1 hour free) if you purchase ¥3,000 or more at the shop on the main floor.

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, it’s an easy 15 minute walk to the ropeway station/theater.

Booking: You can only buy tickets in-person at the desk or vending machine. Machines are cash-only.

Website: Bizan Ropeway

• How much time do I need at the summit? If it isn’t sakura (cherry blossoms) season, you can easily see everything in 30-40 minutes.
• Where are the cherry blossoms on the mountain? From the summit, there is a walking path going away from the city that leads into the Bizan Park which has a cluster of cherry blossom trees.
• To take the ropeway, you need to take the elevator to the 5th floor. From there, you get into a queue.
• Since there are two gondolas that go up together, best view going up is in the second (bottom) gondola so you can see a clear view of the city below.

Cruise into the Naruto Whirlpools

Head back to the main station and take the 1-hour long bus out to the far northeast corner where a natural phenomenon of tidal whirlpools can be found in the Naruto Strait .

In this narrow passageway of water measuring 1.3 km (0.81 miles), massive amounts of water move in and out of the Seto Inland Sea twice a day creating a difference in water levels between the sea and the ocean. This causes water to rush through the channel at high speeds , and at specific areas, spirals in the water.

One of the best ways to see the Naruto Whirlpools is to join a sightseeing boat cruise. The Wonder Naruto races large groups of tourists to the Onaruto Bridge every 30 minutes. Standing at the edge of the boat, you patiently wait for swirls to form – some are small and some gush with intensity.

After the cruise, you can either check out more of the area (observation decks, park, Uzo-no-Michi Walkway , and Otsuka Museum of Art ) or head back to the city and check into your room.

We’ll be focusing on the Wonder Naruto but if you’re interested in the underwater observatory, check out the Aqua Eddy.

• Open all-year-round and runs 12 trips per day.
• Boat ride is 30 minutes and the exact departure schedule is posted on their Sightseeing Boat page .
• The best time of the day to go is at high and low tide (1.5 hours before and after). Using their monthly tide table , you’ll be able to see those peak times for the exact day you wish to go.
• Adults – ¥1,800
• Child (Elementary School and younger) – ¥900
• First class cabin is available for an additional ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children.
• Payment by credit card is possible.

Parking: There is plenty of parking (150 spots) at the whirlpool sightseeing boat dock and it is free.

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, go to bus stop number 16. You’ll be able to hop on any bus that stops here. Take the bus for 1 hour and 15 minutes until you get to the stop “Naruto Sightseeing Port”. It might be difficult to tell which stop it is but there’s a point in the route where it turns around. It is the first stop right after the turn-around point. Payment is made as you get off the bus. The fare is ¥720 and you can only pay by coins. There is a change machine as well but it only breaks ¥1,000 bills. For route map, timetable, and fare table, visit the bus for Naruto Park page .

Booking: You can only buy Wonder Naruto tickets in-person at their counter. You can buy Aqua Eddy tickets in advance (mandatory).

Website: Uzusio

Language: The commentary through the speaker is in Japanese.

• Do the tickets sell out? While the boat has a capacity of 399 people, it can sell out especially if there are large bus groups and you are going during high-season.
• How early should I arrive at the boat dock? We recommend that you come 1-1.5 hours ahead of the time slot that you’re targeting. Worst case, you can book the sailing after it.
• Is the Aqua Eddy recommended? We don’t recommend Aqua Eddy because there simply isn’t enough time to be running between the underwater observation and the main deck. As the whirlpools aren’t predictable and can be on either side, we feel that this would add additional stress and force you to pick what you want to focus on. For this, the additional cost, and shorter trip time, it’s not worth it.
• Is it worth upgrading to first class on Wonder Naruto? The advantage of first class is that there are fewer passengers up there, allowing you more freedom to move around. The other benefit is that you are higher in elevation, allowing you to get better view of the whirlpools developing below. If we were to do it again, we’d pay for the upgrade.
• They don’t announce that they ready for queueing (in English) so if you’re early, just get in line for Wonder Naruto before everyone else. The advantage of boarding early is that you’ll have your pick of the spot on the boat. That said, once you pick a spot, you’ll be surrounded by other people along the railing.
• There are actually two companies that run whirlpool sightseeing boats. The biggest one is the one that we ended up taking, called Uzusio (うずしお観潮船). There is another company called Uzushio-Kisen (うずしお汽船) which is a smaller but slightly cheaper boat. They also offer combo tickets to Uzu-no-Michi (a bridge with a glass floor). This is why there are two separate locations indicated on the bus map so don’t get them confused.
• The bus schedule time table isn’t the easiest to read but for Uzusio, the stop you’re looking for is 鳴門観光港 (fourth-last stop). If you’re interested in Uzushi-Kisen, the stop is 亀浦口 (second-last stop on the line).

Eat at a mouth-watering local izakaya

Local recommendations are the best. Domannaka is a short walk away from your hotel and features mostly locally-sourced ingredients and dishes that the region is best known for . You have to try their yakitori platter (depicted above), seared bonito ( katsuo no tataki ), and lotus root.

What Tokushima is best known for is Awa Odori , something you might’ve noticed not-so-subtly featured throughout the city.  This is perhaps Japan’s most famous dance festival that is said to have originated from the celebration when Tokushima Castle was completed.  While the official festival is performed in mid-August, the other way to see a performance is at the Awa Odori Kaikan , the same building as the Bizan Ropeway.

This 50 minute performance is the best showcase of what the Awa Odori festival is all about .  Accompanied by musicians, you’ll get to see men, women, children, and elders perform the traditional dance.  You’ll see and feel the energy, along with the intricacies of the dress of Awa Odori during the show. 

The show is also quite interactive, with a segment in the middle dedicated to having the audience learn some of the basic moves of the dance. At the end of the night, the entire audience is invited to get down to the theater floor to join the dancers, culminating in a fun and immersive night.

• Daytime Performances – 11AM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM (40 minutes)
• Check the evening performance schedule to make sure they are not closed.
• There is a Google Calendar on the Awa Odori Kaikan homepage which clearly breaks down which performances are available for each day.
• The theater is closed the second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December. If any of these land on a public holiday, it’ll shift to the next day. It is also closed December 28 to January 1.
• Adults – ¥800 for daytime, ¥1,000 for evening
• Child (Elementary School and Junior High School Students) – ¥400 for daytime, ¥500 for evening

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, the easiest way is to walk to the ropeway station/theater. It’s a 15 minute walk away.

Booking: You can buy daytime tickets at the vending machine. You can only buy evening tickets on the night of at 7PM in front of the theater entrance. Both cases are cash-only.

Website: Awa Odori Kaikan

Language: The performance is in Japanese and there are no subtitles but it’s pretty easy to catch on what’s happening.

• Can I buy tickets in advance? No, they don’t have online booking.
• What is the difference between daytime and evening performances? The main difference is that the evening performances feature rotating groups of famous Awa Odori troupes and the show is 10 minutes longer. The daytime show is performed by the theater’s own exclusive troupe.
• Do the tickets sell out? The theater has a seating capacity of 250 so there should be plenty of tickets but it’s always a good idea to show up early.
• Are seats assigned in the theater? No, the seating is first-come-first-serve.
• Are photos and videos allowed? Yes, there are no restrictions for photos and videos.
• Where are the best seats in the theater? The first row in the center section of the theater is the best especially if you want to take photos of the show.
• How early should I arrive? If you want your pick of seats, we recommend that you come 1 hours ahead of time.
• Is the performance the same as the Awa Odori Festival? The actual festival from August 12 -15 is a multi-day event that takes over the entire city. This show provides a condensed version it, focusing on the dance styles for both men and women. The performance also includes an instructional component where the audience is encouraged to dance. You’ll get a really good sense of the dress, dance, and energy from this show.
• They have a bit of a unique way of queueing at the theater. When you arrive, put a bag down in a straight line starting at the door. This way, you are free to go to the shop below, use the restroom, and walk around. It may seem a little strange at first but it’s quite a democratic way to hold your spot in a first-come-first-serve manner.
• The shop on the main floor is open until 8PM, allowing you to buy souvenirs before the evening show.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see & do:

• Bizan Ropeway
• Naruto Whirlpool Cruise
• Awa Odori Performance

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Food from Tokushima Clement Plaza – This is the mall that’s attached to the city’s main train station where you’ll find plenty of food options including the bakery Vie de France, imagawaki (wheel cake), and local mochi cakes.
• Dinner – Domannaka – An elegant izakaya and yakitori restaurant that features local dishes and delicacies. Reservations are highly recommended here. They do not take online reservations so you’ll need to call to make reservations.

Where you’ll stay:

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima ( Agoda / Booking ) – Conveniently located adjacent to Tokushima Station, this is a comfortable, new, and spacious hotel. We recommend staying here because of it is seconds away from the bus stop, train station, shopping mall, restaurants, and even has a 7-Eleven downstairs.

It’s time to get the road trip started. You’ll start off going blue over the time-honored tradition of indigo dyeing. From there, you’ll drive into the heart of Iya Valley where you’ll quickly realize that you’re in a mystical place like no other in Japan.

Make your own indigo dyed creation

Shikoku is home to many traditional crafts and one of them is indigo dyeing. This is why you’ll see plenty of indigo-dyed goods along your journey.

Aizome refers to the traditional practice of indigo dyeing and there’s no better place to see how it works than to go to the region where the industry thrived for generations in Wakimachi and more specifically, the Udatsu Townscape .

Located in a charming and historically wealthy town thanks to indigo, is the Yamauchi Studio which preserves the tradition by teaching visitors how the dyeing process works by creating your very own handmade item.

What you’ll love about this experience is that you’ll come out with your own souvenir that was created using traditional indigo dyeing techniques . Your instructor will also allow you to design your own pattern. I thought this was the most interesting part, involving either marbles, special folding techniques, and lots of elastic bands.

• Duration – 40 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Hours – 10AM – 4PM (closed on Tuesdays)
• Bookable time slots: 10AM, 1PM, 2:30PM
• Small Handkerchief – ¥1,100
• Large Handkerchief – ¥1,650
• Scarf – ¥4,400
• Shopping Bag – ¥3,850
• Drawstring Bag – ¥1,650
• Socks – ¥2,200
• It is also to possible other items so if you’re not interested in these, you can ask on-site.

Parking: There is a free parking lot to the south of town but it does fill up quickly. The attendant on-site will help guide you to your spot.

Booking: You can book online but drop-in is definitely possible when it’s not a busy day.

Website: Reservation Page Through Nishi-Awa Tourism Association

Language: The instructor only speaks Japanese but has a handheld translation device to provide basic instructions. It’s relatively straightforward.

• How hard is it to learn how to dye? It is extremely easy and suitable for ages 5 and up.
• Should I make a booking ahead of time? If you’re on a schedule and want to fit this in a specific time, it’s better to make a reservation ahead of time. If you’d like to keep things flexible, you can try to drop-in. Worst-case, you can explore the Udatsu Townscape if they’re busy.
• How early should I arrive for the activity? There is not a lot of prep work required so you can show up 5-10 minutes ahead of time.
• Will my hands get dirty? No, you will be given an apron and gloves so your hands won’t turn blue.
• The English name of the store is “Yamauchi Studio” but on Google, you need to search for “Aizome Kobo, Waikimachi”.
• If you follow your GPS to the store, it will take you onto the pedestrian Udatsu Townscape street which will eventually trap you in (that was totally me). Instead, search for the “道の駅 藍ランドうだつ” or “Road station Airandoudatsu” parking lot. Our custom map have all of these marked.
• The studio doesn’t exactly run fixed workshop times. Instead, since there are at least 2 vats of indigo, they will get you started whenever you are ready.
• While the booking platform only shows 3 time slots per day, it doesn’t mean that the instructor will wait for everyone that booked that time slot to get started. It is simply a formality of the system. In reality, they get visitors going on a rolling basis of whenever people arrive.
• If you’d like to start earlier than your booked time slot, simply show up early.
• When you leave the studio, the handmade piece will still be damp so put it by the window of your car to let it dry.

Test your vertigo on the double vine bridges

Next begins your journey into Iya Valley. The small towns along the Yoshino River begin to disappear and are replaced with seemingly impenetrable emerald hills as you weave corner to corner and unknowingly passing around Mount Tsurugi.

Tucked away on the far eastern end of Iya Valley is Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi or the Double Vine Bridges . These are two of the last 3 remaining vine bridges in Iya Valley, where there were once 13.

The bridges are said to be connected to the story of the Heike Clan that took refuge in this area and built these as a way to get through the valley but could also cut them down if they were invaded.

What’s unique about this location is that there are two bridges, the larger one being male and the smaller being female . Crossing each is an adventure on its own as the bridges sway and the gaps between the planks of wood below are enormous. There’s also a hand-powered rope and trolley that you can also try if they’re operational.

What really sets this area apart are its tranquil and untamed surroundings with the trickling of the river below, the calm rustling of the forrest, and whispers of a nearby waterfall. It also helps that this is far-less visited part of Iya Valley because it’s not as accessible as the one you’ll visit tomorrow.

• April-June：9AM – 5PM
• July-August：8AM – 6PM
• September-November: 9AM – 5PM
• December-March: Closed
• Duration – Expect to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour here.
• Adults – ¥550
• Children – ¥350

Parking: Off the road, there are 30 parking spaces. Parking is free.

Booking: No online booking is available.

How it works: You pay your admission at the ticket booth on the main road. They’ll be a ticket and from there you walk down. There aren’t any turnstiles to enter so in a way, this is honour system. Unlike Iya-no-Kazurabashi vine bridge, there are no attendants by the bridge and you can cross them in any direction and as many times as you wish.

Website: No official website. Your best bet for an updated page is on Miyoshi Tourism .

• Are there bathrooms? There aren’t any facilities by the bridges but there are restrooms by the ticket office next to the road.
• Can you take a bus to the double vine bridges? This is serviced by the local bus that’s bound for Mt. Tsurugi and the Kazura Bashi Bus stop.
• Currently, the rope wooden carts of Monkey Monkey Bridge are not in operation.

Visit the oddly charming scarecrow village

Driving deeper into the valley, you’ll come across a sleepy riverside village that seems normal at first, until you realize that the people you see hanging around aren’t people. The population of Nagoro consists of life-sized scarecrows and outnumber their human counterparts 10 to 1 .

The Nagoro “Scarecrow” Village was started by Tsukimi Ayano, a resident that returned to her home village after living in Osaka for most of her life. It started with a scarecrow with her father’s likeness on her family farm. This evolved to becoming effigies of former residents to keep the spirit of the village alive.

The best way to appreciate all of Tsukimi-san’s work is to park your car and walk the village and see the vibrant population of scarecrows that are waiting at bus stops, working the fields, going to school, or simply hanging out.

Explore traditional thatched-roof houses

As you emerge from the mist and the twisty roads of the valley, you’ll enter into true heart of Iya Valley which consists of small hamlets that cling to the edge of the mountain slopes. It’s here that you’ll see enduring examples of ancient houses that date back well over 200 years.

The first you can visit is Koune-ke Historic House . Formerly of the Koune family, this is one of the simplest homes you’ll see, consisting of one room, garden, front space, and toilet in the middle front of the house. This is a small house so you can take a quick peek inside.

The other you’ll have time for is Nagaoka-ke Historic House . At an altitude of 610 meters (2001 feet) on a south-facing slope of Ochiai Village is a prime example of an upper-class clan of the village, featuring an asymmetrical 6-room floor plan. After taking off your shoes, you’re free to walk around. Make sure to ask the staff to show you the potato storage cellar accessed by a hidden hatch.

NOTE: Nagaoke-ke Historic House closes at 4PM.

Check into your traditional farmhouse

If you fancy staying in a living museum and getting a feel for what traditional Iya life is like, you have to do several nights in a restored farmhouse with jet-black beams, 130-year-old red-pine floors, sliding doors, and classic decor.

Your stay at Kouya is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Originally a tobacco farm in the hamlet of Kubo, this house has been kept within the family and now provides a farm stay experience for visitors by combining unique lodging with local-style meals and hands-on activities.

2 nights in Kouya are an absolute must. Hosts, Shinsuke-san and Mari-san welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to truly unwind and relax in this multi-room home that I had all to myself.

The best part are their dinners where they are slow cooked in the traditional way in their large iori floor hearth. Using locally-sourced ingredients, you’ll be treated to an aromatic feast for the senses. In additional to a wide variety of small dishes and rice cooked in the traditional way, you’ll get to try specialties such as Hirara-Yaki (wall of miso past encloses a stew of amego fish, tofu and vegetables), amego fish grilled around charcoal flame, and a hearty oden (pot of fish cake stew).

Details about how these farm stays or farmhouses work in Iya Valley so we thought it’d be valuable to go through the details of where we stayed and what to expect.

Time: Kouya accepts bookings open all-year round.

Price: Prices start at ¥13,000 per adult/night and includes 2 meals (breakfast and lunch), and hands-on experiences. If you book directly, you’ll have to pay by cash in person.

Capacity: There are 2 rooms and can house a maximum capacity of 7 people. Regardless of the size of your group, you will always get the full farm house to yourself.

• Large room (the one where we stayed) – 5 people
• Small room – 2 people

Parking: There is a parking in front of the house.

Booking: Reservations are recommended at least 4-6 months in advance, especially during the non-winter season because there are so few accommodation options in the area. Making a reservation is a bit more a challenge as you can’t do it online. The best way to do it is to email them at [email protected] or to use a tour operator like Shikoku Tours .

Website: Kouya

• Does the host speak English? No, the hosts, Shin-san and Mari-san don’t speak English but their hospitality is above all expectations. Shin-san puts in a big effort to have conversations with his guests even if it means using Google Translate.
• How far in advance should you book Kouya? 4-6 months in advance is ideal. The more time the better.
• Is there wifi in the Kouya farmstay? Yes, there is free wifi to use and it’s decently fast, measuring at 57.3 Mbps.
• Are there electrical outlets in the farm house? Yes, there are pop up outlets in the house, including the main bedroom which are suitable for charging your devices.
• Do the hosts live in the house with guests? No, the hosts live in an adjacent smaller house.
• Are there other guests with you during the farm stay? No, when you book Kouya, you get the whole house to yourself.
• Ultimately, I chose to stay at Kouya because I was looking for a farmstay that included meals. While I loved several others including Tougenkyo-Iya in Ochiai, the idea of needing to plan meals and not being able to eat traditional food of the region put me off. Kouya has it all built-in which I appreciated.
• The entrance into Kouya can be a little confusing as GPS isn’t the most accurate and is easy to miss if you can’t read Japanese. Look for the oval-shaped wooden sign with the words “紺屋”.
• In the dining area, seating is on the ground. They provide a tatami chair with a cushion but isn’t the most comfortable sitting cross-legged. Try different sitting positions to see what works.
• The host is great at providing directions and creating a plan for you so make sure to ask them any questions that you may have. Share your plans as well so they can plan the soba-making class around your schedule.
• If you have any dietary restrictions, let them know in advance.

Day 2 Summary

• Indigo dyeing experience at Yamauchi Studio
• Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge
• Nagoro “Scarecrow” Village
• Koune-ke Historic House
• Nagaoka-ke Historic House
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Eat konbini breakfast from the night before.
• Lunch – Aigura – Next to Yamauchi Studio in Udatsu Townscape is this charming cafe on the second floor is at the site of what used to be a warehouse for indigo. Their meals are made from local ingredients and their lunch menu incudes bao, curry, and nanban (fried chicken).
• Dinner – Kouya Farmstay – A true culinary experience where you’ll be able to dine in the most traditional way in Iya Valley while at your farm stay. Meals are cooked over a cast iron stove over fire in a sunken hearth using local ingredients and changes everyday. You’ll feel a real connection to the place as you sit on the wooden floor, eat, and chat with your host, while being warmed up by the charcoal fire.
• Kouya Farmstay – This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime-type of experience in Shikoku and one of the main reasons why you need to come to this region.
• I skipped Oku-Iya Monorail because it was under renovation in 2023 (and 2024 as well). If it’s open, it would be worth trying their 5km monorail.

Apps You Need To Download for Japan

Before you go to Japan, make sure you have these apps on your phone.

Iya Valley is often called one of the “three most remote places in Japan”. By being cut off from the rest of the country for so long, you’re treated to more examples of Iya Valley’s old world charm and a place teeming with natural wonders.

Tranquil breakfast around the hearth

Start your day by enjoying your your platter of numerous surprises for breakfast in peace. From the open sliding door, you’ll be able to watch the veil of fog lift from the valley.

For coffee lovers like myself, Shinsuke-san also offered to make a fresh pot of coffee for me the enjoy while sitting on their traditional wood veranda.

Get the best view of Ochiai

There are so many incredible photographs of Ochiai Village so when I asked the farmhouse host where I should go, he pointed on a part of the map that I never would have thought to have looked. This is on our Shikoku trip planning map .

The Ochiai Village Viewpoint is a well-built platform and provides a brilliant view of the historic houses, hillside farm plots, and switchback roads.

Learn Iya Valley’s history and visit a samurai house

One of the best ways to learn more about region is to visit the Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore (10AM – 4PM, closed on Wednesdays and weekends Dec to Mar, ¥410 adults, ¥100 child) . They have a comprehensive display of artifacts collected from all over the valley .

Thanks to their bilingual signage in English and Japanese, you’ll want to spend more time here to get a better appreciation of Iya Valley’s rich history. You’ll also learn the fascinating story of the Heike Samurai that took refuge here to hide from those that were pursuing them.

In connection to that story, you’ll drive over to the Bukeyashiki Kita-ke Historic House . This is by far the largest house you’ll visit. It was residence of the Kita Clan and built by the samurai headman of Oeda, a descendant of the feudal lord Kita Rokurosaburo.

From 9AM to 5PM (Apr 1 – Nov 30), this samurai residence is open to visitors (¥310 adults, ¥100 children) where you’ll be able to walk through its numerous rooms, see an example of samurai armor, marvel at its brilliant architecture, and also walk to its 800 year-old cedar in the garden.

Cross another legendary vine bridge

Take advantage of the third vine bridge of Iya Valley. Now that you’ve had some practice with two so far, you’ll hopefully be able to cross Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge with the swagger of Lara Craft or Indiana Jones. Not so much in my case as I clumsily staggered from plank to plank.

When you’re here, you can’t help but be at awe with a bridge constructed of 6 tones of vine cut from the valley’s forest, measuring at 45 meters long, 2 meters wide and hanging 14 meters above Iya River.

The difference between here and the Double Vine Bridge is that it’s a bit more of a tourist attraction with its big parking lots, large bus groups, and crowd control in the form of one-directional crossing.

Biwa Waterfall is just beyond the bridge’s exit. This is a modest 50 meter waterfall that’s surrounded by stone and lush greenery.

• April-June：8AM – 6PM
• July-August：7:30AM – 6:30PM
• September-March：8AM – 5PM

Parking: What caught us off-guard was the parking situation by the bridge. There are many different parking options and while it seemed like the main lot was the obvious choice, in this case, we think it makes more sense to use the private spaces instead of the municipal parking spaces. All locations are pinned on our Shikoku map so you know where to find them.

• Municipal lot – This is the official multi-story parking lot with space for 14 buses and 300 cars. Price is ¥500 per car.
• Private lots – There are several private lots along the road that curves before and after the bridge. While instinctively they might seem a bit sketchy, they’re ultimately cheaper and closer to the bridge, ranging from ¥300-¥400.

How it works: There is a ticket booth right when you enter the bridge. Once you pay, you are allowed to walk in one direction. Traffic only flows one way and they will control how many people are on it by limiting ticket sales when it’s busy. That said, they don’t usher people off the bridge. Once you get off the bridge, you can either turn left towards Biwa Waterfall or right to get back to exit and get back on the main road.

• Are there bathrooms? There are no bathroom facilities at or near the bridge. The one that’s most easily accessible is in the visitor center that’s connected to the municipal lot.
• Can you take a bus to the vine bridge? Yes, there is a highway express bus which stops at the municipal lot and a local bus that stops on the north side of the river. Iya Times does a great breakdown of the buses in the region in English.
• This bridge is considerably more popular than Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges because it’s more central and easily accessible. As a result, this place can get very busy on weekends and holiday periods. If you can only choose one, we’d actually recommend the double vine bridges.
• The bridge is lit up at night from 7PM – 9:30PM if you’d like to see the bridge in a different atmosphere.
• Every 3 years, the bridge has to be rebuilt. The last repair was January 9 – February 23, 2024 so the next repair should be in 2027.
• There isn’t too much to the Biwa Waterfall. It’s a 50 meter cascade with some rocks to walk around but beyond that, it’s right next to the pedestrian path and you can’t hike around it. After you’ve seen the waterfall, you’ll turn around to exit the bridge area.

Explore the Old Iya Highway

As you go further along Route 32, you start driving through the lower reaches of the gorge and the road turns into the one-lane “Iya Highway”, twisting precariously high along the mountainside.

The two main sights to see are:

• Hinoji Bend/Iya River Bend Observation Point – Reminiscent of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona , Iya River below hooks around a mountain, creating a striking panorama.
• Peeing Boy Statue – At the precipice of a 200 meter drop is a daring statue of a boy. Built in 1968, this supposedly celebrates the boys that used to relieve themselves from this viewpoint. It’s a strange one that almost feels more of an homage to Manneken Pis in Brussels.

Soak in rejuvenating waters at the bottom of the valley

Your reward for making it this far is the soul southing power of Iya Onsen . There aren’t many other onsens like this where you descend to the bottom of a valley gorge by cable car in order to sink into a hot spring onsen with the swirl of the crisp mountain air around you and the tumble of Iya River in front.

While this is part of Hotel Iya Onsen, the secret is that they allow day guests which gives you access to the onsen below and also their indoor onsen. The water is alkaline pH water and rich in sulphur , meaning it’s great for relaxing and healing skin.

These are the details for the onsen at Hotel Iyaonsen as a day-use visitor.

• Open-air onsen hours – 7:30AM – 6PM (last entry is 5PM)
• Indoor onsen hours – 24 hours except between 10:30AM – 11:30AM for cleaning

Price: Fee for the open-air onsen hours include the indoor onsen.

• Adults – ¥1,900
• Children – ¥1,000
• A private onsen ( Yamagiri-no-yu ) can be booked for 60 minutes. You will need to ask the front desk for the rate.
• If you’re only interested in the indoor onsen, it’s ¥700 for adults and ¥300 for children.

Parking: There’s free parking at the hotel but it is limited as it’s shared with hotel guests. They officially have space for 37 cars. Once the official spots fill up, most people park on the side of the road, on the mountain side.

Booking: It is not possible to make reservations day-use visitors can simply drop-in.

Website: Hotel Iyaonsen

• Can you take photos of the onsen? As with all onsens, no photos are allowed in the changing rooms or in the onsen itself. That said, you are allowed to take pictures of the cable car, the terace on the banks of the Iya River, and at the cable car station at the top and below.
• Are there time limitations? They don’t do timed entries or limit the amount of time you can spend at the onsen.
• Are private onsens available? Yes, they have a private open-air onsen that can be reserved for a fee. However, we imagine that availability will be hit or miss as hotel guests will have the first opportunity to book these ahead of time.
• When is the best time to go to the onsen? The mornings are usually the quietest but honestly it’s great anytime of the day.
• How long does the cable car take? The cable car ride descends 170 meters and takes 10 minutes.
• How many people can the cable car fit? The Hotel Iya Onsen cable car can fit 20 people.
• They have them available for purchase but if you have your own onsen towel of your own or any small travel towel you’ve packed, remember to bring it with you as they don’t provide any for free.
• You don’t want to bring a backpack with you so it’s a better idea to have all of your belongings in a small drawstring bag. These drawstring backpacks are super handy for onsens.
• Lockers have keys built in so you don’t need to bring a lock.
• There are two baths – Keikoku-no-yu and Seseragi-no-yu . Since 2016, they alternate between male and female everyday.
• If you’d like to take pictures, it’s still worthwhile to bring your phone or camera with you to the onsen as it is quite picturesque from the terrace.
• Since this is a sulphurous hot spring, remember to take off your jewelry.

Head back to home sweet home

Even though you’ll be heading back to Kouya early, your day isn’t over! A stay in Iya Valley isn’t complete without a soba-making class .

Since Iya Valley is renowned for growing buckwheat, their soba is made of 100% buckwheat instead of a mix of buckwheat and flour. These noodles are also short and thick instead of its thinner cousin found in other parts of Japan.

In a separate building of the farm, you’ll make hand-made soba from scratch. Under Shinsuke-san’s guidance, you’ll kneed and roll out the dough, followed by hand chopping each noodle.

Afterwards, watch how rice is made using the traditional method of sticks and nurturing a flame with a bamboo blowing pipe.

Returning back to the farm house, you’ll be able to feast on the freshly made soba along with many other delights. As a solo traveler, it was nice to have Shinsuke-san join me for dinner where we tried our best to make conversation through Google Translate.

Day 3 Summary

• Ochiai Village Viewpoint  
• Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore
• Bukeyashiki Kita-ke Historic House – Samurai Residence
• Manpu Gorge Wire Bridge (skip if you’re afraid of heights)
• Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
• Biwa Waterfall
• Iya River Bend Observation Point
• Peeing Boy Statue
• Hotel Iya Onsen
• Breakfast – Kouya Farmstay – This is a traditional Japanese breakfast served in the same dining room with multiple small dishes and rice. They also brew a fresh pot of coffee (or tea) for you to enjoy on the porch.
• Lunch – Iya Bijin – This is one of the locally-recommended restaurants that you’ll pass by along the way that’s best known for their soba.
• Dinner – Kouya Farmstay – For one of your nights, your host will run their own soba-making class which combines with another dazzling array of Iya Valley specialities.
• Kouya Farmstay – Dare I say, this is truly the best accommodation experience in Japan that truly transports you back to olden days of Japan. The house is equipped with a washer, dryer, and detergent that are free to use so this is a good time to get that done.

For your fourth day of this Shikoku itinerary, with many of its secrets uncovered, it’s reluctantly time to say goodbye to Iya Valley but not before you stumble upon another unusual delight. Spend the rest of the day seeing the main highlights of Kochi before detouring out to Shimanto.

Learn about the yokai

So far you’ve been focusing on the center and east end of Iya Valley. On the western side Oboke Gorge where you’ll find emerald green waters, white rock faces, and jutting cliffs. It’s here that legendary yokai take over.

Monsters, goblins, and spirits from local folklore are collectively called yokai . In olden days, this region was treacherous for people to residents and visitors and that’s how legends of yokai began as a cautionary tale.

While there are certainly a lot of adventure activities to do in the area, we think it’s worth your time to visit the Yokai House , a museum that’s part of Roadside Station Oboke. Inside are a collection of hand-made sculptures of mythical monsters, each with their own story and attributes.

It certainly helps that there are English signs here as well. Also, if you’re into gems, there’s an adjoining gem museum that displays gemstones found locally and around the world.

Seek out yokai monster statues

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what the yokai are all about, grab a map from the Tourist Information Center inside the roadside station and walk or drive the Yokai Village and try to spot all of the statues along Route 272 .

This trail mostly follows the paved road so you can either walk it or if you were tight on time like myself, drive it, and make stops along the way. To give you an idea, it’s a 2 km (1.24 mi) walk from the roadside station to Fujinosato Park.

We suggest you go as far as the Konaki-jiji statue (depicted on the right). This is a famous yokai monster featured in the manga comic, GeGeGe no Kitarō , by Shigeru Mizuki.

Climb the Kochi Castle

Exiting Iya Valley, you’ll drive into the heart of Kochi and visit your first of many incredible castles in Shikoku.

Kochi Castle was constructed in the 17th century and has the unique property of being the only one in Japan where both the original castle tower and main keep are intact . It’s also 1 of 12 castles in Japan where the main keep is intact.

On your visit, you’ll start from the perimeter of the castle grounds, enter through the main Otemon Gate, make your way around its towering stone walls, enter the main keep ( honmaru ), and finally all the way up the five-story castle tower ( tenshu ). At the very top, you’ll be able to walk the outside and get a full panoramic view of the mountains to the north and city to the south .

• Hours – 9AM – 5PM (last entry at 4:30PM)
• Open everyday except from December 26 – January 1.
• Duration – Expect to spend roughly 2 hours here.
• Adults – ¥420
• Under 18 years old – free
• If you plan on going to the Kochi Castle Museum of History, you can buy a combo ticket from the vending machine for ¥900.

Parking: The official parking lot for Kochi Park is quite large. When you arrive, they’ll assign you a specific numbered spot. The first hour is ¥370 and every extra 30 minutes is ¥110. You pay on the way out. 

Booking: You can buy a Kochi Castle ticket in advance or you can use the vending machine at the base of the tower. The machine is cash-only only accepts bills up to ¥2,000.

Website: Kochi Castle

• Which part of the castle requires admission? There’s no admission required to enter from the castle grounds. However, you’ll need a ticket once you get to the top where you’ll get access to Kochi Castle Watchtower, Kaitokukan Palace, and Main Compound Honmaru (including the corridor and Higashitamon East Wing).
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? It’s not necessary as you can pay for your ticket at the booth before heading into the castle. On a busy day however, you can save some time by buying your ticket in advance.
• Are there English-speaking guides at the castle? Yes, the Kochi SGG Club offers free guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and when cruise ships are in Kochi. You can also book private guided tours.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it at the Kochi Castle tower counter where you’ll be able to use their stamp from 9AM to 5PM.
• Before entering the keep, you’ll need to take off your shoes and put them in special shoe lockers. These are free to use.

Enjoy views from Godaisan Park

For lunch, Hirome Market is just a short walk from the castle. As a food hall, there are plenty of stalls to choose from and tons of seating as well. If you haven’t yet, make sure to try katsuo no tataki or fire-seared bonito.

Back on the road, on the outskirts of the city is a small mountain and park that overlooks Kochi City. The best view is from the wooden observation deck within Godaisan Park where you’ll get a clear view of the city, Urado Bay, and the Kochi Plain.

While you won’t be doing much of the famed pilgrimage trail on this Shikoku itinerary, this is your opportunity to visit temple number 31 of 88 – Chikurinji Temple , which is within the grounds of Godaisan Park.

This ancient temple is surrounded by sweeping Japanese maples and is deeply serene as you walk its moss-covered approach, make your prayers at the main temple buildings, and walk up to the brilliantly red five-storied pagoda.

Make your way to Shimanto

If you look at the map , it seems unusual to detour all the way out to the city of Shimanto, especially when Nakatsu Gorge is in the other direction. It’ll all make sense tomorrow.

It’s a long 2 hour drive from Kochi to Shimanto so we recommend taking a break somewhere along the middle, such as the Roadside Station Nakatosa .

Once you arrive in Shimanto, check into Hotel Sunriver Shimanto , grab dinner at Ichimonya located in the same plaza, and get some early rest.

Day 4 Summary

• Yokai House
• Yokai Village
• Kochi Castle
• Godaisan Park
• Chikurin-ji Temple
• Roadside Station Nakatosa
• Breakfast – Kouya Farmstay – Your last chance to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors, textures, colors, and a stunning view of the valley.
• Lunch – Hirome Market – A short walk from Kochi Castle is a large food market with an array of stalls. If you haven’t had it yet, seek out katsuo no tataki or fire-seared bonito.
• Dinner – Ichimonya – Conveniently located in the same plaza as your hotel, this is a casual local restaurant with a wide selection of popular dishes including the aforementioned bonito, pork katsu , and unagi (eel).
• Hotel Sunriver Shimanto ( Agoda / Booking ) – A modest business-style hotel that shares a parking lot with the plaza that it’s part of which makes it convenient to walk to restaurants, groceries, and Family Mart.

• There’s barely any information online about the Yokai Village walk with locations of all of the statues. The above is a scan of the pamphlet that has them all marked. It’s in Japanese but it should give you an idea of the potential routes you can do and where they are.

Japan Trip Planning Essentials and Discounts

If you’re in the middle of booking your trip to Japan, here are the most important places you need to go to book:

• JR Pass – The two most reliable places we always check are JRailPass and JRPass . If you are taking long distance Shinkansen across multiple region, get the full JR Pass . If you’re focusing on one specific area, you only need a JR regional pass .
• Shinkansen – The JR Pass prices have gone up and for many of you, it’ll make more sense to book tickets individually. The secret is that when you buy your Shinkansen tickets through Klook offers special vouchers for Don Quijote and BIC when booking. Their tickets are super easy to redeem as well. Right now, use code SKS10OFF to save $10 USD off.
• Hotels/Ryokans – In Japan, the best website for accommodations, hands down is Agoda . When we’ve compared them against Booking , Agoda consistently came out cheaper.
• Tours – While Viator and GetYourGuide are our go-to’s, Klook and KKDay are much popular in Asia so it’s always worth comparing across all of them to make sure you get the best price.
• Pocket Wifi – While we do love eSIMs, having a pocket wifi is great for sharing data with a large group. The most popular is NinjaWifi which is easy to pick up at the airport. Use code AWESOME15 to save 15% (automatically applied). Alternatives are offered by JRPass and JRailPass but they aren’t as cheap. For a more global solution, consider Solis and PokeFi .
• eSIM – The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting the Japan region eSIM and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. From now to Feb 29, the 10GB package is half price as well! Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
• Car Rental – Big companies like Budget , Avis , and Enterprise operate in Japan but they’re usually the most expensive. The best companies are the local Japanese ones such as Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Nissan Rentacar, and Times Car Rental. To make things easier, use Rentalcars and Klook to compare prices all in one place. Don’t forget, you need an IDP to drive in Japan so get one before you leave your home country.
• Learn Japanese – It helps to know even a bit of the language before you go. Start your learning with Rosetta Stone Japanese .
• Cash or credit – Cash is still very important to have in Japan but when you use credit cards, make sure you’re not getting charged those extra exchange rate fees. The best card right now is the Wise Multi-Currency Card which is actually a debit card where you can convert at favorable rates beforehand. This cuts out any sneaky transaction fees.
• Travel Insurance – Make sure you’re covered in case something happens. Get quotes from Insured Nomads and if you’re from Canada, get quotes from RATESDOTCA .
• Shopping – Discovering Don Quijote is a quintessential part of the Japan experience. The secret for tax-free shopping is that they have a coupon that can help you save 10% off + additional 5% off if you spend ¥10,000 or more.

The theme of hidden secrets weaves its way around the entire 12-day Shikoku itinerary and Workshop Kurogane is a prime example of its many pleasant surprises. Nestled alongside the undisturbed natural beauty of Shimanto River, you’ll find the truly one-of-a-kind knife-making experience .

Forge your own kitchen knife

Deep in the Kochi mountains, Nobuya-san focuses on an ancient forging technique that dates back 1500 years. Taking from his own philosophy of connecting with nature and the old-style of living, he says “I focus on crafting one-of-a-kind knives that reflect my unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as the bold beauty of Kochi’s countryside that can’t be found anywhere else.”

The only reason why I knew about this activity was because it popped up on Viator during my trip planning process . My initial instincts were that this didn’t quite flow with how the itinerary was laid out, but I knew this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I eventually re-organized what would’ve been an extra day in Kochi and included this experience.

The best way to get a feel for what the knife-making workshop is like is to watch our Shikoku video in the video player. You can also check out or 12 Days in Shikoku video on YouTube .

Your one day class starts with a raw piece of Blue Paper #2 steel. Step by step, you’ll create the shape of the blade and forging it through hammering, grinding, sanding, hardening, and tempering. The final steps involve the handle, name carving, and sharpening with a whetstone.

Beyond the meticulous knife-making steps, you’ll enjoy getting to know the master, Nobuya Hayashi and his apprentice, Jesse from Canada. Unlike most knife-making workshops, Nobuya-san doesn’t come from a line of knife-making masters but instead, inherited the workshop from his late master, after coming to him with a passion blacksmithing in his second life.

This is why you’ll find that there’s a refreshing modern approach to running a knife-making workshop here, whereas other workshops in Japan are typically more conservative and cookie-cutter. Here, you can make any type of knife you want and you get to be involved in quite a number of steps.

We believe that the Workshop Kurogane knife-making class is for everyone . You don’t need to be an expert craftsman or a connoisseur of Japanese knives. As long as you have an appreciation for learning the Japanese way of creation, enjoy being hands-on, and have use for a knife back home, this is a no-brainer.

Address: Use “Workshop KUROGANE” on Google Maps when navigating here.

• Operating days – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Duration – 8-9 hours
• Start time – 9AM
• One-day knife making class (with pre-made magnolia handle) – ¥34,000
• Custom-made wooden handle (i.e. bubinga, walnut) with ferrule (brass or copper) – ¥8,000
• Worldwide shipping – ¥4,000 for up to two knives, ¥6000 for up to six knives to one address.
• Engraving (up to 3 characters) – free

Parking: Workshop Kurogane has enough spots on their driveway for cars.

Booking: You can book your experience through Viator or email [email protected] / [email protected]

Language: Master Nobuya-san and apprentice Jesse-san both speak English.

Website: They have an old website but it is out of date so the best way to connect is through Master Nobuya’s Instagram and Apprentice Jesse’s Instagram (typically more responsive) accounts.

• How far in advance should you book? It’s recommended you book at least 3 months in advance. As more enthusiasts and travelers learn about this experience in Shikoku, spots are filling up quickly.
• Do you need prior knife making experience? You do not need any prior skills or knowledge of knife making before coming here.
• How challenging is the class? This class is meant to be for all skill levels and the instructors are very good at adapting the experience to how much you want to put into it. From a physical perspective the hardest part is the hammering out of the steel. It is quite the fun process but can get tiring. Overall, expect this to be a very hands-on experience but anything you’re not able to do, the instructors can do for you.
• Is lunch provided? No meals are provided in this experience so you’re expected to pack your own. For most, it’ll be the easiest to go to stock up at the Family Mart next to Hotel Sunriver Shimanto or other convenient store to load up on bread, onigiri, and other snacks.
• What equipment is provided by the workshop? They provide gloves, apron, and safety goggles.
• What type of steel is used? The base steel is Blue Paper #2 which is pre-laminated. This is carbon steel which is incredibly strong and more durable but is less corrosion-resistant.
• Is it okay to travel by plane with the finished knife? You won’t be able to have it in your carry-on but you can absolutely travel with this knife in your check-in luggage. Alternatively, you can always ask them to ship the knife to you.

• Before going, we recommend that you research the type of knife that you’re interested in making. To help with that, it might be worth picking up a book like handbook on Japanese knives and sharpening techniques which we saw in the workshop. There isn’t much time to think about this so come in with the style in mind or have a sketch ready.
• If you didn’t book this ahead of time and find yourself wanting to join last-minute, it doesn’t hurt to reach out by DM’ing Jesse on Instagram to see if there’s a way to fit you in.
• If you are tight on time, they can also offer a half day program where you don’t get involved in the grinding, and see the remaining steps of sharpening and attaching the handle. Instead, you the sensei finishes the knife and you pay extra to have it mailed to you.
• For those that are Tamahagane knife lovers, you should definitely consider extending your Shikoku itinerary and do their 4-day Tamahagane knife making class where you go even further back in the process and see a very traditional smelting method of creating precious steel from ironsand.

The hard part about incorporating the blacksmithing experience is that you then have to make the 2.5 hour drive back to Kochi City. It’s not ideal, but this way, you have a much shorter drive the next day into Nakatsu Gorge.

Have dinner at a traditional Japanese restuarant in Ishoku Club Jyunya and have much-deserved rest at Comfort Hotel Kochi .

Day 5 Summary

• Kurogane Knife Making Workshop
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – You’re going to want to head out ASAP to get to your 9AM knife-making class start time so it’ll be easier to eat something quick in your room or as you drive up to Kurogane Workshop.
• Lunch – Konbini Lunch – Since lunch isn’t included with the class, pack something with you.
• Dinner – Ishoku Club Jyunya – This was another local-recommended Japanese restaurant that serves all of the Kochi specialities. The hostess here is extremely friendly and may even offer to sit down with you to share what Okyaku culture of Kochi is all about including drinking etiquette and games which I did not expect.
• Comfort Hotel Kochi ( Agoda / Booking ) – While the brand isn’t as well-regarded in North America, this Comfort Hotel is quite respectable, modern, and with a bit more character than the basic business hotel. The best part is that breakfast is included. One thing to note is that they don’t have the largest parking lot and fills up quickly.

Interested in more off-the-beaten-path Japan?

Similar to Shikoku, Hokkaido is another place in Japan that deserves a lot more attention. If you love the outdoors, wildlife, Indigenous experiences, and seafood, you need to check out our adventures in Far East Hokkaido

Enter Nakatsu Gorge. You’ll once again delve into the mountains valleys of inner Shikoku, where pristine turquoise water, ancient moss, dramatic waterfalls, and giant boulders await.

Seek out canyoning thrills

We’re firm believers of seeking experiences that let you try something new or push your boundaries. In the case of Nakatsu Gorge Canyoning , you get both!

With Niyodo Adventure , you’ll be guided through an exclusive part of the Nakatsu Gorge that can only be explored by floating on your back, jump into the water, abseiling down cliffs, ducking behind waterfalls, and climbing giant rocks.

In the spray of the water and surrounded by ancient rock, you get another sense of Shikoku’s natural beauty. Add this to the growing list of secrets you’ve unlocked.

• Duration – 3 hours total with 2 to 2.5 hours inside the canyon to get through a 200 m (0.12 mi) stretch.
• Time slots – 8:20AM and 1:15PM
• This trip runs throughout the year.
• Canyoning tour – ¥8,500

Parking: There are two parking lots. One is the larger lot below the old elementary school and the second is further up and on the same level as the Niyodo Adventure shop itself. Parking is free and you can continue to park here for your Nakatsu Gorge walk afterwards.

Booking: You can book directly on their website. Since they don’t have staff at the store the whole time, it would not be reliable to try to drop in. When reserving online, you’ll first make the request by providing your e-mail. You will then receive an email with a link to fill out your detail and provide a credit card for payment where it will be processed right away.

Website: Niyodo Adventure

Language: They have guides that speak English so make sure to request this when you fill out the reservation form.

• How challenging is canyoning in Nakatsu Gorge? Canyoning is definitely a more physically challenging excursion that will put you through several thrilling situations such as jumping into the water from height, going down a natural slide, ducking behind a waterfall, and letting go of a rope after abseiling. Skill-wise, you only need basic swimming skills and is designed to be for first-timers but you need to be fit enough to get up on rocks and up and down stairs.
• How cold is the water? The water stays roughly around 12-13°C (53.6 – 55.4°F) which means it’ll be chilly initially but the wetsuit does a good job at keeping you insulated so you stay relatively comfortable.
• What equipment is provided? They provide helmets, 5mm full-length wetsuit, water shoes designed for canyoning, and life jacket.
• Does the canyoning trip overlap with the Nakatsu Gorge hiking course? No as you’ll be going into in a part of the gorge that you can only get to by canyoning. The end part of the trip is right below the Ishibashira Stone Pillars, the uppermost part of the hiking course.
• How large are the groups? The maximum group size is 7.
• Is there a minimum group size for tours to run? No, the canyoning trip will run even if it’s only one person.
• What is the refund policy? 7 days prior, it’s 100%, 2-7 days is 70%, and 1 day prior is 50% refund.
• Is canyoning suitable for children? If you have smaller children (6+), there is a Family Canyoning Trip product available.
• Are photos and videos available for purchase? What’s really nice about this trip is that the guide will use their GoPro to take photos and videos at no extra cost.
• Can you bring a water bag into the canyon? If you own a dry bag , you can bring it with you but they’ll want you to put it in a separate backpack that they can provide for free. You don’t really need much gear with you in the canyon but if you’d like to have water or larger camera gear, they’ll allow it.
• Are there change rooms in the shop? Yes, there are male and female change rooms in the Niyodo Adventure store. There are separate bathrooms in the building as well.
• Make sure to pack a towel, swim suit, change of clothes, and camera ( serious / casual ) for Nakatsu Canyoning. Keep in mind that your swim suit will be wet so either have a bag for it or spread it out to dry in your car.
• If you aren’t providing your own GoPro for the guide to use, make sure to have an extra high-speed Micro SD memory card .
• I was able to ask if it was okay to bring my own camera gear which they were okay with. I ended up testing out the Insta360 X3 with the unicorn helmet mount which worked out really well to stay hands-free.
• Only one or two of their helmets have GoPro mounts so we’d recommend bringing your own adhesive mount in-case.
• If canyoning isn’t your thing, a new adventure activitiy that opened in the region is called Niyodo Fly High .

Hike the Nakatsu Gorge walking course

After you’ve dried up from your canyoning adventures, it’s time to head into Nakatsu Gorge on foot . This gives you a different perspective of surrounding nature because this time, you’ll be able to see more of the details of this magnificent scenery.

Meander your way through the well-built path and concrete bridges, following Nakatsu River as you pass by a shrine, statues of gods, massive fallen bounders, pools of Niyodo Blue , the ethereal surrounding forest, and eventually the thunder of Uryu Falls.

• Duration – Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here to walk the 2.3km trail. Budget another 30 minutes if you’re planning to go all the way to the stone pillars (#5 in the picture above).
• Open all-year-round.

Price: Free

Parking: The best place to park are the same lots you’d use for Niyodo Adventure. The walk from the parking to the start of the walking course is 230 meter and takes 4 minutes.

Website: Nakatsu Gorge from Niyido Blue Tourism Council

• How challenging is the walk through Nakatsu Gorge? Walking Nakatsu Gorge (also called Nakatsu Valley) is mostly gentle along its 2.3 km path (1.4 miles). It’s a special laid path but does include several staircases. The path ends at Uyru Falls but continues onwards involves a long continuous staircase up towards Ryugubuchi which can be quite taxing.
• Are there bathrooms? There are bathroom facilities at the beginning of the walk but there are none in the valley.
• Can you swim in the gorge? No, swimming is prohibited.

• There is a variety store at the start of the path which is stocked with several vending machines and sells a variety of things including food and snacks if you want to stock up.
• There are railings in some sections of the walk but there are sections on the concrete path without so be careful where you step.
• All of the literature says the walking path is 2.3km however this only goes up to Uryu Falls. Beyond Uryu Falls, there’s a wooden platform which looks down on the valley, Ryugubuchi, and then Stone Pillars which is furthest away.
• Stone Pillars are the same ones that you see from the base of the canyon at the end of your Niyodo Adventure canyoning so if you’ve done this already, there isn’t as much of a need to walk all the way here.
• There are 7 Gods of Fortune scattered around the path so be on the lookout as some are quite hidden.

Lunch at Cha Cha Asurano

There aren’t too many restaurants in the area but one spot that’s highly recommended is Cha Cha Asurano . They specialize in delicious set meals accompanied with one of the region’s specialties – Sawatari tea.

Decompress at Seirannosato

It’s been a busy couple of days so it’s at this point in the itinerary where you have the rest of the day to recharge and relax. Enjoy the tranquility of being in the middle of nowhere.

Taking the winding mountain roads, you eventually make it to the town of Tsuno, lodged so deep in the Kochi mountains that even locals would have a hard time pin pointing exactly where it is on the map .

Your accommodations for the night is at the newly re-developed Seirannosato . Once a basic ryokan, they’ve built quite the remarkable modern lodge featuring 6 rooms, rooms with private patios that face Shimanto River, and a fusion of Western and Japanese design elements.

Dinner at Seirannosato

For dinner, enjoy a continuous stream of regional Kochi dishes that will have you completely satisfied at the end.

Day 6 Summary

• Nakatsu Gorge Canyoning with Niyodo Adventure
• Nakatsu Gorge Hiking Course
• Breakfast – Comfort Hotel Kochi – An excellent buffet breakfast that’s free for all guests.
• Lunch – Cha Cafe Asunaro – One of the more popular restaurants in the Niyodo Gorge area and located next to Odo Dam. They offer various set meals and feature local ingredients and Sawatari tea leaves (tea-growing region along Niyodo River). For those on the go, they have smoothies, lattes, soft-serve and waffles available for takeout.
• Dinner – Seirannosato – When you book with this hotel, it includes breakfast and dinner service, which you’ll be glad to have as there isn’t much else nearby. Dinner is a multi-course Japanese meal featuring Kochi cuisine and homemade financier for dessert.
• Seirannosato ( Rakuten Travel ) – Deep in the Kochi mountains and at the source of the Shimanto River, this is a newly-built lodge that has a nice fusion of Western and Japanese design. This is the type of place where you can rewind and get connected to nature. Staying in one of the 6 rooms, make sure to take advantage of their private patio that faces the tumbling river. Lastly, they have a free-to-use laundry machine and dryer so bring your own travel detergent sheets if you want to use it.

Spending time in Tokyo?

With over 100,000 restaurants in the city to choose from, how do you pick where to eat? Our Tokyo restaurant guide makes it easy by picking the best places to eat.

It’s time to turn your attention to the north and Ehime prefecture where a legendary castle, mikan, and onsen await!

Breakfast at Seirannosato

Enjoy a filling breakfast at Seirannosato with a blend of a traditional Japanese breakfast set and also buffet items such as pastries, curry, toast, and more.

Make your way up to Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is a historic Japanese castle situated atop Mount Katsuyama in Matsuyama City. It’s renowned for its architectural grandeur, strategic location, and layers of defense. Joining the likes of Kochi Castle, this is also on the list of the 12 castles that have come out of the post-feudal era intact.

Thanks to its steep hilltop location, the visit starts with a choice of taking either a chairlift or gondola to help with the ascent. From there, you’ll be winding your way through a labyrinth of gates, courtyard kill-zones, stone turrets, and impenetrable walls.

After passing through a line of cherry trees on the hill’s plateau, you’ll finally arrive at the main keep which houses the castle tower. As you climb the tour, make sure to enjoy the in-depth displays of feudal Japan including numerous katanas and armor on display, a samurai photo opportunity, and virtual reality station.

When you arrive at the top of the tower, relish how commanding of a position the castle has with its bird’s eye view of the city and also the Seto Inland Sea .

Before you go, have a refreshing cold glass of mikan juice and soft-serve .

What is mikan: From juice drinking stations, soft-serve toppings, cute bear mascots resembling oranges, and special Pocky Stick boxes, mikan is everywhere in Matsuyama. What’s the deal? Well, these are basically a type of mandarin orange and is extremely popular because they are easy to eat, is extremely sweet, and has a pleasant scent. The best quality Mikan comes from Ehime prefecture which is why you’ll see them everywhere.

Ropeway – Takes 3 minutes and departs every 10 minutes.

• Feb – Jul – 8:30AM – 5:30PM
• Aug – 8:30AM – 6PM
• Sept to Nov – 8:30AM – 5:30PM
• Dec to Jan – 8:30AM – 5PM

Lift – Takes 6 minutes and is constantly running.

• All year round – 8:30AM – 5PM
• Closed if there is rain or chance of rain.
• Children under 6 may not ride the lift.

Castle Tower – Takes 10 minutes to walk from ropeway/lift.

• Feb to Jul – 9AM – 5PM
• Aug to 9AM – 5:30PM
• Sept to Nov – 9AM – 5PM
• Dec to Jan – 9AM – 4:30PM

NOTE: Since last entry to the castle tower is 30 minutes before closing, you should be on the ropeway/lift 50 minutes before closing.

Price: You’ll need to pay separately for the castle tower and ropeway/lift.

Ropeway/Lift

• Adults – Round-trip is ¥520 and one-way is ¥270
• Elementary school students – Round-trip is ¥260 and one-way is ¥140
• Up to two children under 6 are free with parent/guardian.

Matsuyama Castle Tower

• Adults – ¥520
• Elementary school students – ¥160

NOTE: Cashless payment (credit card and IC card) for Matsuyama Castle Tower and ropeway/lift ends at 3:15PM. Also, combo tickets are no longer sold anymore.

Parking: The official parking lot for Matsuyama Castle has enough space for 26 cars. This is first-come, first-serve and costs ¥420 for 2 hours and ¥100 for every additional 30 minutes. This lot fills up quite quickly so you’ll likely have to try to find a spot in one of the small mini lots that are scattered in the area. These require the use of vending machines which only take coins and ¥1000 yen bill. The cost is 100 per 30 minutes. In this type of lot, you pay on your way out by pressing the spot number, paying the amount indicated, wait for the flap to go down, drive away within 3 minutes. The two parking lots are marked on the Shikoku trip map .

Booking: You can’t buy tickets online ahead of time so you’ll have to do it on-site. The first is to buy your ropeway or lift ticket. Both are the same ticket so you can choose which one you want to take. The other ticket you’ll need is for the castle tower which you can do at the entrance (credit card and IC card accepted).

Website: Matsuyama Castle

• Can I get to the castle without the ropeway/lift? There are 4 different ways to walks that you can take to Matsuyama Castle’s main enclosure which you can find in their climb guide .
• Which part of the castle requires admission? There’s technically no admission to get into the castle grounds. The ropeway/lift is optional although we recommend taking it to save time and energy. From the grounds, the one area that requires admission is the castle tower.
• Do I need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Matsuyama Castle in advance.
• How long do I need at Matsuyama Castle? Expect to spend roughly 3 hours here.
• Are backpacks allowed on the lift? Yes, you are allowed to have a backpack with you but you need to carry it strapped in front of you.
• Be prepared for very steep stairs up the castle tower.
• If the weather is good, we recommend taking the chair lift because it’s such a unique experience and there’s no waiting. You can also try both – one on the way up and the other on the way down.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it on a table next to the the Matsuyama keep ticket booth.
• Before entering the keep, you’ll need to take off your shoes and put them in special shoe lockers. Green slippers are available but completely optional. These are free to use.
• While you’re at Matsuyama Castle, don’t miss out on trying mikan juice that you can pour from the tap (¥500) and iyokan orange-topped soft-serve ice cream (¥500).

After eating lunch at the popular Gansui Taimeshi Stand near the base of the castle, drive over to the neighbourhood of Dogo Onsen and check into Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten . This will allow you to park your car and settle in.

Dogo Onsen is the name of Japan’s oldest and most well-known hot springs and is surrounded by numerous bath houses and ryokans. In the past, the Imperial family came here to vacation but today, it’s the tourist hub of Matsuyama.

Check out the Botchan Train Museum

For 67 years from 1888, a tiny steam locomotive ran in the city. What makes it endearing is its lack of speed and inability to turn. In fact, since it’s not a circular route, train crew dressing as they did 100 years ago, have to to manually lift and rotate it around by hand. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can ride in the carriage of a diesel-powered replica of the original Botchan Train . They run between JR Matsuyama, Shieki Station and Dogo (¥1,300 per per person).

Your schedule might not line up with the train or it might be suspended so if you’re interested, you can always head over to the Botchan Train Museum hidden inside a Starbucks which has more history, artifacts, and a full-sized replica.

Feel the energy of a local izakaya

Get fired up for a local-recommend spot for dinner, Yumenoya Hanare , where izakaya meets local specialties and Western fusion. If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to try raw chicken which is completely safe to eat, mackerel that’s flame-seared in front of you, and the charcoal-flamed chicken.

Experience Dogo Onsen classics

Dogo Onsen is a true onsen town and when you’re here, do as the locals (actually mostly tourists these days) do. In your hotel room is a cotton yukata robe, outdoor slippers, and bag. It is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, encouraged, to wear your yukata around town.

The beauty of this neighbourhood is that everything is a short walk away and interconnected by several large covered shopping arcades. Drop by its many shops and make sure to drop by the Botchan Karakuri Clock which comes alive every hour from 8AM to 10PM (every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays).

A trip to Dogo Onsen wouldn’t be complete without going to its original onsen, Dogo Onsen Honkan . It’s said that this was the inspiration for Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away”.

After you’ve gotten a feel for what a traditional bathhouse is like, head back to your own hotel and go for another soak to experience some of the differences between one from ancient times to something a little more modern. You’ll be an onsen expert in no time.

Not a bad way to end the day!

Day 7 Summary

• Matsuyama Castle
• Botchan Train Museum
• Botchan Karakuri Clock
• Dogo Onsen Honkan
• Breakfast – Seirannosato – In addition to serving a Japanese-style breakfast, they also have a buffet of additional dishes such as curry, rice, fruit, yogurt, bread, and pastries.
• Lunch – Gansui Taimeshi Stand – Popular restaurant that’s walking distance from Matsuyama Castle Ropeway station. The must-order item is the uwajima taimeshi which is rice topped with sea bream sashimi and eaten with a special sauce that’s comprised of soy sauce and egg yolk.
• Dinner – Yumenoya Hanare  – An izakaya where their energy is infectious and you have to order their charcoal-flamed chicken, seared mackerel, and tamago made with award-winning eggs. It’s also one of the few places you’ll be able safely have raw chicken.
• Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten ( Agoda / Booking ) – Located almost immediately next to the original and historic Dogo Onsen, this property is classic in its own elegant way and gives you the best of both worlds, being able to comfortably walk in a yukata to the original onsen and also use the hotel’s own as well (which we found to be much better). While the rooms are small, you can choose between Western and Japanese-style rooms. A pleasant surprise is that the Western rooms have their own massage chair. When staying here, don’t forget to get your free blue charm that they give out if you ask at the front desk. Parking is through a valet service but it is completely free.

Go on an exquisite cultural journey in both the charming town of Ozu and the picturesque village of Uchiko. In Ozu, you’ll find the Ozu Castle and historic streets from a bygone era. Meanwhile, Uchiko captivates with its well-preserved machiya residences and traditional kabuki theater.

See a smaller but a unique Ozu Castle

You’ve been to two impressive castles up until this point so the bar is set quite high. Instead of having you visit another one that’s on the list of 12 intact keeps, we’re going a different direction.

Ozu Castle met a tragic end in 1888 when its keep was completely demolished because it was rapidly deteriorating. In a turn of events, the community rallied around a project to have it reconstructed in 2004 using old photographs, maps, and discovery of a model. However, instead of using concrete, they used primarily wood and traditional construction techniques . The result is a castle that looks like the original from the outside and inside as well.

Coming here in the morning, appreciate the fresh glaze on the golden timber, no iron nails in sight, and a beautiful view of the city and river below.

• Open every day
• Children (Junior high school students and under) – ¥220
• Children under 5 – free
• Combo tickets are available for Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (Adults – ¥1,100, Children – ¥440)

Parking: The closest parking lot for Ozu Castle is also called “Ozu Citizen Hall Paid Parking Lot” and costs ¥150 for the first hour and then ¥80 per additional 30 minutes.

Booking: You can’t book tickets to Ozu Castle in advance.

Website: Ozu Castle

• Which part of the castle requires admission? To enter the castle, you need to pay admission. Otherwise, the grounds are free to explore.
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Ozu Castle in advance.
• How long do you need in Ozu Castle? Expect to spend roughly 1 to 1.5 hours here.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it on a table next to the the Matsuyama keep ticket booth
• If it’s been your dream to sleep in a Japanese castle, you can be a lord of a castle with an Ozu Castle Stay .

See where extraordinary architecture meets Japanese beauty

Next, you’ll drive over to an impressive villa overlooking Hijikawa River that took 4 years and 9000 artisans to build. Garyo Sanso Villa truly epitomizes the union of nature and tea. 

When you’re here, it’s not hard to slip back in time with its extraordinary architecture, fine details, and aesthetic concept of “wabi-sabi” that sees the beauty in imperfection.

• Combo tickets are available for Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (Adults – ¥880, Children – ¥330)

Parking: There is very limited parking here. Next to Garyu Sanso are 4 spots. There is a lot across but it’s only meant for restaurant guests. Alternatively, there’s parking below Ozu Shrine that has a good 5-6 spots. Both parking sites are free. We’ve marked these on our Shikoku trip planning map .

Booking: You can’t book tickets to Garyu Sanso in advance.

Website: Garyu Sanso

• Are there bathrooms at Garyu Sanso? No but outside of the villa is a public bathroom facility.
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Garyu Sanso in advance.
• How long do you need in Garyu Sanso? Expect to spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes here.
• When is the tea service available? On Sundays from April to October (excluding August), tea is served in Furo-an for an additional fee. However, these days aren’t indicated.
• There are many hidden architectural details that are easy to miss. It’s worth reading these Garyu Sanso details ahead of time so you can pick them out.

Tap into the nostalgia of “Old Japan”

If you happen to be here on a Sunday, make sure to go to Pokopen Yokocho , a vintage flea market that’ll surely take you back in time.

It’s not a big area but you can’t help but be fascinated by countless displays of enamel advertising plates, retro toys, travel pamphlets from the 1950s, and simple kids games . In the back, there’s also a Showa period museum packed with more memorabilia from the time of Emperor Hirohito’s rule.

The adjacent red-brick building is Akarengakan , where you’ll find local-made crafts such as candles, washi paper, ceramics, and other mementos. The building also houses an exhibit about brick-making around the world and a museum featuring old movie cameras and model trains.

Slip back in time in Uchiko

Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the town of Uchiko that seemingly froze in time from the Edo (1603-1867) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. It’s a town made its mark in the 18th century with its thriving wax trade

Uchiko’s wealth and influence shows with its well-preserved streetscape where machiya , or traditional wooden townhouses, line the main thoroughfare where sharp eyes will notice the use of pale yellow lime plaster, wooden lattices, and dark kawara roof tiles. It’s truly an open-air museum here .

When you’re here, don’t miss the last remaining candle shop where you can see how they are continuing the tradition of making them using ancient techniques. You’ll also be able to see a real-life kabuki theater at Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater with its hand-powered stage elevators and rotating stage.

Above all, I was continuously reminded of Kyoto, not so much in visual similarities but I kept thinking “this is what Kyoto must’ve been like before mass tourism”. That’s why I loved Uchiko so much.

Indulge in the onsen one more time

Return back to Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen. Use this as free time to walk around Dogo Onsen, try other onsens such as Dogo Onsen Annex , or simply enjoy your own hotel’s onsen with its free snack and sake bar.

Day 8 Summary

• Garyu Sanso Villa
• Pokopen Yokocho
• Akarengakan
• Uchiko Yokaichi & Gokoku Historical Districts
• Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – If you didn’t purchase breakfast with your stay, you’ll want to plan to buy some food at a convenient store the night before so you can hit the ground running.
• Lunch – Charme Bakery – A modern Japanese bakery located in the historic district of Uchiko with comfortable seating for guests.
• Dinner – Iyo Shokudo Otora – This restaurant is a short walk away from the hotel and serves a variety of local Japanese dishes.
• Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten ( Agoda / Booking ) – The best part about this hotel are the onsen facilities found in the basement. While you’ll be tempted to go to the original Dogo Onsen Honkan or the newer Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu , the one found here is still the best, especially when you consider that it’s included with your stay, you can shuffle down in your slippers from your room, has a free sake and snack bar (open 3PM – 10PM and 7AM – 10AM), and has foot massagers to wind down afterwards. They also have a Noh Stage “Senjuden” free photo spot on the 4th floor from 3PM to 9PM.
• Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater offers English-speaking guides. The entrance fee is ¥400 but the guide is included.
• When navigating to either Ozu Castle or Uchiko town, make sure to put in directions for the parking lot.
• The Uchiko main parking lot costs ¥300 and is good for the whole day. Again, this is marked on our Shikoku itinerary map .

Start your day in Ehime Prefecture and end off in your final prefecture within Shikoku – Kagawa. Your main goal for today is to not only visit a legendary Shinto shrine but to also get some good cardio in.

See where mochi meets mikan

As you drive along the northern coast, drop by the confectionary shop, Seikodo located in Imabari . They have a long and storied history but their recent claim to fame is their mochi-wrapped mikan or their full Japanese name, ichifuku hyakka marugoto mikan daifuku .

When it first came out, it was laughed off as something that would never work but they proved their naysayers wrong and are now a hit all across Japan.

What makes it so delicious is its blend of substantial chewy and melty outer layer with a bite-sized mikan that’s sweet and tart at the same time , clean of pith and seedless. Since they come frozen, if you defrosted it, but not fully, you get another layer of textures to it that work quite nicely.

In addition to the mochi mikan, they have a traditional red bean with hints of shiso encased in a boat-shaped crisp and fruit-flavored mochi popsicles that will blow your mind .

Climb all 785 steps to get to Kotohira Shrine’s main hall

Halfway to the top Mount Zozu stands a shrine that pilgrims have visited since ancient times to worship “the God of the Sea”. There’s one catch though, its main hall is up a long staircase of 785 steps that isn’t necessarily hard, but you just might break a sweat.

Kotohira-gu or Kotohira Shrine is commonly known as Kompira-san since it is the head shrine of multiple Kompira shrines all over Japan dedicated to the safe navigation for sailors. Over the centuries it’s flip-flopped between being Buddhist and Shinto until being declared a Shinto shrine in the Meiji period. This explains why there are elements of both religions visible.

The steps start from the base of the mountain in the town of Kotohira. Before you get to the main gate, your path is flanked with everything from udon restaurants, souvenir shops, teahouses, confectionary shops, and cafes.

At step 365, you’ll enter the shrine grounds . While it sounds daunting, the climb up is a mix of gradual walks uphill and pure stair climbing. Along the way are there are several auxiliary shrine buildings, religious elements, and even a stable for special white horses known as shinme .

When you hit 785 steps, you’ll make it to the main hall , a significant achievement for most that come here. In addition to a beautiful view of the plains below, visit Ema Hall, make a wish, get your fortune, and purchase a Yellow Charm of Happiness.

For those that are interested, you can do the full 1,368 steps along a forested path to make it to the small inner shrine ( Okusha ).

• Shrine grounds – Open every day and all hours.
• Main shrine prayer shop – (Apr – Sept) 6AM to 6PM, (Oct – Mar) 6AM – 5PM
• Duration – The walk up to the main shine takes on average 45 minutes but if you factor the walk through the main street prior to the steps, expect to spend 3 hours here.

Price: There is no admission required to enter.

Parking: There aren’t any official parking lots for the shrine. Instead, there are a mix of public and private lots. While it might be tempting to drive around to look for the cheapest lot, it’s not worth it as the traffic and complicated local streets will only frustrate you. Park closest to the entrance to the main street.

Interestingly, some of the closest lots are associated to souvenir shops. The rate is ¥500 but the kicker is that it’s free if you make a ¥1,500 purchase from their store.

Since they cram in a ton of cars in one lot, they’ll need to take your car keys so they can move car.

Booking: There’s no need to book anything since the shrine is free.

Website: Kotohira-gu Shrine

• Is Kompira-san the same as Kotohira-gu? Yes, they refer to the same shrine. Kompira-san is the alternative name to Kotohira-gu. The English name is Kotohira Shrine.
• How many steps are there to get to the main hall? There are 785 total steps to climb to get to the main hall.
• Is it worth going to the inner shrine? If you can muster the extra 583 steps, for a total of 1,368, to get to the top, the red-painted inner shrine isn’t necessarily large but a meditative place of spirituality and peacefulness. Being higher, it also offers a more elevated view of the Sanuki plain.
• Do you need to go to the inner shrine? This depends on if you have the interest and energy but we’ll say that the majority of visitors to Kotohira-gu only go to the main hall.
• Are there bathroom facilities along the way up and in the shrine area itself? There are 4 restrooms spread out throughout the shrine including a baby changing area where the main shrine is located. Prior to the shrine, we did not notice any bathrooms.
• Do the 785 steps include the shopping arcade leading up to the entrance to the shrine? Yes, the stone steps start counting once you start climbing any steps from the main thoroughfare upwards. In fact, by the time you get to the main gate of Kotohira Shrine, you would have done 365 steps already.
• Are there porters that can take you up? There used to be a porter service where you could be taken up in a palanquin but this has been discontinued since the early 2010s.
• What souvenir should you buy in Kotohira? To commemorate your visit to Kotohira-gu, the best souvenir is the Yellow Charm of Happiness. This is a golden protector that prays for health and happiness. The individual amulet is ¥1,000 and the package including a mini Konpira dog is ¥1,500.

• There are traditional bamboo walking sticks for rent near the base of the steps. These are self-serve honor system stalls and costs ¥100 per stick.
• When you reach the main hall don’t miss Ema Hall. Located next door, you’ll see the mini sub, Malt’s Mermaid amongst displays of plates, and pictures of ships, battleships and space rockets.
• Horses are important part of your visit to Konpira-san. Mid-way through the shrine, you’ll find a small stable with special horses known as shinme . These are offerings to the gods in Shintoism as these are meant for the gods to ride. Throughout the day, the horses are brought out for a walk, doing circles in front of the giant golden propeller.
• A quality map of the shrine grounds is impossible to find online so below we’re attaching a photo of the map they have on-site which indicates not only the path but also the number of steps you would have taken at specific junction points, and location of restrooms.

Treat yourself after all of those steps

After you climb all of those stone steps, treat yourself with soft-serve ice cream topped with oiri , a local sweet traditionally given out as gifts when couples marry.

An easy-to-miss spot on the main street is a free foot onsen that’s free for everyone to use, the perfect remedy for tired feet.

Your final stretch of driving is ahead of you. In 45 minutes, you’ll reach the city of Takamatsu . Return your car and pay the money owed for tolls (more on that in the car rental section ). Take the local Kotoden train to your hotel and get yourself checked in.

Eat the extremely rare olive wagyu

Olive wagyu is a type of steak that not many people get to have because they’re made in such micro-batches that many would say this is one of the rarest types of wagyu (Japanese beef).

It comes from an inspiring story on the island of Shodoshima nearby where through much experimentation, it was discovered that cows fed a diet of toasted olives resulted in beef with marble, rich, and nutty umami flavor . In addition, it has the highest levels of healthy fats, at 65.2% oleic acid content.

I learned about olive wagyu through Adam Waxman of Dine Magazine but as I dug into where I could have it in Takamatsu, I quickly realized I was out of my depths as there isn’t exactly an online guide for the best olive wagyu restaurants in the city. Again, with the help of Shikoku Tours , they helped me with a reservation at the steakhouse, Ichigo .

In my own private room, I had the most divine steak I’ve ever had. Ordering a set meal for 150 grams of the lamp cut of olive wagyu, I cooked the beef to my liking on a hot stone. Every bite was magic, with texture where its marbling was soft and delicate but layered with a meat that was bold and nutty.

This certainly isn’t a cheap dinner but considering how hard it is to find olive wagyu not only globally, but even within Japan, it is totally worth it.

Day 9 Summary

• Kotohira Shrine
• Kotohira Foot Onsen
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Again, with no breakfast at the hotel, your best bet is to buy your own food from a convenient store.
• Lunch – Snacks in Kotohira – There aren’t any specific restaurants to plan for as your schedule will be pretty fluid based on how long you take climbing Kotohira-gu so it might be best to snack on your own food and other goodies you find along the way.
• Dinner – Ichigo – You’d think that olive-fed wagyu is easy to find in Takamatsu given that they are from the nearby island of Shodoshima but it’s not that obvious where to go, especially for foreigners. Ichigo claims to be the first restaurant on Shikoku specializing in olive wagyu so I was sold. When reserving, make sure to instruct them to order a set course as well because you can’t do that on the day of. If you don’t, you’ll have to order off of their a-la-carte menu which still includes corn soup, salad and rice. Since they add a 20% service charge, expect to spend a pretty-penny here. My meal including a pint of beer cost ¥7,720.
• Hotel Wing International Takamatsu ( Agoda / Booking ) – A modern business hotel that opened in 2021 outfitted with a comfortable bed and is strategically located in a part of Takamatsu with tons of restaurants.
• Pack a small towel if you plan on using the foot onsen.
• Initially, I wanted to make a reservation for the restaurant at Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu but they wouldn’t take reservations for 1 person.
• The local Kotoden trains in Takamasu are very easy to take and accept all IC cards including Suica, PASMO, and Kitaca.
• If there’s one regret, it’s that I didn’t get to fit in Ritsurin Garden which is highly spoken of. This is something that you might want to try to fit in.

Now you could simply end your trip here but you’d be missing all of the amazing islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The one that has received international recognition is the art island of Naoshima and is one that you should definitely visit if you’ve made it this far.

Kagawa prefecture used to be called Sanuki which is why you’ll see that term used in various places including their udon. In fact, Sanuki udon is ranked among Japan’s top 3 famous udon noodles .

For brunch, head over to Sanuki Goyashiki where you’ll be able to taste what makes udon here special – chewy and firm texture with square shape and flat edges.

Take the ferry to Naoshima Island

The restaurant is located right at Sunport Takamatsu , a revitalized business and shopping area near JR Takamatsu. This is also within striking distance of Takamatsu Port , the original entry point into Shikoku by ferry and your best connection to the Seto Inland Sea Islands.

Whether you soak in the warmth of the sun from the upper deck or enjoy the comforts of the main deck inside, you’ll make it to in just 50 minutes. One thing you’ll remark when you arrive is 1) Takamatsu stays in sight the whole time so you’re really not that far away and 2) The Red Pumpkin is literally the first thing you see when you arrive.

Here are some details for taking the ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima. Since most visitors will be taking the standard ferry, we’ll be focusing on this but we’ll also mention a few details about the high speed ferry.

Location: The ferry terminal for Naoshima is the one that is labelled with a large number 1 and 2. It also has signage that says in English that it is for ferries going to Shodoshima and Naoshima. Note that this is for the standard ferry. The high speed ferry is at an adjacent pier and has a separate ticket office as well. Check the board pier page.

• Timetable – For the most up-to-date schedule, visit the Shikoku Kisen timetable page. For the Takamatsu – Naoshima (Miyanoura) route, they standard ferry runs 5 times a day and the high speed boat, 3 times a day.
• Duration – Standard ferry is 50 minutes and high speed boat is 30 minutes.
• Standard Ferry – ¥520 for adults and ¥260 for children (6-12)
• High Speed Boat – ¥1,220 for adults, and ¥610 for children (6-12)
• One child (1-5) per adult is free
• Tickets only get sold 40 minutes before departure. You can’t purchase tickets in advance.
• Only cash is accepted.
• You can either buy a ticket from the vending machine or the attendant at the booth.
• Tickets only get sold 30 minutes before departure.
• If you are taking the last boat of the day (8:30PM), those tickets are sold on the boat.

Booking: You can’t book ferry tickets online in advance and you can’t buy them in person in advance either. You can only purchase ferry tickets 40 minutes from departure.

Website: Shikoku Kisen

• What is the difference between the three Naoshima ports? The island of Naoshima has Miyanoura, Honmura and Seto ports. Don’t worry about Seto Port as this services the industrial part of the island. If you’re coming from Takamatsu, Miyanoura is the only port you can access. When leaving, you’ll have the choice of Miyanoura and Honmura ports. Miyanoura is on the western side of the island and Honmura is on the eastern side of the island. Miyanoura Port has significantly more frequency but ultimately choose the one that is the most convenient, is close to your hotel, and has the best departure timing.
• What amenities are available on the standard ferry? On the standard ferry, there are bathrooms, drink vending machines, select electrical outlets, and elevator.
• Is there a cafe on the ferry? No, there isn’t a cafe on board.
• Is the high speed boat worth it? If you’re willing to pay the extra cost (more than double the cost of the standard ferry), can take advantage of the 20 minute time savings, and fits your schedule, it might be worth it.
• Is there a luggage storage area? No, there’s no special compartment for larger suitcases and bags. The expectation on the ferry is to keep it with you.
• When does boarding start? Boarding starts 10 minute prior to departure.
• Does it make sense to take a rental car to Naoshima? While this is a car ferry, there’s really no advantage to having a car on the island as it’s quite small and the bus, shuttle, and bikes are very efficient transit options. If you brought one, it’d most likely sit in your accommodation’s parking lot.

• Unlike the Greek ferries , you have to take your luggage up to the passenger decks. There is an elevator but it’s only on one side of the ship and if you happen to board on the wrong side, you’ll miss it completely.
• If you would like to use the elevator, board on the left side of the ferry.
• Since there are only drink vending machines, bring your own food to eat on board.
• The best seats on the ferry are the ones that face the window on the right side of the main indoor deck.
• There are electrical outlets but they weren’t designed for passengers. You’ll find them on the sides of the ship but use-able in a pinch.
• The top deck is a great place to sit on your ferry ride. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have any cover so it’ll be very sunny and can get get windy as well.
• There are lockers at the Takamatsu ferry terminal for Naoshima. It has 27 in total, of which 2 are oversized (¥800), and 4 are large (¥700).

After you disembark, you’ll be tempted to take photos of Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin like I was, but I think the smarter move is to head straight to your hotel, so you’re not trying to keep your luggage in sight while taking selfies.

The walk to Sparky’s House is slightly uphill but you’ll be on the side of the paved road so it’s not too bad. Get checked in and grab your e-bike rental. You’ll immediately feel a new jolt of energy (pun intended) as having a bicycle is quite liberating on an island such as Naoshima.

Watch the sunset at Miyanoura Port

Ride back down to Miyanoura Port and enjoy the backdrop of the sunset reflecting on the calm waters and shimmering off of the Red Pumpkin .

Under the night sky, you’ll notice the illumination of Naoshima Pavilion and Bunraku Puppet sculptures so ride around to them to snap a few photos.

For dinner, hopefully you’ve made reservations ahead of time through Sparky’s House but if not, you’ll have to bike around to the recommended restaurants. In my case, every single one was packed except for Cin.na.mon . Stepping in there, they initially said no since it was quite full but I noticed an empty table. I told them it was only for 1 person and they eventually said OK.

Day 10 Summary

• Red Pumpkin
• Naoshima Pavilion
• Bunraku Puppet
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Since we didn’t pay extra for the breakfast at the Hotel Wing International Takamatsu, we got our usual favorites at the nearby 7-Eleven which includes onigiri , bread, and yogurt.
• Lunch – Sanuki Goyashiki – Takamatsu is in the Kagawa Prefecture and they’re famous for their Sanuki udon which is characterized by its square shape, flat edges, and chewy texture. Come to this restaurant near the ferry pier for your chance to try it.
• Dinner – Cin.na.mon – Every restaurant seemed to be booked solid but this was one that had one table remaining when I dropped by. This is a Japanese restaurant that has excellent sashimi, fried chicken, curry, and craft beer from Naoshima Story.
• Sparky’s House ( Agoda / Booking ) – A relatively new property on the island that’s a combination of container-style accommodations and a house converted to separate rooms on the second floor. While small, the rooms are comfortable, new, clean, and have the benefit of a full kitchen on both the first and second floor of the house. They offer e-bike rentals (adults only) for ¥1,500 for one day, ¥2,000 for two days. They also offer luggage storage for ¥500 (maximum 4 items). All payments are cash-only.

• When you arrive at Miyanoura port, get inside the terminal building and look for the “Naoshima Area Map”. This map is actually quite useful as it has all of the updated ferry, bus, and shuttle times, in addition to a handy map with English descriptions of all art sites.
• The Red Pumpkin next the Miyanoura port gets very busy near ferry departures and arrivals. While it’ll be temping to take photos right when you get off, it’s a better idea to drop off your luggage at your accommodations first and then take the bicycle back down at sunset when it calms down.
• Since there are limited number of restaurants and a ton of visitors these days, you need to make reservations. If you don’t, you’ll find that most of the popular restaurants won’t take walk-ins. To book, reach out to your hotel to make a reservation. If you book with a platform like Booking.com , you can conveniently use their chat feature to ask them to help make reservations. Recommended restaurants in the Miyanoura area are in the photo above.
• On Naoshima, the 7-Eleven closes at 9PM so pick up your supplies early.
• We found free wifi throughout Naoshima under the SSID “KAGAWA-Wifi”. You can join up to 8 times a day and allows you to be connected for 30 minutes.
• If you had to choose, we believe Miyanoura is a better location to be based just because it’s closer to the ferry. This gives you more options because you can always walk to the port.
• Just an observation, but this is the first and only place on the itinerary that felt touristy. This is the most evident when trying to take photos of popular sculptures like the Red Pumpkin where you’ll need to be quite a bit more patient.

At only 8 square kilometers, Naoshima is home to some of the very best of contemporary art and architecture in the world, featuring the likes of Yayoi Kusama, Tadao Ando, Claude Monet, and James Turrell to name a few. Discover the artwork scattered throughout island. The only catch is that you have to leave the island at the end of the day so make the most of it.

Enjoy Miyanoura Port at sunrise

There’s something alluring about the pumpkin sculptures and not wanting to let any moment slip, I recommend that you head back to Miyanoura Port early in the morning so you can have the Red Pumpkin all to yourself .

Have an immersive art experience at Chichu Art Museum

Welcome to the Chichu Art Museum . This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends art and nature, offering a unique experience for everyone. Designed by Tadao Ando , the museum itself is a work of art, mostly built underground to harmonize with the island’s landscape. As you approach, you’ll be awed by the museum’s minimalist concrete exterior, which hides its many artistic treasures within.

Once inside, ditch your phone and camera (since they’re not allowed) and open your mind to a carefully curated collection of contemporary artworks . The museum focuses on the works of renowned artists, Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.

Beyond the individual art pieces, this is more about the immersive space itself , blending in natural and artificial light, optical illusions, the delicate tiling of the floor, and thought-provoking sculptures.

This is easily my favourite museum on the island which is why you need to secure those tickets as soon as they are available online.

• For Golden Week, they open at 9AM
• October 1 – last day of February – 10AM – 5PM (last admittance at 4PM)
• Closed on Mondays (except it’s on a national holiday, in which it closes the following day).
• The Chichu Store hours align with the museum hours.
• They are also closed on maintenance days so make sure to check their calendar .
• Duration – You can see this movie in 1.5 hours.

Price: ¥2,100 for adults and free for children 15 and under. When booking online, only credit cards are accepted.

How to get here: There are two directions you can take to get to Chichu Art Museum. What’s important to know is that biking is forbidden from the stretch of road between Benesse House Area North Gate and East Gate. This is why it’s critical to understand how to get around .

• Counterclockwise by bike or foot – Logically this seems to be the obvious way on foot or bicycle. The town bus does not go this direction. If on bike, park at the Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center. Locals mentioned that this bike ride is slightly more challenging because it’s uphill. From Miyanoura Port, by bike is 15-25 minutes and on foot is 30 minutes.
• Clockwise by bike – The longer way would be to take the bicycle or Naoshima Town Bus all the way around to the Tsutsuji-so bus stop. Park your bike at the specialized lot and from here, wait for the free shuttle bus which will take you to Chichu Art Museum. This is what we did and found the route to be quite pleasant and passes through the town of Honmura which you can explore on your way back. From Miyanoura Port, by bike is 20 minutes + 7 minute shuttle.
• Clockwise by bus – For those that don’t have a bike, the Town Bus runs between Miyanoura Port and Tsutsuji-so. The fare is ¥100 for adults and ¥50 for children (coins only). Check the official timetable . From Miyanoura Port, the bus take 12 minutes.
• Shuttle – There is a simple free shuttle that runs between Tsutsuji-so and Chichu Art Museum (where bikes aren’t allowed). These are small mini buses with a capacity of 26. You can get on and off at any stop (except Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery). Their timetable does their best to line up with the ferry schedule. Lastly, this shuttle doesn’t run on days when the Chichu Art Museum and Lee Ufan Museum are closed (Mondays). To get from one end to the other takes 7 minutes.

Arrival procedure: Once you arrive at Chichu Art Museum, if you have tickets already, head directly to the Chichu Art Museum main gate and not the ticket center. They will scan your digital tickets and hand you a see-through handbag. You’ll take the path will take you down the narrow passage to the Square Courtyard, and up into the souvenir shop. Once you’re pass this point, cameras are no longer allowed. The bag is meant to store your things and camera.

Museum rules:

• Online tickets are valid for 30 minutes from the reservation time, after which they are automatically cancelled.
• If you have large objects (suitcases, umbrellas, tripods, large backpacks), you will need to put them in the coin lockers at the museum or left at the ticket center.
• Use of cellphones is prohibited (although this is mainly around taking photos and being disruptive).
• Other than in the cafe, you can’t eat or drink in the museum.

Booking: You need to buy your tickets online in advance. These are timed tickets where you choose to enter at intervals of 15 minutes. Time slots for a month become available 2 months ahead of time. For example, the block of May tickets open up on Friday March 8th at 10AM JST (local time).

Website: Chichu Art Museum (as part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima)

• Are photos or videos allowed in Chichu Art Museum? No, photography and videography is strictly prohibited.
• How many seats are on the shuttle bus? These are mini buses and has a capacity of 26 people.
• Does the museum have audio guides? No, there are no audio guide devices available.
• Is there a limit to how much time you can spend in the museum? No, they only have specific entry time slots but you can stay for as long as you’d like.
• Are drones allowed? You can’t use drones anywhere in the Benesse Art Site area.
• Can you enter the Benesse Art Site by bike on the Chichu Art Museum side and exit from the Yellow Pumpkin side? This might seem like a logical counterclockwise route but if it simply doesn’t work if you have a bike because you can’t even walk with your bike inside museum grounds. The farthest you can take your bike is the North Gate Bicycle Parking Lot. Conversely, you can’t take your bicycle around the island clockwise either.
• Does Chichu Art Museum have wifi? Yes, they have free wifi under the SSID “chichuartmuseum”.
• The museum is quite minimal when it comes to signage and explanations and they don’t offer so we found it very handy to buy the Chichu Handbook (available in English) at the souvenir shop before heading in.
• The free shuttle bus fills up very quickly especially at the Tsutsuji-so stop. Resist the temptation to explore the beach especially when it’s close to departure of the bus.
• The Claude Monet Space and James Turrell’s Open Sky require you to take off your shoes. If you want to make things easier, wear shoes that you can easily take on and off.
• Cancellations are allowed 1 hour before reservation time using their cancellation form without penalty.
• If it fits in your schedule, check to see if the Open Sky Night Program is a possibility (only Fridays and Saturdays). Reservations open 3 months ahead of your desired date and allows you to go to James Turrell’s Open Sky installation at sunset.
• When walking to and from the museum, you’ll pass by the Chichu Garden. Notice how the trees and flowers here are very similar to the ones planted at Giverny that served as the location for Claude Monet’s Water Lilies .

Explore the wonders of Benesse Art Site

Intentionally designed for pedestrians (and their free shuttle bus), set out on foot and choose from the litany of outdoor art spaces, museums, and art pieces.

Depending on your interests, you can head inside Lee Ufan Museum . In our case, I couldn’t fit it in but I made sure to walk around their collection of outdoor sculptures.

Next is Valley Gallery which is under the same ticket as Benesse House Museum. Built along a valley that starts with small pond and narrows inwards, there’s an symbiosis between the work and surrounding nature. The most recognizable piece is Narcissus Garden by Yayoi Kusama which features large chrome balls. This is a much larger version of what we saw in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in our Arkansas itinerary .

Lastly, there’s a Where’s Waldo of art pieces along the island’s southern coast so keep your eyes peeled!

Enjoy Benesse House Museum

The central hub and largest museum on the island is Benesse House Museum which was also designed by the legendary architect Tadao Ando. Inside is an impressive collection of contemporary art that seamlessly blends into the natural light and surroundings.

• Hours – 8AM – 9PM (last admittance at 8PM)
• Open year round
• Museum shop hours – 10AM – 5PM
• Duration – You can finish this museum in an hour.

Price: ¥1,300 for adults and free for children 15 and under. They accept cash or credit card. You can pay at the entrance to Valley Gallery where they have a small temporary tent set up. This ticket includes access to both Valley Gallery and Benesse House Museum.

How to get here: As an extension to Chichu Art Museum’s details, here are two possible places you could be coming from. Our recommendation is to catch the initial bus to Chichu Art Museum after parking your bike at Tsutsuji-so and then walk the rest of the way back as it’s a pleasant and easy walk, with opportunities to see plenty of outdoor works.

• Coming from Chichu Art Museum – If you came by bicycle you won’t be able to go any further. The rest is on foot to the museum or you can take the museum shuttle. The walk is 20 minutes and the bus takes 4 minutes.
• Coming from Tsutsuji-so – The walk from the bus station takes 20 minutes. By bus, this is 4 minutes.

Arrival procedure: Benesse House Museum operates more like your standard art museum. When you arrive, they’ll check your ticket and if you haven’t purchased one yet, you can buy one at the ticket desk.

• If you have large objects (suitcases, umbrellas, tripods, large backpacks), it isn’t clear if there are any lockers at the museum. That said, it may be possible to leave items behind with the museum hotel’s desk.
• Use of cellphones is prohibited (although this is mainly around being disruptive).
• Other than in the cafe, you can’t eat or drink in the museum (that includes candy and gum).

Booking: No booking is required and it is not possible to book ahead of time. Luckily, there isn’t any stress entering this museum as they don’t have capacity limits.

Website: Benesse House Museum (as part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima)

• Are photos and videos allowed at Benesse House Museum? Officially, photos, videos, and sketches aren’t allowed in the museum. That said, we didn’t know this when we entered as there aren’t visible signs for this rule and their FAQ has information that says photos of most artworks are allowed. We found local Japanese and visitors alike were freely taking photos in the museum.
• Does the museum have audio guides? No, there are no audio guides available.
• Are there water fountains in the museum? No, we did not see any but outside of the museum is a spout for tap water.

• Museum Restaurant Issen and Museum Cafe don’t take reservations and fill up quickly so expect to have to queue.
• If you’re an art enthusiast and would like to have a more extensive experience, Benesse House is also a hotel in 4 different buildings, each providing special perks. For instance, the only way to see the Oval is by being a guest there. If you stay in the adjoining rooms to Benesse House Museum, you can stay in the museum past standard hours until 11PM (instead of 8PM).
• There’s also a “Cultural Melting Bath” Bathing Experience Program which is only available to hotel guests on Sundays and requires reservation.

Make your way to the Yellow Pumpkin

Being mindful of time, make sure you leave enough time to continue walking along the pedestrian path that hugs the coast, checking out the numerous Benesse House Museum Outdoor Works , and eventually arriving at the icon of Naoshima and Yayoi Kusama, the Yellow Pumpkin .

Sitting solemnly on an old pier is Kusama’s largest pumpkin to date and what separates it from the others that have ever been produced, this one was uniquely designed with its location in mind . The vibrant yellow stands out amongst the sea and coastal mountains.

“Art is an Endless Struggle, Art is Love, Art is Life” Yayoi Kusama

Make a quick stop in the town of Honmura

Grab your bike from where you parked it at Tsutsuji-so and ride to the town of Honmura which is along your way back.

Art is truly all around you on Naoshima . Even as you park your bike in Honmura, you enter a pavilion with a smattering of translucent spheres resembling a cumulonimbus cloud.

Take a break by grabbing a refreshing cup of gelato from Naoshima Gelato and if you skipped lunch like I did, One Stop is a nice pitstop as well for small bites.

Take the ferry to Uno

If your timing is right, you’ll be able to return your e-bike rental at Sparky’s House, get your stored luggage, have them drive you to the port, buy your ferry ticket, and be on your way to Uno.

The ferry ride from Naoshima to Uno is a swift 20 minutes. To get to Okayama Station, you’ll then need to take a JR train which is another hour into town. Luckily, it seems like the departure of the JR train is timed to the arrival of the ferry so you should be able to link them up nicely.

After you arrive in Okayama, it’s a short walk away to your hotel, Abest Grande Okayama .

There are plenty of restaurants nearby but for something hearty and quick, you can never go wrong with ramen at Nicoichi .

Day 11 Summary

What you’ll do:

• Chichu Art Museum
• Lee Ufan Museum
• Valley Gallery
• Benesse House Museum
• Yellow Pumpkin
• Honmura Town
• Breakfast – Kombini Breakfast – With an early morning back at Red Pumpkin, check-out, and needing to bike clockwise to Tsutsuji-so, it’s best to keep it simple and grab something from 7-Eleven the night before.
• Lunch – Kombini Lunch – With how crunched for time you’ll feel throughout the day, it’s best to save the time needed for a proper lunch and just eat food you pack with you.
• Snack – Naoshima Gelato – Perfect stop for a break to see the Naoshima Port Terminal bike-stand art piece. They have creative gelato flavors such as sweet potato milk gelato and roasted green tea milk gelato. They have various benches and tables available for their outdoor-only seating.
• Snack – One Stop – If you’re feeling hungry, this is cute small cafe with a patio deck that overlooks the main street running out of Honmura. Their menu is rather basic but they have a selection of drinks, waffles, sausage, noodles, and curry.
• Dinner – Nicoichi – You’ll be pretty exhausted after a long day so this is the perfect night for ramen. Found in the basement of a non-descript building where you’ll typically find a small line up of locals for this 10-seat restaurant that is known for their Hakata ramen .
• Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ( Agoda / Booking ) – This hotel was quite the gem to find on Agoda. While unusual in how challenging it was to find the elevator to take you up and how they also offer pod rooms, this was easily the largest room on the trip, they surprisingly also had their own onsen, and they had their own version of a happy hour with free drinks from 3PM to 9PM.

• If your accommodations doesn’t have a luggage storage option, the Miyanoura Port terminal area has quite a few lockers of varying sizes available. Prices range from ¥200-¥300.
• The ferry from Naoshima to Uno from Miyanoura Port is ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children.
• While 1 day is certainly enough to see the key highlights and museums, there are plenty of galleries and museums that I missed. If you’re interested in seeing more, a second night is definitely recommended.
• The Uno JR Station isn’t directly connected to the port so follow the crowd of people heading there.

Your whirlwind trip in Shikoku is coming to a close and while technically you’re now on the main island of Honshu and Okayama prefecture, take this final day to continue the trend of awesome experiences and charming towns.

Customize your own Betty Smith jeans

Not knowing much about Okayama, I initially thought that this would be a short overnight stay before flying out but as I did more research, I learned about the region’s deep connection with denim and that’s what lead me to the discovery of Betty Smith’s jeans making experience .

Now buying Japanese jeans off the rack in Tokyo is boring but customizing jeans from the factory where the denim movement started in Japan is quite exciting.

Start your day by taking the train down to the town of Kojima, birthplace of Japanese denim, and take the cab to the venerable jeans company, Betty Smith .

Granted, the name of the experience is a bit misleading. You don’t make jeans from scratch but instead, you get to pick the button, rivets, and leather label to go on the high-end Betty Smith jeans. Once selected, you’ll be the one to drive in the selected buttons and rivets using a special tool. The skilled craftsman will do the rest.

The beauty of this is that you get to learn how the finishing touches to jeans are made, and you come away with your own custom pair to take home.

• December to February – Monday only 9:30AM – 5PM
• March to November – Daily 9AM – 6PM. On weekdays they take a 12PM – 1PM lunch break.
• Jeans making time slots – Normally at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, and 4PM
• Duration – 1 hour

Price: The price depends on the jeans that you purchase. The jeans available for customization are their Omiyagi jeans (regular straight) which start at ¥8,800 and their DENIMWORKS line (slim straight, slim straight stretch, and button fly straight) and starts at ¥17,600. Interestingly, the price increases with waist size. We’ve attached a gallery of photos that show their pricing since you can’t find them anywhere online. Credit cards and IC cards accepted.

How to get here:

• Going there – The inconvenient part about Betty Smith is that it is not close to the JR station. Since Kojima doesn’t really have good public transit that runs that way, your only option is to get a taxi. The good news is that there’s a taxi stand at the station so you can easily catch one. This is a metered rate and cost us ¥1,300 for the 10 minute ride.
• Leaving – The coming back part will require you asking the Betty Smith staff to call a cab for you. Our rate to get to Kojima Jeans Street was ¥1,400 and another 10 minute ride.
• Note – Taxi’s here don’t take IC card or credit card so treat them as cash-only.

Booking: Reservations are recommended. Counter-intuitively, they are the busiest on weekdays because large school groups come in. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book ahead of time. The easiest way to do this is through Klook but you can also book directly if you’re willing to navigate their Japanese booking engine. No payment is required to book.

Language: They don’t have English-speaking instructors. For us, Oshima-san had limited English but he was very patient and we used a combination of Google Translate and hand signals.

Website: Betty Smith Museum Jeans Making Experience (Japanese only)

• Is it possible to drop in? If it isn’t a busy day, you could drop in without a reservation. Similar to the Indigo Dyeing experience, they don’t seem to strictly follow the booking schedule. They just start when you show up and they’ll spend as much as time as you need to get the jeans done.
• Do they hem the jeans for me? Yes, the instructor will measure the length and hem the jeans for you on the spot.
• Do they have Hello Kitty patch or buttons? Klook mentions Betty Smith’s collaboration with Hello Kitty but when we went, we did not see any Hello Kitty patches or buttons. This may have been a limited-time collab.
• If I don’t want to make jeans, are there other hands-on experiences? If you’d rather make a pencil case, stationary bag, pouch or key chain, you can drop by to make these without reservations. They only take 10 minutes as the main step is the attaching of a few rivets.
• Is there a Betty Smith store? Yes, there is a full store in the campus and it’s located on the 1st floor of the head office building.
• Does the jeans making experience building have a change-room? Yes, there is a single change room at the back.
• Are there restrooms in the building? No, they don’t but there are restroom facilities in a building behind.
• Between the jeans making and museums, how much time should I expect to spend here? The experience is officially 1 hour but it might take longer. There are multiple museum buildings and depending on your interest, this could be 30 minutes or an hour. On average, we think you should budget 2 hours at Betty Smith.
• Do I get to sew in this experience? No, all of the sewing is done by the instructor.
• The location of the the experience isn’t super clear when you get there because they have so many different museums and buildings. The exact one is pinned on our Shikoku itinerary map .
• What I really struggled with was selecting the jeans. It helps to speed things up if you have a budget in mind or whether you want stretchy jean material or regular.
• If you can’t fit this in on your Shikoku itinerary, they also run this jean making experience in their Tokyo location in the neighborhood of Ebisu.
• After your jeans making experience, make sure to drop by their factory where there’s a clear view of an active sewing floor, Jeans Museum 1 (foreign denim production), and Jeans Museum 2 (domestic denim production). These are free.

Learn about the history of jeans

Before you leave, make sure to visit the two free museums they have on-site. Jeans Museum 1 focuses on international denim including its origin and etymology. In the larger Jeans Museum 2 , you’ll see how denim was brought to Japan and insight into the manufacturing process.

Stroll down the iconic Jeans Street

Next, take a taxi to Kojima Jeans Street which is lined with over 30 shops selling denim products. You most likely will not have heard of any of these brands but it’s fun to be able to pop into a few of them to see what the trends are and what makes Japanese denim special.

The walk back to the Kojima Station is 15 minutes. From there, you’ll take the JR train back up to Okayama and then transfer to another train that’ll bring you to Kurashikishi Station .

Enjoy an afternoon exploring Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter

As you walk from Kurashikishi Station to the Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter, you’ll see the gradual transition from modern buildings and shopping arcades to Edo-period architecture and picturesque canals.

Similar to Uchiko, this is another example of a well-preserved prosperous town that’s retained many of its traditional white-walled merchant houses. Spend your time strolling down the narrow-lined streets and popping into its shops, galleries, and cafes.

There is a ton to see here. Don’t miss the renowned Ohara Museum of Art , the first Western museum in Japan. Explore the historic Kurashiki Ivy Square , a former cotton mill transformed into a cultural complex. Take in the scenic beauty of the willow-lined canal with a traditional punting boat ride . For the curious, step into the quirky Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum .

And when you’re hungry, there are plenty of well-known cafes and snack stands to try including pudding from Yuurin-an Cafe , award-winning croquettes from Kinsho Croquettes Kurashiki , and yummy warabimochi from Kamakura Kurashiki .

TIP: Most shops close unusually early at 5PM.

Eat dinner at Kappa Tonkatsu

Before heading back to Okayama, you’d be remiss to not have dinner at Kappa Tonkatsu , a restaurant that specializes in crispy and tender cutlets of pork smothered in special demi-glace. It’s a easily one of the best tonkatsu I’ve had in Japan.

TIP: This restaurant is cash-only.

Before you head close off your 12th day on this Shikoku itinerary, here are a few things you need to know when you leave Okayama.

• While there is a taxi stand near the hotel, it’s safer to ask hotel reception to book a taxi. The 30 minute ride is metered and cost us ¥8,200.
• If you don’t have an early morning flight, there is a 30 minute bus from Okayama Station to the airport.
• Okayama Momotaro Airport (OKJ)’s hours are 6AM – 10PM. This means that they actually close their doors outside of these hours. If you have an early morning flight (i.e. 7:05AM), there’s no need to go to the airport before 6AM.

Day 12 Summary

• Betty Smith Jeans Making Experience
• Kojima Jeans Street
• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Canal Boat Ride
• Ohara Museum of Art
• Kurashiki Ivy Square
• Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – It’s a packed final day so you’ll find it most efficient to grab some convenient store food the night before to have in your room.
• Snacks – Yuurin-an Cafe – This is a cafe that’s connected to their guesthouse. They’re best known for their Happy Pudding which is creamy and soft. If you’re looking for food their Tamago-kake Gohan which is rice topped with raw egg and a special soy sauce.
• Snacks – Yamau Coffee Stand – A no-nonsense coffee shop that specializes in espresso-based drinks. They also make a great tea soda.
• Snacks – Kinsho Croquettes Kurashiki – Small stall in the Bikan quarter that sells award-winning croquettes.
• Snacks – Kamakura Kurashiki – Delicious and freshly-made warabimochi.
• Dinner – Kappa Tonkatsu – One of two amazing tonkatsu restaurants in Kurashiki. The tonkatsu is crispy and the katsu sauce with the perfect amount of umami. Uniquely, this restaurant is run primarily by women. They are cash only. The alternative restaurant is Misokatsu Umenoki , which does a baked version of tonkatsu.
• Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ( Agoda / Booking ) – Their check-in staff is great and it was this lady that helped me sort out book the early morning cab to the Okayama Momotaro Airport.
• The name Kurashiki can get a bit confusing. On its own, Kurashiki refers to an entire district of Okayama Prefecture and this includes both Kojima and the Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter. However, the commercial center of the district is commonly called Kurashiki as well. Typically when someone says Kurashiki, they are referring to Bikan and surrounding area.

To help with your Shikoku trip planning, this map will be instrumental in identifying all of the locations mentioned on this itinerary and also some nitty gritty details like parking locations.

Japan, more than anywhere else in the world, we’ve found it important to have places pre-pinned on a map because some places just don’t show up when you search their English name.

HOW TO USE THE MAP: You can use the Shikoku itinerary map as is but if you’d like to do more with it, expand the map and create a copy in your logged-in Google account. With this copy, you’ll be able to access it in your Google Maps app under the Saved tab. Scroll to the bottom and look for the “Maps” button. Keep in mind that you need data to access this map. For an offline solution, use the offline Google Maps feature and individually save location pins on your primary map.

Renting A Car in Shikoku

This region is all about the blending of the sea, mountains, valleys, and islands with art, spirituality, history, and culinary. While some can be found in the cities, most of it’s gems are nestled in areas that require a car.

We think that the best way to see Shikoku is with a rental car but it might not be for everyone. Let’s breakdown the reasons for and against so you can make the best decision. For those that end up deciding on renting a car, we also list out what we learned from our experience.

• Can get you anywhere – Public transit including trains don’t have the best coverage around the island of Shikoku, especially when you talk about places such as Iya Valley and Nakatsu Gorge.
• Save time – Technically, you can visit everywhere with buses and trains but the coordination effort would be high and wasted time would be enormous.
• It’s cheaper than you think – Everyone thinks Japan is expensive but car rentals prices are very reasonable. 9 days cost ¥65,230 which comes out to $440 USD or $48.89 per day.
• Plenty of parking – You won’t encounter any situation where you can’t find parking
• Driving is easy – Sure, there are some trickier roads through the valley but overall, it’s just not a very busy place and so there’s barely any traffic and Japanese drivers are so courteous.
• Some challenging driving – The drive through Iya Valley and Nakatsu Gorge aren’t dangerous but there are sections of it that narrow down to one car-width. This may dissuade those that are not confident drivers.
• Left side – In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road. If you’ve never done it before, it’ll take a few days to get used to. Again, this shouldn’t hold you back but something to note for anyone that gets anxious easily.
• You have a guide – If you end up booking a tour or are able to connect various excursions together, it might not be necessary to get a car.
• Tiring – The biggest drawback of driving is that there are quite a few long stretches required on this itinerary (i.e. Kochi to Shimanto and Nakatso Gorge to Matsuyama). It’s definitely easier to have someone to do the driving for you so you can nap along the way.
• Budget travel – If you’re looking to squeeze the most out of your budget, you could combine the Shikoku Rail Pass ( buy here ) where it’s ¥20,000 for 7 days plus the cost of local buses.
• IDP – You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent cars in Japan. Make sure you get one from your home country before you come here. In Canada, that means dropping by a CAA and in the United States, AAA .
• ETC – When renting a car, you’ll have an option to rent an ETC card with your vehicle. This is an IC card that’ll allow you to use the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) lane on expressways that have tolls. This allows you to drive right through the gate without stopping. For this Shikoku itinerary, there are tolled highways in and out of the main cities. If you don’t want to deal with the stress of trying to avoid them, paying cash at toll gates, you should just pay it. ETC card rental is only ¥300.
• No ETC Passes – Shikoku doesn’t have any tourist-friendly, multi-day ETC passes (available in Sapporo) so no need to ask. This means that you’ll be paying each toll a-la-carte.
• Slow check-in – The car rental check-in process is very slow. For Times Car Rental, I had to fill out a new set of forms with my personal information, list of all hotels and their phone numbers (it’s fine if you don’t have them). After all was said and done, it took 45 minutes from arrival to driving off the lot. Luckily returning a car is much faster.
• No English – Don’t expect any of the car rental agents to speak English. Have your Google Translate app ready.
• Alternative booking sites – Booking through third-party platforms is perfectly safe and reliable. In fact, you can often find discounted rates through something like Klook . That said, we did not find any results for one-way rentals in Shikoku. Similarly, we tested RentalCars and DiscoverCars and while they have round-trip rentals, the could not display one-way results in Shikoku.
• One-way fee – If you do a one-way rental (i.e. Tokushima to Takamatsu), some companies charge a fee. In Times Car Rental’s case, it cost ¥6,000.
• Toll charges – When you return the car, they will be able to immediately pull the toll charges from the account. You’ll pay for these extra charges on your way out. For this particular 12-day Shikoku itinerary, I paid ¥9,690 in tolls.
• Insurance – They will offer insurance and it will be up to you whether you need it or not. If you have a credit card that includes car rental insurance coverage, make sure you charge the rental to your card and to decline their insurance package.

The following are the companies that you’ll find in the city and also at the Tokushima Airport.

• Budget Car Rental (airport only)
• Times Car Rental
• Orix Rent-A-Car
• Toyota Rent-A-Car
• Nippon Rent-A-Car
• Nissan Rent-A-Car (their website is quite buggy and requires multiple refreshes)
• JR Rent-A-Car (only shows up on the Japanese site)
• Niconico Rent-A-Car (airport location requires a shuttle)

Ultimately, the company that had the cheapest price was Times Car Rental even after doing a quick search on Klook and RentalCars .

• For our specific dates, Times Car and Toyota were the closest in rates compared to the others so start your search there.
• Car rental coupon codes are not commonplace in Japan but they’re worth a try.
• It’s worth checking out the Times Car deals page which is the only company that does offer seasonal deals.
• Anecdotally, I found the best prices when searching through Klook or booking direct with Nippon, Times, and Toyota with car rentals all over Japan.
• It’s always a good idea to book your car as early in advance as possible even though Shikoku never gets too busy. From our experiences, prices only go up as supply dwindles.

5 Shikoku Travel Tips

I learned so much from this trip to Shikoku. So far we’ve already covered specific tips for attractions, activities, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals but there are a few more general pieces of advice that I think you’ll be glad to know upfront instead of being surprised when you get here.

The two places where you’ll have to be on your toes is in Iya Valley and the Nakatsu Gorge area.

The reason why it’s challenging is because in various parts of the valley, there are areas that narrow down to one single lane that has to be shared with both sides of traffic.

When you get to these sections of road, I took the approach of driving more slowly, flicking my high-beams if it was dark, utilizing the mirrors that placed at every bend in the road, and relying on strategically constructed pulloffs. I found that it also helped to not be the lead car, and instead, trail behind someone else so they can spot oncoming cars.

If you get into a situation where you’re stuck because you’re staring at an oncoming car and there’s nowhere to go, first assess your surroundings and see if you’re able to back up. There’s usually a wider part of the road built-in deliberately to help in these situations. The oncoming driver might also be more experienced and make the first move, in which case you can take their lead. Another tip is to fold in your side mirrors if you’re worried about a particularly tight squeeze. Watch our Shikoku video to get an idea.

That said, don’t read this as this being a treacherous drive at all. For the most part, the roads are single or double lane, there are stretches where you can pass cars, and everything is marked clearly. Roughly 20% of the road narrow down to one lane and the rest are perfectly normal.

This just about applies to every single trip but in Japan, you should be aware of some of their big holidays which are:

• Golden Week – Roughly around April 28 – May 8
• Obon Holiday – August 10 -16

Other spikes in domestic and foreign visitors are during these seasons:

• Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) season – Late March to early April
• Northern hemisphere summer holidays – July to August
• Fall colors season – Mid to late November

While Shikoku is certainly not as busy as other popular destinations in Japan, you’ll certainly see a relative swelling of tourists during these periods. This can mean large crowds and wait times at main sights, and accommodations get booked out.

Beyond this, weekdays are always better than weekends.

Being the least visited parts of Japan, it should come as no surprise that your English won’t take you very far in Shikoku. You’ll come across the one odd person that will speak a little but a majority won’t understand a lick of English.

The good news is that technology has come a long way since our early days of travel blogging and there are tools like Google Translate that do a decent job at translating languages. It’s not perfect, but it can certainly help break the ice.

Similar to what we had to do with our limited knowledge of Spanish in our month in Chile , I downloaded the Japanese language for offline use and mostly used a combination of live translations through the camera when trying to read menus or signs, and one-off translations of English sentences to Japanese.

In Shikoku, there will also be many instances of trying to have longer conversations with someone and that’s where Google Translate’s “Conversation” feature. This tries its best to allow you to go back and forth between English -> Japanese and vice versa in rapid succession.

Unfortunately, this feature has a long way to go as it gets tripped up quite easily. To help, here are a few tips to take away:

• Speak simply and be clear and concise in your sentences. Avoid slang and idioms.
• The app takes longer pauses as an end of your part of the conversation so you’ll need to speak in one continuous thought.
• Often times, its the person you’re speaking to that will have the most issues so it’s worth explaining how the feature works and sharing your tips with them ahead of time (which will also need to be translated). Otherwise, it becomes one big frustrating mess.

This is something we constantly preach across all of our Japan travel guides . Japan is much more cash-heavy than you expect it to be so don’t get caught off-guard.

In our itinerary above, we’ve tried our best to identify anything that is cash-only. As you read through it, you’ll realize that more places only take cash than you expect.

Based on our costs, we’d recommend at least $500 USD worth of cash converted to Japanese Yen.

Shikoku goes through dramatic climate changes depending on where you are and what time of year it is. We won’t breakdown every scenario but here’s why you want to be prepared:

• The valley areas are several degrees cooler than being on the coast.
• The southern part of Shikoku (i.e. Kochi) gets much more rain than the northern part of the island.
• You can get really hot days in the summer (extends into September) and while Iya Valley may be cooler, remember that lack of air condition in many places will mean interiors will be even hotter.
• There are two times that you’ll be on the boat – Takamatsu for the Naruto Whirlpools, and on the Naoshima Ferry. These can get cold and breezy.
• On Naoshima, you’ll be biking and if there are no clouds, exposed to a lot of sun so it can be one of the hottest days of your trip.

We recommend the following items to help you stayed prepared on your trip:

• Mornings can be chilly so a good active fleece or mid-layer jacket . These are all handy pieces to have for any layering strategy.
• You never know when it’s going to rain. For us, we always travel with an Arc’teryx shell and light waterproof pants .
• For travel, breathable and lightweight active-wear is always great to have especially when it’s hot outside or you’re cycilng around Naoshima Island.

When we put together our itineraries , one question that we always get is how much it costs. That’s why we’ve included these cost breakdowns to help give you an idea of what kind of budget you need for a vacation like this.

Below is a table of the costs converted to USD. Keep in mind that this does not include the flights.

With a total spend of $2,497 USD, that’s a daily spend of $208 USD/person/day.

Comparing to the Far East Hokkaido trip , which was a $431/day, this trip was effectively half the price.

For other points of comparison, a week in Sapporo in the winter cost $318 USD/day, 1 month in Chile averaged out to $308 USD/day, 3 weeks in New Zealand was $353 USD/day, and 10 days in Egypt was $204 USD/day.

What To Pack for A Trip To Shikoku

We’ve covered some of this in our 5 Shikoku Travel Tips but we believe that they key for a trip like this is to remain as versatile as possible when it comes to clothing and gear.

This list isn’t meant to be comprehensive but we’ll list out some of the more important pieces and why. The links are mainly to mens products but you’ll be able to find equivalents. You’ll also notice that we wear a lot of Arc’teryx gear – not because we’re sponsored by them or because they’re from Canada, but because we love their quality and functionality.

• Jacket – Arc’teryx Beta Shell – It’s a windproof and waterproof layer that you can wear on its own or in combination with the other layers. This is something you’ll want handy because you never know when you might encounter a rainy day.
• Waterproof pants – Arc’teryx Beta Pant – Along the same lines, you don’t want rain to ruin your day.
• Mid-layer jacket – Arc’teryx Atom Hoody – A great all-purpose jacket that provides warmth, feels incredibly soft, and packs down to a small size.
• Active fleece – Delta Hoody – This is a thin fleece that is your go-to long-sleeve when it’s just not warm enough to wear a t-shirt. It also layers well with everything else.
• Travel pants – Outdoor Research Ferrosi Joggers – These are seriously the most comfortable pants and perfect for travel with their zippered back pocket, elastic cuff hem, elastic waist, and quick-drying material.
• Shoes – Altra Lone Peak 7 – The number keeps incrementing every year but these have consistency been awesome for travel because they are light, provide tremendous traction, and dry very easily even though they are not waterproof. I’ve really come to enjoy zero drop shoes but they might not be for everyone.
• Active t-shirt – Cormac Crew Shirt – These high-performance tees are life changing. They have the qualities of a quick-dry shirt but is ridiculously light and breathable.
• Long-sleeve sunshirt – Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Ultralight long-sleeve fabric that’s meant to be used during warm weather but gives you full sun protection.
• Hat – Ciele GOCap – These are light, quick drying, packable, and fun-colored hats that are great for travel.
• Sunglasses – Maui Jim – The current model I’m wearing is discontinued but you can’t go wrong with anything they have. They also have the best lenses on the market according to our optometry friends.
• Swim trunks – Any swim wear – This one’s easy to forget but you’ll need it for your canyoning excursion.
• Luggage – Db Journey Ramverk Luggage – Chose the medium size of this niche brand mainly because they use one of the best and largest wheels on the market (60mm Hinomoto) which makes them silent and so easy to move around.
• Backpack – Shimoda Action X50 V2 – The ultimate photography backkpack for active travellers.
• Messenger bag – Everyday Sling – The 3L and 6L slings are amazing for travel, especially on days you don’t want to carry a full backpack but still want your camera with you.
• Travel towel – Microfiber Towel – We always recommend having these in your suitcase. These can also double as an onsen towel. That said, every accommodation was good about having towels available. The only exception is Hotel Iyaonsen where you needed to have your own. Most likely, you’ll just repurpose a free onsen towel from another location.
• Packing cubes – Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes and Compression Cubes – Keep organized in your suitcase.
• Sunscreen – Sun Bum SPF50 for face and body – Make sure you’re protected every day.
• Bug spray – Repel 100 – I did not encounter any bugs in October but other seasons may be different.
• Reuseable tote – Peak Design Packable Tote – Super handy when shopping, have a lot of loose things that temporarily need to be moved together, and to keep all your snacks together in the car.
• Tripod – Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod – This is our go-to tripod for our travels and we’ve reviewed it extensively.
• Camera – OM System OM-1 – This is honestly the best camera system if you love to travel, need something rugged for adventures, and shoot wildlife.
• Lens – OM System M.Zuiko Pro 8-25mm – I had to be selective with my lens choices for this trip and ended up using this one the most.
• Powerbank – VEEKTOMX 10000mAh – So good that I travel with 2 of these now with one set up in the backpack and another in my pocket if I need it. What’s important with this one is that it’s thin, small, and can properly quick charge.

Shikoku won’t be on your radar but really should be. It’s the kind of place where the name doesn’t necessarily stand out from the travel pamphlets (if they still make those) but is the type of place where you can fittingly say “if you know, you know”.

These 4 thoughts encapsulate what makes this such a special place.

You can have it all to yourself – I loved my Golden Route experience 10+ years ago but going back to places like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto this year, I’ll be honest, some of that joy was sucked away by huge hoards of tourists and needing to strategize around it. Shikoku was the polar opposite experience where I never had to worry about crowds and I could appreciate each place with intention and peace.

Authentic experiences – Shikoku is more than just sightseeing but there are so many ways where you can get your hands dirty. From knife-making to indigo dyeing, there are so many experiences that will give you a deeper appreciation of how serious they take their respective craft.

Beautiful blend of food, nature, art, and religion – There’s a zen-like quality of how well everything blends and interplays with each other in Shikoku. More than anywhere else I’ve been to in Japan, there’s a completeness to what you can see, do, and eat in Shikoku.

Amazing people – Don’t get me wrong, there are amazing people all over Japan but consistently, language barrier or not, it felt easier to make deeper connections here. Thanks to the freedom of pace and going to places that don’t get as many visitors, locals seemed to be more open to sharing their story.

Perhaps what it all comes down to is that strong sense of authenticity that permeates throughout Shikoku. It’s a feeling and vibe that doesn’t always come through in the marketing but I can tell you that it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been.

If we’ve done a good enough job of convincing you, our hope is that you’ll make Shikoku part of your upcoming trip to Japan.

The beauty of Shikoku is that it’s beautiful all-year round. While it’s never too busy, you certainly want to try to avoid big holidays and festivals. Similar to other parts of Japan, cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves are great times to go for the most scenic foliage.

Shikoku is the least visited of the main islands of Japan and that alone makes it unique because it retains a raw and authentic quality to it, combining well-preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, bountiful natural wonders, and is steeped with a sense of mystery because it’s a place few get to experience.

The best way to see Shikoku is by car. The road infrastructure on the island of Shikoku is very good and cuts through its many interior valleys and mountains. That said, it can be challenging for those that are driving on the left-hand side for the first time and certain stretches where you share the road to both sides of traffic on a single lane in the mountains.

While Shikoku is the smallest of the 4 main islands, it has a lot to explore. As a result, we recommend a minimum of 8 days to see Shikoku, and ideally 12 days.

For tourism, Shikoku is best known for the Shikoku Pilgrimage route where you visit some or all 88 Buddhist temples on the island. Thanks to its many bridges connecting to island, it is also a well-known place for cycling enthusiasts. Other things Shikoku is known for are mikan oranges, the Awa Odori Dance, Naoshima Island, Sanuki udon, and olive wagyu.

Yes, you can rely on trains and local buses to get around the island. Many utilize the Shikoku Rail Pass which is exclusive to foreign visitors that is valid on JR trains and also regional train companies such as Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, Tosa Kuroshio Railway and Asa Kaigan Railway. It also gives you free access to ferry to Shodoshima and the the buses on the island.

This Shikoku itinerary occurred in the middle of October to give you an idea of the time of year and season.

Shikoku is very pleasant in October. It’s a relatively dry month and is mostly t-shirt weather. The exception is in the valleys and mountains where it’s generally cooler and can get chilly at night. Make sure to have a sweater for these areas of Shikoku.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage route or Shikoku Henro is an amazing experience and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That said it’s not necessarily for everyone. For those that aren’t as interested in the spiritual aspect of it or interested in walking for long stretches, and want to see a broader scope of what makes Shikoku special, a road trip of the island might serve you better.

• 9 Days in Far East Hokkaido
• 12 Day Japan Itinerary
• Best Apps To Use In Japan
• Best Food Souvenirs To Buy in Japan
• Our Best Japan Articles
• After considerable testing between Booking.com , Expedia , and Agoda , ultimately Agoda is the cheapest and has the advantage in terms of having more inventory of hotels in Japan.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This trip was in partnership with Visit Shikoku but all opinions are our own.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Find us on social media

The Ultimate Japanese Road Trips

Editorial Manager

Taking a road trip across Japan is a unique experience. The country has a rapid and efficient train network servicing all of the major cities, so head for those really tricky-to-reach destinations to justify your trip. Here’s our guide to getting behind the wheel and discovering the best Japan has to offer.

The rail system in Japan is so good, most visitors opt for public transport to get around, and we’re big fans of it, too. The fast, efficient, clean and safe option makes getting around a simple pleasure. But there are still some remote areas where four wheels are best – with stunning scenery and comfortable roads to enjoy en route.

Things to know before your road trip

Driving in Japan is a surprisingly straightforward affair, and hiring a car is just as easy, too. Foreigners looking to hire a vehicle will need to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), but this is becoming a basic requirement in most countries now.

Typically all cars are graded by size and put into classes. The Kei (light) option is fine for city commuting and short jaunts, but you wouldn’t really want to tackle any of the expressways in these economic vehicles. The Standard Class will suit most road-trip requirements; if you have the time, you could even plan longer routes that take more than a month, as packing your luggage into the boot won’t be a problem. Green vehicles are increasingly popular here, too, while for the ultimate show-offs there are luxury and sports options. And if you’re travelling as a family or in a larger group, how about a minivan?

The most important thing is to know what to expect. Mountain trails are very different to coastal routes, and the right car can make the experience more enjoyable. Speed limits are relatively low in Japan, and as such many Japanese drivers tend to take their time, even on the expressways.

A couple of other things to note. If you’re planning to cover any great distance, you will almost inevitably use a toll road. So check out expressway passes and ETC cards that can save you money and time. Finally, most vehicles come with satnav as standard – but be sure it’s set to your language before starting off.

The best road trips in Japan

So you’ve sorted out your vehicle and are all set, but where to go? Here are some of our top picks.

Roller Coaster Road, Hokkaido

The breathtaking northernmost island in Japan is worth driving around for a few days. Sapporo, the capital, hosts an annual snow festival and has previously hosted the Winter Olympics. The best feature for drivers, however, is the undulating carriageway in Furano, which has earned the nickname of the Roller Coaster Road. A road trip and theme-park ride all in one go!

Kyoto to Tsunoshima

The starting point here is Kyoto , one of Japan’s most popular cultural destinations where you can enjoy a few relaxing nights before hitting the road. Tsunoshima, a remote island in the Japan Sea and part of the Yamaguchi prefecture, is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Kyoto, as the approach from the mainland is a spectacular bridge over the ocean.

Osaka to Chiba

You have to be a fan of urban driving for this one – and potential traffic jams – but if you time it right, you’ll get a fantastic driving experience though the tunnels of Tokyo. Hit the capital after dark, when the Bayshore Route of the Shuto Expressway becomes a futuristic playground. The route, known as the Wangan, takes you around Tokyo Bay through long tunnels and over bridges. The rest of the route isn’t as exciting, but it is a scenic way to cut through Tokyo to the underrated Chiba.

Mount Fuji to Mount Aso

Mount Fuji is so popular, it’s relatively easy to get to by rail or road, but the ultimate destination is Mount Aso, the country’s most active volcano, on Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. The road here is picturesque, and there’s little to worry about in terms of volcanic activity, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. For the best views of Mount Fuji, take the Mikuni Pass, although it might be a slight detour at the start of your trip.

Hakone Hill Turnpike, Kanagawa

Let your inner boy racer takeover on this hill climb through the trees in Hakone. Just north of Tokyo, this area, known as a geopark, has plenty of hot springs to enjoy and calming ryokans to stay in. On your way you might end up driving through turnpikes. The roads here are usually quiet, so you won’t be expected to drift round corners as your tyres light up, but it’s still a thrill.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

The ultimate guide to getting around japan.

How to Experience Off-the-Beaten-Track Japan by Bullet Train

Tomamu: a secret skiing spot in the heart of Hokkaido

Film & TV

The best japanese movies to watch on the bullet train.

The Best Solo Trips to Take in Your 30s

Rediscover Japan with its Borders Fully Open

How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost?

Top Tips for Travelling in Japan

How modern art revitalised the city of Towada, Japan

The Best Rail Trips to Book this Year

Introducing Culture Trip's Rail Trips

See & Do

The best places to visit with culture trip this autumn, culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1001798964
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Japan road trip itinerary from Tokyo to Osaka

From the hypnotising neon lights of Tokyo, to the traditional temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan is a country where history seamlessly coexists with modernity, meaning there's no end of things to discover during a Japan road trip.

Our Japan road trip itinerary celebrates the best of the famous Golden Route, travelling west from Tokyo past Mount Fuji to Hakone and Shizuoka, before continuing on to Kyoto and Osaka.

Although the amazing bullet trains and metro systems mean it may not be conventional to travel Japan by car, the roads are relatively easy to navigate and you'll be able to head off the beaten path a little more, making driving in Japan totally worth it.

From sacred shrines and traditional tea ceremonies, to robot restaurants and futuristic skyscrapers, read on for our definitive Japan road trip guide.

Day 1: Tokyo - visit the Meiji Shrine, relax in Kiyosumi Garden & have a traditional kaiseki meal

After flying into Tokyo you'll probably be needing some time to shake off the jet lag before diving into the high-energy, neon-lit side of the city, so spend the rest of day 1 on a more relaxed tour of some more traditional Japanese sights.

You don't need to pick up your hire car until you're ready to leave Tokyo on day 3, so check into your hotel, freshen up after your flight and head out for you first taste of Japan.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Hotels in Tokyo can be really expensive or somewhat basic so finding the right balance is key.

The Conrad Tokyo hotel is a fantastic choice and is really well located for your stay.

The rooms are perfectly decorated with modern lighting and luxury fittings. The location is perfect for getting about the city with the monorail and Shimbashi and Ginza metro stations a short walk away.

It is half the price of other similar quality hotels in central Tokyo and you really get amazing value for your money.

Explore the Meiji Shrine and surrounding Yoyogi Park

Dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, and the Empress Shoken in 1920, this beautiful Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and is a great way to kick off your Tokyo itinerary.

The torii gate, which marks the entrance to the shrine and a transition from the mundane to the sacred, transports you from the busy city into an oasis of natural beauty and calm - exactly what you'll be after having just stepped off the plane.

The main complex of the shrine is a pleasant ten-minute stroll from the southern entrance through a tranquil forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across the country, and is made up of beautiful Japanese architecture to explore.

Have a look around the shrine and take part in some traditional Shinto activities including making offerings in the main hall and writing your wish on a wooden ema to leave in the shrine to be granted.

If you're lucky, you might even catch a traditional Shinto wedding taking place here, making your visit even more magical.

The shrine complex also contains the Meiji Jingu Treasure House where belongings of the Emperor and Empress are on display, as well as the beautiful Inner Garden, thought to be an area of strong spirituality that's particularly scenic in June when the irises are in bloom.

Entry to the shrine is free, however there is a small fee of 500 JPY (Japanese yen) to visit the Inner Garden.

Once you're done at the shrine have a stroll through surrounding Yoyogi Park and head back to the metro to move on to your next stop.

Take the metro to Kiyosumi Garden

Continue with the nature theme and head to Kiyosumi Garden for the rest of the afternoon.

By the time you get there you'll probably be after a quick bite to eat, so grab some food at the tea-house style restaurant Ryotei before you look around (you'll need to reserve a table in advance).

Once you've eaten, spend some time exploring the grounds. This landscaped garden is very carefully designed, with a glittering pond, lush trees, quaint bridges, and the traditional tea house to enjoy as you do the circular walk around the grounds.

Although it's all stunning, one thing to pay particular attention to is the large stones dotted around the garden. Landscape stones are considered extremely valuable in Japan, and here you'll find examples sourced from all over the country.

Be sure to hop along the stepping stone paths and spot the fish and turtles in the water as you go around, and stop regularly to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the garden as the afternoon draws to a close.

Entry to the garden costs 150 JPY.

Go for a traditional kaiseki meal at Ao to celebrate the start of your trip

Head back to your hotel and put your feet up for a while, then make your way to Ao for a kaiseki meal.

In keeping with your relaxed, authentic day, this type of meal is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner made up of beautifully presented dishes that celebrate the taste, texture, and colours of seasonal ingredients.

There are loads of different places where you can enjoy a kaiseki meal in Tokyo, however we'd recommend you book a table at Ao, an unassuming restaurant close to Shibuya which offers a six course meal for 3,400 JPY (a steal when it comes to kaiseki).

They base their dishes on fresh, seasonal Japanese ingredients, but draw on techniques from lots of other cuisines to create unique and delicious flavour combinations.

The dishes on offer change monthly so it's impossible for us to predict what you'll eat during your visit, but we're pretty confident you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy your food, toast the start of your trip with a glass of sake, then head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 2: Tokyo - have sushi for breakfast, visit the teamLab Borderless Museum, go shopping, & walk the world's busiest street crossing

Day 2 is all about experiencing the side of Tokyo you've seen in the pictures, AKA the crazy museums, bustling streets, neon lights, and high-end shopping; you're in for a busy day!

Kick off day 2 with a sushi breakfast at Toyosu Fish Market

Yep, sushi for breakfast is most definitely a thing in Japan, especially at the fresh fish markets where the catch of the day arrives in the early hours of the morning, meaning it's expertly prepped and sliced just in time for your morning meal.

One of the best places to get your sushi fix is at Toyosu Fish Market (the new location of former Tsukiji Fish Market), where popular Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi serve up the freshest nigiri and sashimi from 5.30am.

Unfortunately if you want to beat the queues you have to get there when it opens at the absolute latest, but don't worry, it'll mean you arrive in time to witness the famous tuna auction, and give you time to wander round the market without eating into the rest of today's itinerary.

If you can't face getting up that early there are plenty of other food options that don't tend to have such long waiting times, including soba noodle restaurants and coffee shops.

Head to nearby teamLab Borderless Museum

By the time you've queued for your breakfast, watched the auction, and had a potter around the market it'll probably be the ideal time to head to the teamLab Borderless Museum (officially the Mori Building Digital Art Museum Epson teamLab Borderless) for its 10am opening.

This quirky digital art museum pretty much sums up the modern side of Tokyo, and is a multi-sensory experience made up of breathtaking light shows that adapt and change as you walk around; you won't see the same thing on a loop here.

From hundreds of colourful flowers projected on the walls and ceilings, to rooms full of LED lights made to seem never-ending with mirrors and polished floors, this art stimulates all the senses and offers a truly unforgettable experience.

You can even stop for a cup of green tea containing digital flowers that bloom right in front of your eyes - magical.

Tickets cost 3,200 JPY and should be bought online in advance.

Grab a quick lunch then do some shopping

A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without a shopping spree, so grab a quick bite to eat after you leave the museum (street food is always a good idea), and set off in search of some retail therapy.

The shopping options in Tokyo are pretty diverse, ranging from high-end malls, to vintage boutiques, to traditional markets, so where you choose to go should definitely depend on how you're feeling on the day.

We've got a few varied suggestions for you to choose from which cover the best of Tokyo's shopping:

For high end (window) shopping head to the modern Ginza district. Dotted with upmarket boutiques and department stores, this is the place to go if you're after some designer souvenirs to take home. You'll also find some traditional craft shops nestled amongst the glamour, so you shouldn't feel too far removed from authentic Japanese culture as you browse.

For vintage shops and quirky boutiques Shimo-Kitazawa is the place to go. Located a little outside of the commercial centre, expect to find the coolest record stores, one-of-a-kind vintage clothes shops, and casual eateries all buzzing with trendy art students and bohemian locals. This is a great place to discover another of Tokyo's many personalities.

If you'd rather shop for traditional Japanese trinkets then Nakamise Shopping Street is the best option. The street is one of the oldest shopping areas in the whole of Japan, and is located on the approach to the Sensoji Temple, so the setting is just as authentic as the shops themselves. From delicate folding fans to traditional snacks, the Nakamise Shopping Street celebrates the best of Tokyo's historic shopping scene.

Relax in one of Tokyo's quirky cafes

In our opinion shopping always has to be followed by coffee, and Tokyo isn't short of cafes to choose from.

In the last decade the city has become one of the world's leading hubs for coffee lovers, with countless trendy coffee roasters and specialist shops popping up in every neighbourhood.

We could easily give you a list of 20 amazing spots to hit up, but we've whittled it down to three suggestions to make your choice a little easier.

The Roastery by Nozy Coffee - The coffee roaster takes centre stage at this trendy cafe (literally - it sits in the middle of the room), so you can expect fresh beans roasted to perfection here. With two types of beans to choose from everyday, the friendly English-speaking staff are on hand to help you decide which to go for, and they also sell amazing coffee flavoured soft-serve ice cream if you fancy a sweet treat on the side.

Roar Coffee House - For something a little quirky Roar Coffee House is a great spot. They specialise in multi-coloured coffees, serving up mini works of art to each customer. The coffee connoisseurs among you are probably cringing at the thought of Instagram-worthy rainbow lattes, but they're careful to use the best coffee and roast it in-house, so the flavours are just as good as the visuals.

Tokyo Saryo - Our third option isn't actually a coffee shop but a green tea house - after all, this nutritious infusion is Japan's original brew. Tokyo Saryo offers single-origin green tea hand dripped through their own tea drippers to bring out the best flavour from the leaves. The cafe is clean and minimalist, making it a really calming retreat from the busy shopping districts. Opt for the tasting selection (1300 JPY), choose one tea to try (800 JPY), or grab an iced tea to take away (450 JPY).

If three options isn't enough, our guide to the best neighbourhood cafes in Tokyo will give you some more inspiration and information on what to expect from your Japanese brew.

Have a leisurely coffee then head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before evening falls.

Walk the world's busiest street crossing in Shibuya and have dinner at the Robot Restaurant

Once the neon lights have switched on, head out to Shibuya before dinner to walk across the world's busiest street crossing just outside of Shibuya metro station - this is the Tokyo you've seen in the pictures.

During rush hour, as many as 2,500 people can cross each time the signal changes, bringing the road to life.

Ordinarily, stepping into the thick of any city's rush hour would be the last thing we'd suggest, but this crossing is made iconic by the crowds, so it's definitely worth braving the bustle this time.

Once you've experienced the crossing make your way to the famous Robot Restaurant to top off your Tokyo itinerary.

Although the food here isn't the best you'll find in Tokyo, the accompanying show, which we can only describe as somewhere between a cabaret and a popular culture explosion, is so wacky and wonderful we doubt you'll even notice.

Expect burlesque dancers fighting reptiles, dancing bunnies playing glittery drums, out of control sharks raging across the stage, and totally in control ninjas battling invaders. And robots, duh.

Put simply: it's complete and utter carefully choreographed chaos.

The whole experience is a little pricey at 8,000 JPY, but it's an unmistakable rite of passage that makes it worth every penny.

Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone via Mount Fuji - take a scenic drive around Lake Kawaguchi to see Mount Fuji on your way to Hakone

Have a lie in on day 2 (you might need it after the Robot Restaurant), then pick up your hire car ready to set off in the late morning - today's focus is a scenic drive to get the best views of epic Mount Fuji.

Before we delve in, a quick note on driving in Japan. On the route that this itinerary follows driving should be fairly hassle free, with wide, well-paved roads connecting the country's major cities.

You'll encounter toll roads on some of the expressways and more scenic routes (such as the Chuo Expressway you'll take today), and in and around the cities can get quite congested, but other than that drivers are generally very safe and considerate, making driving in Japan a breeze.

Drive west out of Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi

Some of the best views of Mount Fuji can be found at Lake Kawaguchi, so rather than heading south straight to Hakone, take a scenic detour west towards the lake.

It should take you around an hour and a half to get there, cruising along Lake Sagami and through stunning verdant mountains and lakes along the way.

You'll probably follow the Chuo Expressway most of the way (don't worry it's still really scenic), but there's also a smaller, toll-free road that runs parallel along the lake if you'd prefer to come off the main road.

Once you've reached Lake Kawaguchi, you'll want to drive to the north side of the lake, park the car (there are various car parks including one near Nagasaki Park), then walk down to the water to admire the view.

You won't be disappointed - on a clear day you'll get a picture-perfect view of the snow-capped mountain reflected on the water, so make sure you have your camera at the ready, and spend some time taking it all in.

Have a late lunch at Lake Bake Cafe

Once you've spent enough time gazing at the view head to Lake Bake Cafe a little further west from the car park for a late lunch.

The walls of this cosy cafe are lined with baskets of delicious baked goods, ranging from pizza-esque flatbreads to crusty loaves and decadent cakes that you can enjoy on their terrace overlooking the lake and Mount Fuji.

Owing to the fact that you're a little off the beaten path the menu is all in Japanese, so this lunch will be more of a point-at-something-that-looks-tasty affair - a great way to discover something new!

Drive on to Hakone

Continue west and do a full circuit of the lake before heading south to Hakone.

The road hugs the water most of the way, making it a really lovely stretch to drive, particularly on the south side where you'll have a beautiful view of the green mountains you've just driven through.

From there drive the remaining 35 miles to get to Hakone, enjoying even more mountain roads and scenic views as you go.

Eat soba noodles at Nakamura

By the time you arrive in Hakone you probably won't have much of the day left, so just check into your hotel, put your feet up for a few minutes then go for another classic Japanese dinner.

Tonight we're sending you to Soba Nakamura, a simple restaurant specialising in traditional Japanese soba noodles. Made of buckwheat flour, these noodles are both nutritious and delicious and come in a variety of different dishes.

They can be enjoyed either hot in a soup or cold with a dipping sauce, and we'd recommend you choose the latter as it's probably unlike any dish you've had before (and you'll probably eat a lot of ramen throughout the trip that's quite similar).

You'll essentially be served a plate of cold noodles with a soy-based dipping sauce and some wasabi and spring onions on the side. The idea is that you mix the onions and wasabi into the sauce then dunk mouthfuls of the noodles into it as you eat.

It's simple yet very delicious, and it's even better if you opt for the side of crispy tempura prawns and vegetables to go with it.

Wash the noodles down with some more sake, then head back to your hotel and call it a night - you'll be up early on day 4 to squeeze in as much as possible before leaving for Shizuoka.

Day 4: Hakone to Shizuoka - go sightseeing in Hakone & drive to Shizuoka

The mountain town of Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its bubbling hot springs and stunning natural beauty, meaning there's loads of great activities to get stuck into, so wake up early and make the most of your day here.

Start the day with a ride on the Hakone Ropeway

A great way to get a feel for Hakone is to hop on the Ropeway, a cable car which offers amazing views of the steaming hot springs, lush hills, and dramatic Mount Fuji.

The line runs from Sounzan Station in the east to Togendai Station in the west, with stops at Owakudani and Ubako in between.

If you wanted to see as much as possible, you could ride the whole line which pretty much covers the length of Hakone.

However, given the fact that you only have a day to see everything, we'd suggest you simply use the Ropeway as a way to get to your first stop, Owakudani.

We'd advise you check out of your hotel and take the car with you so that you can quickly get between sights later on, so parking the car at Togendai Station and getting on the Ropeway from there is a good option.

A return ticket to Owakudani from here costs 2000 JPY and will take around 20 minutes, and the first gondola departs at 9am.

Explore the hot springs and eat a black boiled egg

Before you've even stepped off the gondola it'll be clear you've reached the geothermal valley of Owakudani.

With white smoke rising from the earth and the unmistakable smell of sulphur drifting across the hills, Owakudani is one of the more atmospheric stop offs on your Japan road trip, even if it does have the age-old nickname 'Valley of Hell'.

Aside from having a wander and snapping a few pictures of the views, one thing you need to do whilst you're in Owakudani is eat a black egg (kuro-tamago).

We're aware this sounds as hellish as the valley's nickname, however they're actually just regular hens' eggs boiled in the natural water of the hot springs that are turned black by the sulphur and iron in the water.

It's just the shell that turns black and the egg inside tastes pretty much the same as a regular boiled egg, except these are thought to add seven years to your life, so probably worth devouring one ASAP.

We'd recommend taking the short 15 minute hike from the station to the egg boiling site where you can watch them being made before trying one for yourself, but it's also possible to buy them from the souvenir shops near the station if you don't fancy the walk.

If standing on top of a mountain eating a black boiled egg all sounds a bit odd, you could always opt for a bean jam bun or cookie fashioned to look like one of the famed eggs - a tasty compromise that's not, well, a black boiled egg…

Drive to Hakone Shrine

Once you're done in Owakudani, take the Ropeway back to Togendai Station and drive five minutes down the road to Hakone Shrine.

Tucked away in a dense forest, you'll only be able to tell the shrine is there by its huge torii gates, two of which are located on the approach from the road on the north side of the complex, and the iconic gate on the edge of the lake in the south.

You'll probably end up approaching from the south because there's lots of parking available, so have a wander down to the water to see the gate before heading up the steps to the main shrine buildings.

The beauty of this shrine is that it's glorious in all weather; whether the sun is filtering through the trees, drops of rain are running off the curved roof, or a blanket of cool mist has settled across the site, the shrine is always a lovely, calming place to spend some time.

Have a late lunch then make your way to the Hakone Open-Air Museum

After you've explored the shrine and you feel suitably serene, go back to the car and drive to Hakone Open-Air Museum.

You'll definitely need a bite to eat before you get stuck into the museum, so leave your car in the car park and go to one of the nearby restaurants for a quick refuel.

The Gyoza Center, which is just around the corner, is a great spot for a quick plate of gyoza - delicate Japanese dumplings filled with fish, meat or vegetables - that should keep you going until dinner later.

After lunch spend the rest of the afternoon at the museum. Japan's first open-air museum, this attraction contains artwork by world-renowned artists, including Picasso and Henry Moore, and was opened in 1969 to try and boost interest in art.

The museum covers around 70,000 square metres against the backdrop of the mountains, allowing visitors to see artwork in a new light away from the confines of a gallery.

You'll want to drive to Shizuoka before it gets dark, so see as much as you can of the museum before you have to set off.

A few particular highlights to look out for include the Symphonic Sculpture made of beautiful stained glass which you can climb inside, the La Pleureuse sculpture of a woman's head, and the extensive Picasso Exhibition Hall.

There's also lots of fun interactive exhibits and an on-site foot spa that add to the uniqueness of this unforgettable museum.

Admission costs 1600 JPY.

Drive to Shizuoka and relax for the evening

After browsing the art, head back to the car and drive on to Shizuoka 60 miles away.

You've had a pretty busy day so just check into your hotel, find somewhere to eat dinner and spend the rest of the evening putting your feet up.

Day 5: Shizuoka to Kyoto - go sightseeing in Shizuoka city, attend a tea ceremony at Gyokuro No Sato Hyogetsu-tei, & drive to Kyoto

Wake up early and visit sunpu castle.

You'll be straight back to big city life once you've arrived in Shizuoka, and you should have just enough time for a whistle-stop tour of the best sights before setting off for Kyoto in the afternoon.

Start your day early with a trip to Sunpu Castle. This important historical sight is thought to have been the centre of the Shizuoka and the point from which the rest of the city expanded, as well as being the retirement home for the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history, including a final dismantling of the fortification in the 1860s when the Tokugawa family was stripped of its power.

This means that the parts of the castle you can visit today are restored replicas of the original, carefully built according to original construction plans so they're as close to the real deal as possible.

The East Gate is the main building you can explore, and it contains some really interesting exhibits about the castle's history. The grounds are also worth a visit, with the beautiful Sunpu Park and moat adding to the surroundings.

Arguably the star of the show is, however, the intricate Momijiyama Japanese Garden in the park's northeastern corner.

This carefully landscaped space contains a pond, a mound representing Mount Fuji, azaleas representing tea leaves, and pebbles to represent nearby Miho Beach.

Entry to the castle and garden costs 360 JPY.

Eat sakura shrimp for lunch

Two of Shizuoka's most famous products are tea leaves and Sakura shrimp, so once you've finished exploring the castle and garden dedicate the rest of your time here to sampling these delicacies.

First up, shrimp for lunch.

Sakura shrimp are a type of small pink shrimp which are only caught in Suruga Bay bordering the city and in Taiwan, thanks to the fresh water running off the surrounding mountains and creating the perfect water conditions for them to thrive.

As they're plucked fresh from the sea so close to the city, this is the only place where they are fresh enough to try raw, making for a pretty unique lunch experience.

If raw shrimp doesn't take your fancy, it's also traditional to eat them fried, boiled, or dried in the sun like a pink cherry blossom, so you'll have plenty of options.

For the best shrimp we'd recommend hopping in the car or catching the train to Yui, a town just north of the city known as 'The City of Sakura Shrimp', to go to Hama no Kakiageya where you'll be able to try these pink morsels at their best.

Note : for conservation reasons the shrimp are only harvested twice a year, between March - June and October - December, so to eat them fresh try to travel in these months.

Drive to Kyoto, stopping off at Gyokuro No Sato Hyogetsu-tei for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

The best way to explore Shizuoka's tea heritage is to drive to Gyokuro No Sato Hyogetsu-tei, a tea house about half an hour outside of the city on the way to Kyoto, to experience a traditional tea ceremony known as sadou or chadou .

Seeing as Shizuoka prefecture alone contains around 40% of Japan's tea plantations, it's the perfect place to catch your first ceremony of the trip and learn more about treasured matcha green tea.

As with most tea houses in Japan, Hyogetsu-tei is situated in a stunning, tranquil setting in a leafy valley within a picturesque garden. Follow the stepping stone path to the entrance to the tea house, and look out over the pond as you sip your tea.

The tea house itself is really beautiful and traditional, with tatami flooring (made of woven straw), shoji (paper sliding doors) covering the windows, and hosts wearing classic kimonos as they serve.

The tea, which is made from powdered matcha green tea using authentic techniques, is served up with wagashi , a traditional Japanese dessert which offsets the bitterness of the brew, and you'll be shown how to correctly drink it and pay your respects to the ceremony.

The experience costs 510 JPY and is a great stop off to get you ready for the traditional charm that awaits you in Kyoto.

Drive the rest of the way to Kyoto and relax for the evening

After the ceremony continue on to Kyoto. The drive is likely to take around three hours so you probably won't arrive in Kyoto until the early evening.

Check into your hotel and spend tonight having a walk around, grabbing some food, and generally just getting a feel for the city's charm ahead of your full day exploring on day 6.

Day 6: Kyoto - visit some shrines, have lunch at Nishiki Market, celebrate the season, & discover the Gion district

Often dubbed 'the spiritual heart of Japan', Kyoto is awash with old Japanese charm, standing proud as a historical archive amongst Japan's modern skyscrapers.

This leg of the journey is, then, all about the traditional - think temples, tea and geishas.

Spend the morning temple and shrine hopping in Kyoto

If there's one thing synonymous with Kyoto it's temples and shrines, so have breakfast at your hotel then head out for a morning of zen.

There are over 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, so you could literally spend weeks here trying to see them all. Instead, check out a few of our favourites to prioritise during your trip.

The places in our selection aren't located within walking distance of one another so be aware you'll have to travel between them if you do fancy a tour of all of them, but picking just one or two is equally as good and will give you more time to visit them in detail.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

The top two floors of this famous Zen temple in northern Kyoto are completely covered in gold leaf to represent the extravagant Kitayama culture of when it was first built.

Each floor represents a different architectural style, making it a really unique and interesting temple to visit.

View the pavilion across the pond and try and have a peek through the open windows; although the building isn't open to the public, the inside is just as decorative as the outside, and the windows are often left open to allow people a glimpse into this opulent temple.

There's also a beautiful garden, a tea house, and various souvenir shops located in the temple complex. Admission costs 400 JPY.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

This Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto is famous for its tunnels of torii gates straddling hiking trails behind the main complex - we're talking thousands of the iconic red archways.

Each gate has been donated by an individual or company, and if you look closely you'll find the donor's name written on one of the posts.

Do the hike if you're feeling energetic (the trip to the top of the mountain and back takes around three hours), or just walk a small stretch of the trail and have a look around the shrine itself.

Admission is free, however if you go into the shrine you should make a small offering.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

As one of the most famous sights in the whole city, this ancient temple was first built in 798 with later additions made from 1633.

Aside from the beauty of the buildings and grounds, there are many traditions you can partake in to grant you a happy and prosperous future.

For example, it is believed that visitors who drink the sacred water from the Otowa-no-taki waterfall will be blessed with health and longevity, and those that spin the rock in the darkness of the Tainai-meguri get to make a wish.

Admission costs 400 JPY.

Note: due to renovations, the outside of the main hall will be covered up until 2020. It's still possible to visit the inside during this time.

Have lunch at Nishiki Market

When the hunger pangs kick in make your way to central Nishiki Market for some lunch.

Known as 'Kyoto's kitchen', this long shopping street is lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants selling all things food-related. You can buy everything here, from the sharpest Japanese knives, to fresh seafood, fruit and veg, dried seasonings, and ready-to-eat bites.

Have a browse, buy some souvenirs, and pick up a couple of skewers of freshly made street food (each stall tends to specialise in a different dish so we'd recommend hitting up a few). Don't expect a sit down meal here, it's all about fast, grab-and-go dining.

Celebrate the best of the season in the afternoon

Once you've refuelled, we've got a few options of what to do next based on the season you're travelling in.

Winter - soak in an onsen

If you're travelling in the cold season, you'll probably be wanting a warming activity after your outdoor morning of temple hopping, and visiting an onsen, (a public bath fed by a hot spring) is a great option.

Not only will it warm you up, the water in these baths is said to have healing properties and be full of minerals that are great for your skin and circulation, as well as being incredibly relaxing.

Whilst you'll find quite a few indoor baths in the centre of Kyoto, we'd recommend you head slightly out of town to Kurama Onsen to soak in the outdoor pool amongst the snowy trees and mountains.

It really is as idyllic as it sounds, but we must warn you - it's birthday suits only in the pools.

Although this sounds pretty daunting, don't let it put you off! This is a daily ritual for the Japanese so they're unlikely to bat an eyelid, and you'll be so relaxed after a few minutes you'll forget to worry too.

It's also worth noting that you must wash before you get in, wrap long hair in a towel to avoid it going in the water, and that you're forbidden from entering the pools if you have tattoos.

Spring - host your own hanami cherry blossom party

If you're travelling in Japan in spring you will have been basking in flurries of blossoms for five days already, however there's no better place to celebrate these photogenic flowers than in historic Kyoto.

Traditionally to welcome the start of spring, hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties consist of people gathering beneath the blossom for food, drinks, music (read: karaoke), and conversation.

Pack your own picnic and throw your own hanami, or make friends with some locals and join in their party.

Travel tip: anywhere is great for one of these get-togethers, however a particularly beautiful spot is the Kyoto Botanical Garden, which is at its best in early April.

Summer - visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Granted, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an iconic Kyoto sight in any season, however we think it's particularly beautiful in the summer.

This famed pathway through towering bamboo trees is like stepping into another world, and is a calming, unique experience that comes into its own when the summer sun is filtering through the branches as they softly sway in the breeze.

It's also a great place to seek some shade on a particularly hot day and get away from the city for an hour or two.

The summer is also the perfect time to watch traditional cormorant fishing on nearby Hozu River, so you could always head there once you're done at the Grove. You'll be able to catch this technique every day in July and August in the early evening.

Autumn - ride the Sagano Scenic Railway

The fall foliage in Kyoto is just as impressive as the cherry blossom, and if you're travelling in autumn we'd recommend going for a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway (also known as the Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko).

This picturesque train line runs a slow 25-minute route over a 12-kilometre stretch through forested hills which are at their best when the leaves turn in the autumn.

Hop on the train at Saga-Arashiyama Station in the west of the city and ride the line to Torokko Kameoka Station, taking in the views and snapping some pictures.

The trains themselves are also pretty scenic and traditional, and feature four enclosed cars and one fully open-air car that's best for the photographers among you. Book in advance at a JR ticket office to make sure you get the seat you want.

Once you get to Torokko Kameoka you can either get the train back or take a Hozugawa River Cruise back to Arashiyama, both are great for making the most of the orangey leaves.

Tickets cost 620 JPY one way and there are no discounts for round trips.

Spend the evening in the Gion district

Round off your time in Kyoto with an evening in the Gion District, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter and the top entertainment area of the city.

Although a great place to visit at any time, Gion is at its best in the early evening when dusk begins to fall and lanterns are lit along the traditional streets, illuminating the tea houses, authentic eateries, and wooden machiya merchant houses.

If you're lucky you may also see a maiko (apprentice geisha) disappearing around a corner on her way to an appointment, although if you do try not to stare or take too many pictures - they're people not tourist attractions!

Explore the area, wander into one of the many restaurants for dinner (or do some research and book in advance), and enjoy a spot of entertainment if you've got some energy left.

Private geisha performances are really expensive and often pretty hard to come by, so if you fancy seeing these impressive performers in action we'd recommend heading to Gion Corner instead.

This venue puts on hour-long traditional performances which feature seven kinds of Japanese arts including kyo-mai dance performed by maiko dancers, and Kyogen, a form of comical theatre.

Tickets to a show cost 3,150 JPY, and reservation isn't necessary unless you're travelling in a large group.

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka - drive to Osaka, do some sightseeing & go on a street food tour

The drive from Kyoto to Osaka should take less than an hour, so set off after breakfast to get there around mid-morning ready to kick off the final full day of your Japan road trip.

Although as modern and striking as Tokyo, Japan's third largest city Osaka has a different vibe to the capital.

The city was nicknamed 'the nation's kitchen' during the Edo period when it was a centre for Japanese rice trading, and this label persists today, making the city one of Japan's main foodie hubs.

But more on the food later, first hit up a few of the city's best sights to get you better acquainted with this part of the country.

Purchase an Osaka Amazing Pass and head to some of the best sights in the city

A great way to soak up Osaka's sights is to buy an Osaka Amazing Pass.

This is essentially your golden ticket to around 35 different attractions, plus unlimited travel on buses and city trains for 2,500 JPY for the day. A holiday free of ticket-buying and individual admission fees definitely has our vote.

We'd recommend leaving the car at the hotel and choosing three sights (with a break for lunch in between) to make the most of the pass and get a feel for the city.

Our top three sights included in the pass are:

1. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan due to its role in the unification of the country in the 16th century, and proudly stands out against the backdrop of Osaka's modern skyscrapers.

However don't be fooled, although built to the original Edo-era designs, the castle that stands today is actually a concrete reproduction built in the 1990s (the original was destroyed multiple times throughout history).

Today it houses an informative museum detailing the castle's history, as well as an observation deck on the top floor where you can look out across the city.

2. The Umeda Sky Building

For even more incredible views make your way to the Umeda Sky Building.

This striking skyscraper consists of two towers connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.

In the basement there's also a food hall built to replicate a town from the Showa Period - a great place to stop for some lunch to break up the sightseeing.

3. Nagai Botanical Garden

Top off your sightseeing with a walk around the beautiful Nagai Botanical Garden.

Located in the corner of Nagai Park, this lovely green space is home to colourful seasonal flowers, around 1,000 species of trees, local wildlife, and a large pond.

This is the ideal place for a relaxing sit down after your busy few hours in Osaka, and is home to the Osaka Museum of Natural History (also included in the Amazing Pass) if you fancy browsing some artefacts before the afternoon draws to a close.

Spend the evening doing a self-guided street food tour

The arrival of the evening means it's time for food, so have a quick freshen up at your hotel then hit the town for a street food tour. We hope you're hungry - there's a lot to squeeze in!

Eating should, without a doubt, be central to any trip to Osaka to honour the city's unofficial slogan 'kuidaore' meaning 'eat until you drop'.

This saying is best associated with the Dotonbori area of the city which runs along the Dotonbori river and is packed full of eateries ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors.

This strip of eateries lights up at night with hundreds of neon billboards and restaurant signs competing to win your attention, and coupled with the incredible smells drifting through the air the area is unmistakable.

You probably don't need our help in where to go as you're likely to get tempted by the look and smell of dishes as you walk through, however we thought we'd offer our favourite suggestions just in case you're having difficulty choosing.

Kick off your tour with some takoyaki

A great dish to begin your tour is takoyaki , balls of batter filled with octopus, bits of crispy tempura and ginger, drizzled with mayonnaise and topped with flakes of salty dried bonito fish.

These little mouthfuls of joy are perfectly balanced in flavour and are usually devoured by locals as an afternoon snack, making them the perfect appetisers for your street food tour.

They're as mesmerising to watch being made as they are delicious to eat, and a great place to pick some up is Takoyaki Dotonbori Kukuru which sells some of the best takoyaki in the area. To find it just look out for the huge octopus sign (you can't miss it).

Next up, okonomiyaki

Another absolute staple street food in Osaka is okonomiyaki , a kind of Japanese pancake made from batter mixed with shredded cabbage, which is often topped with pork and a rich, sticky sauce.

Warai is undoubtedly the place to go for great okonomiyaki in Dotonbori. This restaurant has loads of different flavours to choose from (including veggie options), as well as lots of other great Japanese dishes if you fancy some accompaniments.

This is more of a sit down affair than the other foods you'll try during your tour as the okonomiyaki is brought to a large hot plate in the centre of your table for you to finish cooking for yourself, all adding to the experience of eating this tasty dish.

Finish your meal by slurping some ramen

There's always room for ramen, so make one more stop before you call it a day on the food.

This world-famous noodle soup is an absolute classic we couldn't leave out of our food tour, so head to Kinryu - a chain with four restaurants in Dotonbori - for the best.

Go for the tonkatsu (pork bone broth) which is their signature dish, and slurp to your heart's content.

Note: contrary to popular belief you don't have to slurp your noodles to show that you're enjoying them. The way you eat your ramen is totally up to you - silence and slurping are both welcome.

Head to a bar to toast your trip (if you can manage it after all that food), then make your way back to your hotel and relax for your final night in Japan.

Day 8: Osaka - see any last minute sights and fly home

We're leaving your day 8 itinerary up to you to shape around your flight time, so just see any sights you missed out on on day 7, have a final taste of your favourite street food, grab one last cup of green tea, then make your way to the airport.

Sayonara! We hope you've enjoyed your Japan road trip!

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

How to Spend 13 Days in Japan—Our Japan Road Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here .

When you think about traveling across Japan, you probably envision going to Tokyo, hopping on bullet trains, and hopscotching around Osaka and Kyoto to tackle some of the most popular sights in Japan.

However, my family and I recently took a slightly different route approach for our Japan visit. We rented a 16 ft camping car.

Side note: I recently wrote a post on what I wish I’d known before renting an RV in Japan, such as how to find a great rental company or book your campsites. You can read that article here.

Then we drove it around some of the less touristy parts of Japan. Some of these places you’ve maybe heard of, but some of them you probably haven’t. And yes, we of course visited some of the popular spots too, AND with a one and three-year-old our trip would not have been complete without a trip to Disney.

In this video, we’re sharing our 13-day RV road trip itinerary across Japan, in case you ever decide to hop in an RV or van and make your way across this amazing country. For each day we mention in this itinerary, you can learn more or watch our vlog from that specific day by clicking the card we link to in the upper right-hand corner.

And stay tuned for the end of the video where I’ll share some numbers from our trip, such as the cost of our campsites, RV rental, and how much we paid in toll roads.

You’ll see more details, like links to where we stayed, below.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Tokyo

Where we stayed: Shiba Park Hotel

What we did: 

We flew directly into Tokyo. What trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to this amazing city? Not ours. 

Before arriving in Tokyo, we searched for family-friendly accommodations. One recommendation that popped up was the Shiba Park Hotel. Upon looking at their website, I noticed they had rooms with bunk bed configurations and with two little ones, we jumped on it. 

The location was great, and we were just a short walk away from the Tokyo Tower and an epic playground for the kids. 

We had a short stay in Tokyo but tried to fit in as much as possible. Here is what we squeezed into one day:

• The Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens are located right next to the Shinjuku Train Station, the most popular train station in the world. The gardens were an oasis in a bustling city and we were even able to see cherry blossoms in their full beauty in the garden. 
• If you have kids (or just if you want to hit up an animal cafe), we spent our first afternoon in Tokyo at miPig cafe , which was a hit with our one-year-old but our three-year-old couldn’t get out fast enough. It was a cool spot just a two-minute walk from Takeshita Street. 
• After hanging out with the pigs, we found a kid-friendly karaoke bar in Tokyo called Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya. They had soft serve on tap and we jammed to Disney classics. Fun was had by all.

Day 2: Tokyo

Our second day in Tokyo we hopped in a cab visit to DisneySea. Despite traveling with a baby, both of our kids could do the majority of the rides in the park. On the day we visited, it rained almost the entire day but we still had a blast. If you visit while in Tokyo, you’ve got to hop around all of the popcorn stands and try out all the unique flavors. Our favorite was the white chocolate matcha!

Even jetlagged and in the rain, everyone had a great time!

Day 3: Picking Up Our Camper Van!

Where we stayed: Onoji Family Camping Ground

On our third day in Japan, we picked up our RV rental from El Monte RV . We’d researched and found a few different RV rental companies in Japan and because we were visiting during peak cherry blossom season, availability was challenging. El Monte had good reviews and two locations in Tokyo. The team was very responsive over email, so we booked with them. (And yes, this is the same El Monte you see in the States!)

The pickup process was relatively seamless and the staff were amazing. We did a walk-through of the RV, learned about the systems, and loaded up on supplies at the grocery store across the street.

One last-minute decision that helped us out a ton with our rental was adding on an ETC card, aka an electronic toll collection, so basically a toll pass. The majority of the roads we would travel across Japan were toll roads, so having this card allowed us to easily pass through each automated toll gate without having to stop and pay. (I share the total amount we spent in tolls at the end of the video). 

We opted to drive straight out to Mount Fuji with our new to us RV. And because of a wrong turn on Google Maps, we ended up detouring through downtown Tokyo. What was originally supposed to be an hour and a half drive turned out to be much longer!

Still, we made it to our Onoji Family Camping Ground before it closed and woke up the next morning to the most epic views ever.

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Where we stayed: Fumotoppara Campground

We woke up to crystal-clear views of Mount Fuji, which is rare in Japan. The campground was the very first auto park in all of Japan, built in the 70s. We were one of a few different RVs and most people camped in tents.

We woke up to everyone outside cooking their breakfast and making coffee and had the best time making friends with locals from Tokyo who had driven out for a weekend camping trip.

From our campsite we drove out to Lake Kawaguchi, which was supposed to be one of the best places to get a vantage point of Fuji. Other people got this memo too. It was a cute town along the lake and we were there on a weekend, so it was a bit packed.

We then drove over to the Chureito Pagoda . There were a lot of stairs to the top, but the views were worth it.

We ended the day at Fumotoppara Campground with the most epic sunset of Mount Fuji.

Day 5: Magome-Juku

Where we stayed: Hokonoko Camping Ground

After a morning at Fumotoppara campground, we set out to explore a small postal town called Magome-juku. 

It was idyllic Japan, with cute waterwheels and pathways that wind through an ancient village that has been restored and preserved over centuries. 

The town is right on the Nakasendo trail, which stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto and is a famous walking path. We walked a quarter mile of the path up to an epic viewpoint, but not before trying out some of the local street vendor food—that we ended up going back to for seconds.

We camped at Hokonoko Camping Ground, which felt like camping in a national park. It would also be the place that would seriously test my driving skills as I tried to drive out of it the next day…

Day 6: Cafe KuraKura

Where we stayed: Cafe KuraKura

On day 6, We drove toward Yoshino NP and what would be our favorite campsite of the trip.

But first, after three days of traveling, it was time to fill up the gas tank. This cost about $100. At this gas station, there were attendants who filled the tank for us, saving us from accidentally choosing the wrong fuel. 

Using Google Maps, we found a cafe with three campsites behind it and booked one. BTW, almost every campground in Japan requires advanced reservations. We made all our reservations online before leaving the States. (If you book at KuraKura with a camping car, we recommend the “Jungle” campsite!)

Our Campsite at Cafe KuraKura was a highlight of our entire road trip in Japan, mostly due to the amazing family who hosted us. Upon arriving, they let me drill holes into freshly cut lumber that was set up to grow their organic shitake mushrooms. 

We ate an incredible lunch, played at the playground next door, and for dinner, Heath went out and cut down one-month-old bamboo with the owner who taught us how to season and boil it. It was the type of experience that will stay with us forever.

Day 7: Green Tea Plantation

Where we stayed: Mizuno Camper Base

On day 7 we visited the small town of Wazuka to tour a green tea plantation. This town has been home to green tea plantation farmers for generations. However, there’s one farmer in town who sticks out as a first-generation family to make green tea products. Their business is called D: Matcha and it’s not too far outside of Kyoto.

We spent an afternoon getting a tour of their farm and learning how they bring their matcha products to life. It was a mixture of a history lesson, matcha tasting, and a delicious meal all wrapped into one experience. It rained on us most of our tour but nobody seemed to mind and umbrellas were provided.

Day 8: Kyoto

Where we stayed: Miami Beach Auto Campground

On day 8 we woke up at Mizuno Base campground. While it felt isolated in nature along a river, it was just a short drive into Kyoto where we were set to explore the famous bamboo gardens and take the kids to the monkey park .

We were able to easily find a parking spot within a short walking distance of the bamboo garden. However, if I could go back and do it again I’d aim to arrive earlier in the morning. By the time we arrived, we were shoulder to shoulder with other guests and it made navigating the area a bit more challenging. Nonetheless, the bamboo garden was still magical. 

For lunch, we walked across the river and found some of the best desserts we’d had so far in Japan. We ate mochi balls, soft serve matcha ice cream with fried sweet potato, and a dessert called a Mont Blanc, which looked kinda like spaghetti noodles on top of ice cream. 

In the afternoon, Alyssa and Ellie walked over to the monkey park. To visit, it cost about $5 and requires you to walk up 20 minutes of stairs and switchbacks.  Once at the top, you’re surrounded by monkeys climbing and swinging around you. Our 3-year-old had a magical time getting to see the monkeys and play at the park.  We barely scratched the surface of what you could do in Kyoto, but in such a short visit, it was time to move on to the next thing.

Day 9: The Sea of Japan

Where we stayed: Hakusan Yoshino Auto Campsite

On our 9th day in Japan we woke up at Miami beach campground (yes, this is the real name of this campground). This campsite was one of our favorites. We had an epic view of Lake Biwa and a massive campsite for the kids to run around and explore.

This day we wanted to make our way to a highly recommended city called Kanazawa. We discovered that it would only take us an extra hour or two to drive a route that went right along the sea of Japan, so naturally we opted to take that route.

The coastal route didn’t have much information online, but we found plenty of road side gems that made for an epic day of driving— castles, waterfalls, jagged cliffs we could hike, and even a jellyfish aquarium that gave the kids a chance to stretch their legs and run around for an hour.

Day 10: Kanazawa

Where we stayed: Kanazawa

On our tenth day in Japan we explored the town of Kanazawa after camping 20 minutes outside the city . Kanazawa was described to us as “older Japan”, but much of what we explored felt like a newer city. We had no trouble finding a place to park our van in the downtown area!

Highlights for us in Kanazawa were walking the Kenroku-en gardens , seeing Kanazawa Castle , and stumbling on a street market with some amazing local vendors.

On this night due to the heavy rain, we grabbed a hotel so we could stay in the city of Kanazawa instead of heading 45 minutes away to our next campsite.

Day 11: Our First Onsen!

Where we stayed: Okuhida Spa Auto Campsite

On our 11th day we drove into Chubu National Park. The drive into the national park was littered with waterfalls, mountain views, and rushing water. 

The campsite we found for the night was stunning and right along the river. Best OF ALL, it had an onsen right on site. We’d seen a hundred different onsens as we drove across Japan, but few of them allow young children. We finally found one that we could visit from the comfort of our own campsite with the family. To top it off, we were the only ones at our campsite so we had it all to ourselves.

Onsens are very common across Japan due to its high volcanic activity. Many of them are fully nude and there’s some basic etiquette involved when going to many of them, such as showering beforehand, not going in with a towel, and following whatever rules they have posted on site. 

Day 12: The Day We Blew Up Our Plans! ❄️

Where we stayed: ?!

Our plan for our 12th day was to do a waterfall hike in the National Park. But even in late April, most of the national park was closed from snow! We did not expect this at all! We couldn’t make it to any trailheads to hike. This was a major bummer, but we knew the kids wouldn’t like hiking in the cold snow and we didn’t have the right gear with us, so we decided to take a major pivot and get back to warmer weather. 

While the kids napped, we hightailed it back toward Tokyo for redemption. 

The kids did great with so many adult activities during our time in Japan, so we parked the RV back at Disney Sea for round two of Disney. This time around, the weather was sunny and perfect and there were no crowds at all. We walked onto every ride and the kids had a great time.

Day 13: Disneyland!

Where we stayed: Resort parking just outside Disneyland. You can walk (there’s a walkway over the highway) from the lot to the parks or walk to the Ambassador Hotel and grab their shuttle to the parks. It’s not too far of a walk.

For our last day in Japan, we ended on a high note with Disneyland. If we could do it all over again, we would’ve driven into Osaka during our trip to visit Universal Studios Japan, but we were worried about driving and parking the van in cities—which ended up being easier than we thought it would be! 

Quick Stats and Costs: Japan by Van

We all had an amazing time touring Japan by campervan! 

All in all, our trip covered 1,647 kilometers across Japan ( 1023.4 miles) .

Our average nightly campsite price was $36 or 5,000 yen.

The cost of our RV rental for 11 nights was $1,779.24 USD (roughly $161.72 per night).

And we paid $204 for the many tolls that we crossed through during our trip. Basically every road is a toll road, so this was less than I would’ve expected!

Tips Before You Go

There were a few things we did during this trip that made our lives significantly easier.

• Printed out all reservation confirmations in advance. Because we don’t speak Japanese and to eliminate any confusion upon arriving at our destinations, printing out our confirmations was a huge peace of mind. Plus, they were in Japanese which made it even easier for our host. When we rolled into our nightly campsites I could simply hand them our confirmation print out and it made the process very smooth.
• Downloaded Google Maps for offline use in Japan. I wasn’t sure how well our cellular signal would be across Japan, so before our trip, I downloaded Google Maps. As it turns out, we had solid cell signals almost everywhere we went and this was a nonissue. El Monte (and I’m assuming other rental companies) will have hot spots you can rent with your RV rental. 
• Pre-purchased our sim card from Japan Wireless. There’s a handful of companies you can pre-purchase a Japan sim card from. We bought ours through Japan Wireless, picked it up right at the airport in Tokyo, and had no problems throughout our entire trip. 
• Adding cookware and bedding onto our rental because many of these items did not come with the base rental. 

There are probably more items to mention, but these were some of the top ones that come to mind.

 Driving this RV across Japan was truly a dream come true for us. We’ll be planning more international campervan adventures, so if you want to see more videos like this — it would mean the world if you could subscribe to our channel and stay in touch . You can watch our entire Japan series here for all the details of our experiences in this country. 

And if there are any more questions you have about driving an RV across Japan, please drop a comment we’d be happy to answer any of them! 

• About Author
• Latest Posts

Alyssa Padgett

Travel blogger

The second half of Team Padgett and the chief navigator in our travels. I blog about our latest adventures, how I run our business from the road, and the ridiculous things Heath does on a daily basis. Fortunately, my husband thinks I'm funny.

Latest posts from Alyssa Padgett

• What does it cost to motorhome in France? - April 4, 2024
• A Brief Guide to Renting an RV in Europe - February 20, 2024
• All the Countries Where You Can RV: A Complete List - February 10, 2024

Similar Posts

The Cost of Driving an RV Across America

Does Pak N Save Live Up to the Hype? Heath’s Video Review

Why You Should Visit the Parc Animalier Des Pyrénées

My insecurities before starting this journey & a private journal entry: acting in the face of fear.

Our Honest Experience with Boundless Life (Boundless Life Review)

Setting up a Campsite on Hip Camp (5 things we learned)

We’re traveling again (not what you think)

The Contradiction Between Having Freedom and Building a Business

3 responses.

Just FYI, your video is marked as Private.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Japan we have an almost 3 years old and I check the website to rent the RV but I don’t know how to reserve it. How did you guys do it? I love your videos 🙂

They have a form page here to request a reservation: https://elmonterv-japan.com/jprental/en/reservation

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HTML tags are not allowed.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

JavaScript must be turned on to leave a comment.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• START HERE!
• Work From Anywhere
• How to Start a Blog
• Heath’s Reading List

Privacy Overview

Located in the Pacific Ocean, this archipelago is famed for its nature, dynamic metropolises, traditional castles, and great food.

Japan, an intoxicating, charming country of startling contrasts, is home to a culture influenced by both ancient philosophy and modern enterprise. It boasts timeless traditions and pop culture, fascinating history and futuristic cities, cultural treasures and natural beauty. A captivating land of etiquette, innovation, and outstanding cuisine, Japan excels in the details.

Kyoto, known as Japan's cultural center, is a place where ancient shrines, serene gardens, and historical districts blend with modern Japanese sophistication.

Tokyo is an exceptional city that captivates your senses with a unique fusion of tradition and innovation, nature and modern wonders.

Trip Planner - Japan

Create your perfect trip to kyoto, japan.

Easily plan your trip based on your preferences, budget, and style

Plan your trip with RoutePerfect’s AI and optimize it by using RoutePerfect’s crowdsourced database, based on proven and enjoyable, well-crafted itineraries of thousands of travelers.

Most travelers start their adventure in Tokyo , the capital and financial center of Japan and its largest metropolis. Known as “The Land of the Rising Sun,” Tokyo embodies the country’s fusion of old-world and ultramodern with Buddhist temples, geisha districts, and elaborate traditional tea ceremonies alongside neon-lit streets, lively nightlife, and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Tokyo showcases the country’s natural beauty with its famous spring cherry blossoms and breathtaking Japanese gardens – and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Japan’s three “Holy Mountains,” including the iconic snowcapped Mount Fuji . Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most important and popular shrine hosting many festivals and ceremonies, and the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple are among its must-see destinations.

Kyoto , a short ride away from Tokyo on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train, is known as “The City of Ten Thousand Shrines” and is often regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Containing about a quarter of Japan’s national treasures, including over a thousand temples, Kyoto is an imperial city whose highlights include the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the 15th Century Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), the Nijo Castle , and the Imperial Palace . Gion , Kyoto’s famous geisha district, is a popular attraction with its charming wooden merchant houses and traditional tea houses. In the spring, the Philosopher’s Path bursts into color and follows a canal lined with cherry blossoms.

Osaka, a large port city and important commercial center, also highlights the unique blend of the modern and ancient in Japan. While considered by many to be the best place in Japan to eat, drink, and party, Osaka dates back to the 7th century and features the historic Shitennoji Temple, Osaka Castle , and Sumiyoshi Shrine. Osaka’s science museum and aquarium are also renowned.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki , historic cities that have emerged from destruction to become modern cosmopolitan cities, are located in the southwestern part of the Japanese islands and are rich in the natural beauty of both the sea and mountains. Hiroshima, known as “The City of Water” because of the six rivers that flow through it, was rebuilt with great effort after World War II. The destroyed monuments of its historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed, and a large park, named “Peace Memorial Park” was built in the center of the city as was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum . Nagasaki, another important port city, is known for its vivid history and culture, and its attractive location around a narrow inlet make it another top destination for travelers.

Japan is most vibrant in the spring, when its glorious cherry blossoms are in full season, and in the autumn, when it comes alive with the rich, colorful foliage of its ubiquitous maple and ginko trees – yet it also most crowded at these times. Hikers and nature lovers enjoy travel to Japan’s mountains and national parks in the summer months, while some travelers enjoy the snowy winter months in northern Japan with its many festivals and events.

Need guidance? Whether you’re looking for historic experiences or modern adventures, must-see attractions or off-the-beaten-track treasures – or some of each, Routeperfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation to Japan. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

Regions in Japan

Attractions in japan, suggested romantic itineraries for japan, suggested other itineraries for japan, suggested family itineraries for japan, suggested friends itineraries for japan.

RoutePerfect uses cookies to improve our content and provide you with a personalized experience. By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. Learn more

• Destinations

Wild Junket

Driving in Japan: How to Plan a Japan Road Trip

Last Updated on November 30, 2021

Planning a road trip in Japan? This guide to driving in Japan will get you prepared to hit the road!

There’s something special about road trips: the open road represents freedom and adventure. Alberto and I have always enjoyed exploring on two wheels, and even more so now that we have a daughter. Renting a car makes it so much easier to travel with our little one, especially when we want to explore the backcountry in places like Iceland and South Africa.

On our recent two-week trip to Japan , we decided to rent a car once again. We had traveled around by bullet train on our first trip to Japan almost 10 years ago, so it was time to do a road trip to experience a different side of the country! 

Many people were surprised to hear we rented a car instead of taking the train to travel around Japan. But we absolutely loved it and highly recommend it especially if you’re traveling Japan with kids . Here’s a complete guide for those who are thinking of driving in Japan.

Table of Contents

Is Driving in Japan Easy?

Who can drive in japan, things to know about driving in japan, how to rent a car in japan, how to get insurance for your japan road trip, toll fees in japan, petrol in japan, parking in japan, renting a car vs buying the jr pass, when to go on a japan road trip, hakone kowakien tenyu, fujino kirameki fujigotemba, konji ryokan, our favorite restaurants in japan, where to refuel when driving in japan, final tips for driving in japan, a guide to driving in japan.

We were glad we chose to rent a car in Japan , as it allowed us to explore Japan off the beaten path and go deep into the rural parts of Japan. While the Japanese public transport system is amazing and covers a large area, there are still some places (such as the Snow Monkey Park in Jigokudani ) that are only accessible by car or foot.

This was our second trip to Japan — while we wanted to revisit some of the places we love (Kyoto), we also wanted to explore comfortably and explore some places that aren’t necessarily popular with travelers. My favorite spots in Japan are the villages and mountainous areas that cannot be easily reached by train, such as Shibu Onsen and Okuhida in the Japanese Alps.

Plus, renting a car makes traveling Japan with kids much easier and more convenient. Our daughter Kaleya walks everywhere now, but she still can’t cover long distances, so having a car is the best solution for us when we travel. Besides, renting a baby seat is surprisingly cheap in Japan (only cost us US$10 here while it cost $80 in Oman) and it was brand new, easy to use and very comfortable for Kaleya.

We were surprised by how easy it is to drive in Japan. Roads in Japan are in excellent conditions and easy to navigate. Most road signs are in both Japanese and English— though many warning signs like “Danger” are in Japanese. People in Japan are very well-mannered as you probably know, and that applies to drivers too. Everyone follows traffic rules and often give way to others.

Mind you, Alberto thinks it’s easy to drive in Japan as he has driven in many countries including South Africa, Indonesia, Poland, Oman, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. So he’s accustomed to driving abroad and getting used to new traffic rules. 

We could find our way easily using Google Maps since we had a mobile WiFi dongle. The rented car also had a navigation system which we used from time to time to save some data. I t’s really affordable and convenient to rent a  pocket WiFi router from the airport.

We rented our router from GetYourGuide for US$71 that provided us unlimited WiFi for two weeks. It was the cheapest deal we found online and we were pretty glad we could use the internet to find restaurants with good reviews or research on places to go.

Rent a Pocket WiFi Router

An international driver’s license is necessary to rent a car in Japan. You can easily get that in your home country before the trip as long as you have a driver’s license.

There are two places where you can obtain an international driver’s license: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC.) If you are offered a license from any other organization, it is likely this is a scam. Just complete a few simple steps and pay $15 in order to obtain this license.

You must present your valid driver’s license (issued at least 6 months prior), two passport photos and cash, check, or money order for the total fees, in order to obtain the license. The international license is valid for a period of one year.

In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat and steering wheel are on their right side. The legal minimum age for driving is 18 years. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Road signs and rules follow international standards, and most signs on major roads are in Japanese and English. 

The typical speed limits are 80 to 100 km/h on expressways, 40 km/h in urban areas, 30 km/h in side streets and 50 to 60 km/h elsewhere.

Road conditions are very good, although side streets in the cities can be rather narrow or even impassable to larger vehicles. Traffic congestion is common within city limits and it’s advisable to drive outside of major cities (although we found it wasn’t too bad driving around Tokyo).

We booked our rental car online from  Discover Car Hire and the cheapest deal was from Budget. For the entire two-week trip in Japan , we paid around US$565 for our two-week rental of a compact Japanese car including the insurance and US$10 for the baby seat. We picked it up and dropped it off at Narita Airport.

If you are concerned about not being able to speak Japanese, don’t worry. All the staff at our car rental company spoke English and their  service was amazing. The staff even helped us put on the child seat, move our luggage onto the car and show us how to use the GPS system. They made sure that we were comfortable with driving the car before saying goodbye.

Search for Japan Car Rentals

When renting a car, make sure to get Third Party Liability Insurance (TPL) which covers third party damage or loss in an accident. Our car rental included Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI).

I highly recommend getting travel insurance as well as it covers COVID-19 risks, personal loss, theft, and medical on top of damages that may incur on your camper van or vehicle in Iceland. With the harsh conditions and extreme weather, your camper can easily suffer from damages.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

Cost of a Road Trip in Japan

Renting a car in Japan isn’t extremely expensive —  it’s the other costs like toll fees and parking that make it pricey.  As mentioned, we paid US$565 for the car rental itself, but other fees added up to make the total amount double of that.

Tolls are the reason why I wouldn’t advise renting a car in Japan. They are extremely expensive and almost every highway we drove on required toll fees. Avoiding tolls would take a lot longer for us to get to our destination so we usually used the fastest route and paid the tolls.

I wouldn’t recommend driving the car in major cities as tolls within the cities made driving more expensive than using the subway. We only used it one day in Tokyo and totally regretted it.

Here are some examples of toll fees: the 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo to Hakone cost 3200 yen and the 4-hour drive from Jigokudani Snow Monkeys Park to Tokyo cost around 4500 yen.

TOTAL TOLL FEES: US$285

Having an ETC card allows you to pass the tolls much quicker. However, we were told that it is only available to Japan residents. There is a one-time 324 Yen ($3.24) rental charge and then you settle rest of the toll charges when you return the car. 

You don’t need an ETC card to pay the tolls. Most tolls can be paid by cash or credit card. Just look out for the lane that says “ 一般 ” where you’ll be able to pay by card or cash. We did encounter one toll booth that didn’t take credit card and we unfortunately did not have any cash. The officer ended up giving us a ticket but we just gave it to our rental company and paid them for it.

Gas is surprisingly cheap in Japan. The average price is 148 yen/liter (US$1.35/liter). It costs around 3200 yen ($29) to fill up our compact car and we pumped 4 times in the two weeks that we drove. It can be confusing to pump petrol in Japan at first, but the attendants are always more than happy to help.

TOTAL COST: US$30 x 4= $120

Parking fees are another killer for those who are driving. It is surprisingly easy to find parking everywhere, even in Tokyo, but it’s expensive. We were paying around 300-500 yen ($3-5) per hour of parking. Most carparks have a maximum limit of around 2000 yen ($18) per night. In contrast to taking the subway (where a day pass costs 900 yen or $8 per person), driving around a city is definitely more expensive than taking local transport.  That’s why we chose to stay at hotels that offer free parking. 

TOTAL COST OF PARKING: $150

To sum it all up, we spent the following on renting a car:

Car rental:     $565

Toll fees:         $285

Petrol:             $120

Parking:          $150

GRAND TOTAL: $1120

Many travelers debate between renting a car or buying a Japan Rail Pass and taking the train all over Japan. So which is a better option for you?

This really depends on how many people you’re traveling with and if you have kids (and how old they are). For instance, if you are a family of four with kids older than 11, it will be cheaper to rent a car than buy four JR passes.

But if you’re traveling solo, then it might be better to get a JR Pass for unlimited travel on Japan Rail transportation (including bullet trains, local trains, buses, monorails and ferries).  Getting a JR Pass will definitely save you money, as individual trains are super expensive. 

The JR pass is free for kids under 6 years old. For kids between 6 and 11, the pass is half-priced.

Here are the adult prices for the JR Pass:

7 days — $267

14 days — $426

21 days — $545

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most popular months to travel Japan due to the mild weather and moderate humidity. They’re also the best time to drive in Japan as there won’t be snow in the mountains and tourist spots are not too crowded.

We traveled to Japan in late September and still found many places quite crowded, particularly Kyoto. During our trip, we experienced mostly warm days of 21-25 deg C (70-77 F), with some rainy days during which the temperature dipped to 15 deg C (59 F). In the mountainous areas like Takayama and Nagano prefectures, temperatures ranged around 10-15 deg C (50-59 F), but a light jacket was enough.

It can get really hot and extremely humid in summer (June-August), which is best avoided. Winter (December-February) is pretty cold with temperatures dipping to freezing point. But Japan has lots of great ski stations and it’s a good time to see snow monkeys in Nagano.  Try to avoid the cherry blossom season as places can get overcrowded. Each year, the sakura season varies (usually around April).

Check out our Japan itinerary!

Where to Stay on a Japan Road Trip

Renting a car in Japan gives you the freedom to explore more rural parts of the country and stay in absolutely stunning spots. We’re very glad we decided to drive in Japan as we would have missed some of our favorite spots and hotels otherwise. Some ryokans and glamping sites are located in the mountains and away from access to public transport. We also made sure to find hotels/ryokans that had free parking spots to save money on parking.

Here are some of the hotels we recommend staying at if you’re planning a road trip around Japan.

Opened in April 2017, this spectacular five-star hot spring resort is a worthwhile destination on its own and is best accessible by car. Read my detailed review of the best ryokan in Hakone . All of its rooms have tatami flooring, open-air stone bath and mountain views. Its beautiful garden is dotted with bonsai plants, waterfalls and even a Shinto shrine. The hotel also has an attached hot spring themed park that’s perfect for kids. Check latest rates here!

Possibly the most family friendly hotel we stayed at in Japan, this glamping site has beautifully furnished cabins transformed from cargo containers and huge play areas for families to hang out. Each cabin is equipped with a fire pit, barbecue grill, hammock and even a jacuzzi. Best of all, it has a gorgeous setting high up above Gotemba, with Mount Fuji in the backdrop and a thick cypress tree forests surrounding it. Check the latest rates.

Located in the Okuhida hot spring village, this traditional ryokan is a charming little abode run by an old lady and her family. It’s  actually reasonably priced for such a comfortable and traditional ryokan. It’s surrounded by mountains and the views from its open air onsen are spectacular. There are several good restaurants just walking distance from the ryokan. Staying here gave us the opportunity to experience a typical Japanese small town and also go on short hikes in the mountains. Check the latest rates.

Where to Eat on a Japan Road Trip

You can find good food everywhere in Japan — even at highway pitstops or roadside restaurants (pictured). We found that many of the highway pitstops had food halls with several different stalls to choose from. They are usually affordable, with a meal costing around 800-1500 yen per person. There’s usually free iced water or tea provided.

There’s also no shortage of convenience stores all over Japan, like 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson’s. They all have cheap and delicious yakitori (meat skewers), onigiri (triangular rice buns) and bento sets available.

For more details on what to eat in Japan, here is my detailed Japanese food guide with the best Japanese dishes to try. If you’re a Japanese food lover, you might like to check out this curated list of Japanese recipes .

• Sushi Dai, Tokyo — Located outside the famous Tsukiji Market, this is indisputably one of the best places to enjoy sushi in Tokyo. You’ll get an affordable taste of the freshest and finest seafood for only a fraction of the price of upmarket sushi restaurants. But it’s a tiny place and might not be suitable for those with strollers/babies. Reserve your table here!
• Kisoji, Tokyo — Our Japanese friend brought us to this shabu-shabu (hotpot) restaurant and we had some of the best wagyu beef I’ve had. You can book a tatami room and cook the shabu-shabu or sukiyaki yourself. Book a table here.
• Sakura Tei, Tokyo — We absolutely loved this restaurant chain that lets you make you own okonomiyaki and monjayaki (pan-fried pancake batter). It’s cheap and casual, and filled with character. Reserve a table here.
• Tenka Chaya, Kawaguchiko — While driving around the Mount Fuji area, we chanced upon this gorgeous roadside teahouse and had an amazing meal there. All of its tables are on tatami floor and the menu is traditional hot broth pot.
• Kaseidon Ichiba, Kanazawa — Inside the Omichi market, you’ll find the best spots to try fresh sashimi that the city is famous for. This place serves awesome salmon roe, oysters, scallops and outstanding sushi. Read reviews here!
• Sakaguchi-Ya, Takayama — Housed in a Samachi traditional building, this restaurant serves the famous Hida beef in the form of handrolled sushi or beef rice bowl. A little pricey but well worth for the quality food and atmosphere! Book a table here.
• Hokkyokusei, Kyoto — Right next to Yasaka Shrine is this cute ‘Western’ cafe that specialises in omurice (Japanese omelette rice), which is one of our favorite Japanese dishes. Kid-friendly and good service. See reviews here.

There’s no shortage of gas stations in Japan, regardless of where you’re driving. Most gas pumping kiosks only operate in Japanese language but they are all  full service, meaning that they have uniformed attendants who will help to fill up your car, clean your windscreen, and check your tires.  All of the stations we went to accepted foreign credit cards, and you usually pay straight at the pump without having to go inside the station.

If you are driving a rental car, you must return the vehicle with a full tank. Our car rental dealer asked us to pump at a particular gas station right before returning the vehicle and to bring the receipt from the gas station when returning it.

As of 2019, gasoline is around 148 yen a liter. 

On an ending note, I just want to remind you that you’re in Japan to have fun! Don’t stress out when you see only Japanese signs, just follow what the other drivers are doing. People stick to traffic rules and there aren’t many aggressive drivers. Don’t honk unless it’s an emergency!

Keep in mind that you’re there to have fun and explore, so slow down and enjoy the beautiful country! I hope this guide to driving in Japan has been useful. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments you may have below.

Inspired? Pin it!

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Comments

Muy bonito e interesante reportaje Nellie

Anika Redhed

There is little to be found on self driving Japan. This was mighty helpful. Very practical. Thanks !

You May Also Like

Tibet itinerary ideas that will show you the best of the region, india itinerary: how to spend 2 weeks in india, living in bali: my guide to bali digital nomad life.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

The Best Japan Road Trips

January 2, 2024 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

There’s never a bad time for a Japan road trip. The seven jaunts I’m about to describe (which, by the way, merely scratch the surface of Japan road trips) will definitely make you want to get behind the wheel.

I’d like to think I cover all the bases, too, from stunning beaches and verdant mountains, and from the sunny summer to the rosy haze of the cherry blossom spring. The most difficult part will be choosing just one Japan road trip route, or maybe two! ( Renting a car in Japan is easy though—don’t worry.)

The Truth About Driving in Japan

Before I get into the specifics of my favorite Japan road trips, I want to speak more generally about the topic of driving in Japan. Quite frankly, it can be miserable. Japan’s speed limits are frustratingly low—on many “highways,” the maximum speed is 70 km/h. Moreover, most Japanese don’t speed, law-abiding people that they are. It can easily take hours to travel a distance within Japan that would take minutes in another country!

There are also some intricacies to renting a car in Japan, namely the necessity for an international driving permit or IDP. I’ve explained all of them fully in this article , which I’d highly encourage before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle in Japan. It’s a cynical read, but that’s deliberate. Rather than discouraging you from driving in Japan outright, I simply want to make you think twice (or thrice or four times) before doing so.

My Favorite Road Trips in Japan

Hokkaido in summer.

A Hokkaido summer road trip is one of the most satisfying ways to explore Japan’s northernmost island. From the lavender fields of Naka-Furano to the “blue pond” of Biei , and from the shores of volcanic Lake Toya to the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa , Hokkaido is at its most accessible in summer. (Want to plan a Japan road trip itinerary around Hokkaido in winter? Good luck! Many companies won’t rent to foreigners during this time due to dangerous road conditions.)

Tokyo to Shimoda

Another one of my favorite Japan road trips takes you from Tokyo to Shimoda , a historical town on the Izu Peninsula that’s also near some of Japan’s best beaches. Although the straight shot takes only a few hours, I recommend making the journey over a full day. By the time you reach Shimoda, having stopped en route in ancient Kamakura , the hot springs capital of Hakone and underrated Atami , you’ll be watching the sun set into the water—and you’ll be good and tired for a full day of fun in the sun.

Yoshino’s Sakura Kingdom

Is there a better idea for a Japan road trip than through the heart of cherry blossom country in the middle of sakura season ? I certainly don’t think so. If you happen to be in the Kansai region in early April, ride the Kintetsu Railway to Yamato-Yagi Station, where you can pick up your car and begin exploring Yoshino , where literally hundreds of thousands of cherry trees will be in full bloom. From here, your options are limitless. The best hanami viewpoints are at Hanayagura Observatory above Yoshinoyama town, and at Takami-no-Sato Sky Garden . Other worthwhile destinations include Tsubosaka Temple , and the ancient town of Asuka , which—if you can believe it—was ever-so-briefly the capital of Japan.

The Noto Peninsula

The Noto Peninsula features some of the most subtly epic scenery in all of Japan, from pastoral inland intersections that look straight out of Ghibli, to coastal vistas that look like classical Japanese paintings ( Ganmon and Hagoto Iwa ), with jagged rocks and twisted pine trees. Add to this a smattering of unique culture and cuisine—I hope you like beef!—and Noto-hantō is one of the most unique Japan road trips you can take. It’s ideal to start in either Kanazawa or Toyama ; it’s best to take two days, although you can do it in one.

Ishigaki: Adventures in Paradise

You wouldn’t know it based on the number of Japanese who flock to Hawaii each year, but Japan has some truly stunning beaches. This is especially evident on Ishigaki island, located at the center of the Yaeyama archipelago in Okinawa. To take a Japan road trip in Ishigaki, pick your car up before you leave the airport, driving north along the east coast and circumnavigating the island in a counter-clockwise fashion. Whether you relish in views of fluorescent Kabira Bay , or the panorama on offer from Hirakubozaki Lighthouse , this is a journey you won’t soon forget.

Yamaguchi Loop

A key advantage of Japan road trips, as opposed to traveling by train, is the freedom to go where you want—and to go on your own schedule. Yamaguchi prefecture provides fertile ground for testing this theory, as you drive first from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Beppu Benten “blue pond,” and then onward to stunning Kanmon Bridge . From here, you’ll continue to iconic Motonosumi Inari Shrine , watching sunset over Yuya Terraced Rice Fields before ending in Shimonoseki .

To Mt. Fuji and Back

This might just be the most picturesque road trip Japan has to offer, although I have to begin with a caveat. Specifically, if the weather forecast is not perfect (or near-perfect), don’t bother. That’s because whether you’re at Churei-to pagoda in the Fuji Five Lakes region, amid the tea fields of Obuchi Sasaba, at the “Fuji Shinkansen ” tracks in Higashitaganoura or at Miho Beach in Shimizu city, this road trip is nothing without sweeping views of Mt. Fuji . Note that winter provides a high chance of clear skies, as can “shoulder” periods in early May or late October. As far as where you begin and end? While you can do this trip from and back to Tokyo, I personally love renting my car in Shizuoka city.

Kunisaki to Satsuma

This is one of my favorite Kyushu road trips. Rent your car in the hot springs city of Beppu , where you can drive northward to the Kunisaki Peninsula , namely the castle town of Kitusuki and Usa Shrine . Drive back through Beppu to Mt. Aso , where you’ll spend a night en route to Kumamoto . Leaving Kumamoto, stop at Takachicho Gorge and/or sacred Amakusa and then, after a night in Kagoshima , spend a day on the stunning Satsuma Peninsula .

Awesome Hiking Trips in Japan

The only thing better than taking a Japan road trip? Getting around on your own two feet! Here are my favorite hikes in Japan:

• Walking the historical Nakasendo Way
• Hiking elsewhere in the Japanese Alps
• Visiting Mt. Koya or trekking along the Kumano Kodo
• Traipsing amid the snow monsters of Mt. Zao (in winter)

FAQs About Japan Road Trips

Can tourists drive in japan.

Tourists can drive in Japan, so long as they have a valid IDP, or international driving permit . Beyond this, individual car rental companies may have their own policies, which you should research and verify before you turn up to collect your vehicle.

Is it easy to drive around Japan?

Whether within cities or on Japan road trips, it is easy to drive in Japan, at least ostensibly. It can also be frustrating, however, given extremely low speed limits and the unwillingness of most Japanese drivers to go even a few km/h faster than them. Your road trip in Japan will be memorable, but it won’t always be enjoyable in the moment!

Is it worth driving in Japan?

Driving in Japan is worthwhile primarily in rural regions, where the frequency and slow speed of trains makes the Japan Rail Pass an un-advantageous investment. Cost-wise, however, driving is an expensive proposition, especially for solo travelers. Of course if you want to take a road trip, Japan is an awesome country for it, cost notwithstanding.

The Bottom Line

I hope you feel inspired by these ideas for the best road trips in Japan. From easy weekend jaunts like the one from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji or the Izu peninsula, to more involved road trips on secondary islands like Kyushu and Hokkaido , Japan is even more enjoyable when you’re able to explore without adhering to a train schedule. This is not to say, of course, that driving in Japan doesn’t have its downsides—it does, namely the low speed limits on Japanese highways and the slow driving of Japanese motorists. Regardless of where in Japan you want to drive or when you decide you’re ready to go, I hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan your road trip for you .

Plan Your Japan Trip

Subscribe to email updates!

Words, images and design ©2018-2024 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap .

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse, you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

JAPAN by Japan​

• Destinations
• Things to Do
• Plan Your Trip

• Four Itineraries to Explore Japan’s Diverse Charms
• Discover Another Japan San’in

Quiz on Driving Rules of Japan

Know before you hit the road.

• Your Beautiful Road Trip in Japan Photo Contest

Online Event

• Hit the road to Japan’s secret spots

Always wanted to discover and explore Japan’s secluded spots? With a rental car, head out on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip to some of Japan’s most iconic hidden gems and various sites that certainly become much conveniently accessible while driving.​

Watch the video Hit the road to Japan’s secret spots (Nagano edition)

Recommended road trip itineraries to explore.

Japan’s diverse charms

From breezy coastal drives and picturesque mountain roads to stunning routes through Japan’s magnificent seasonal scenery, enjoy road trips through Toyama, Nagano, Fukushima, and Hokkaido to witness the different charms the land of the rising sun has to offer.

Toyama and Ishikawa

Hit the road on an incredible coastal drive

Stunning drive through autumn foliage

A road trip through the clouds

Drive through a picturesque flower-themed route

DISCOVER ANOTHER JAPAN

Go through the road traffic rules of Japan to have a better understanding and find out the differences between that and those of Singapore’s, so as to have a pleasant, fun and safe driving journey. Hit full score at the quiz to receive 500 member points!

Driving in Japan is likely to be at least a little different from what you are normally used to, so here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan and ease you on your journey.

What you need to know when driving in Japan’s snowy areas​

​Things to know before going on a road trip in Japan​

Rental cars in Japan​​

​Fun road trips for the family​

Move around easily with various ways to travel in Okinawa​

Enjoy summer in Kyushu driving around in a rental car​​

Your Beautiful Road Trip in Japan

Photo Contest

Share your favourite road trip experiences and journeys in Japan via Instagram posts with #jbyjroadtrip and win amazing prizes, including travel vouchers!

Hit the Road to San’in’s Secret Spots

Saturday, 23 July 2022 2 - 3 pm (SGT)

Be a JbyJ member now!

Sign up for JbyJ newsletters packed with the latest information of Japan.

Get advisory information regarding COVID-19 situation in Japan

Itinerary Ideas

Nationwide itineraries.

Regional Itineraries

Local Itineraries

Questions? Ask in our forum .

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Japan Road Trips: 10 Picturesque Routes For Long Drives In 2024

15 Nov 2021

Japan is an incredible East Asian country, surrounded by Pacific Ocean. The dramatic landscapes of the country is a result of its geographical location. The volcanic mountains, unique forests, ocean, karst, grasslands, rocky terrains, everything together constitutes the amazing landscape of this ‘land of rising Sun’. And the best way to explore its natural vistas is by taking a Japan road trip through some of its most splectacular routes.

Top 10 Routes For Japan Road Trips

Here are the 10 most popular routes for Japan road trips that you must surely explore on your next vacation in the island nation.

1. Roller Coaster Road, Hokkaido

Image Source

Hokkaido has one of the most bizarre routes for Japan road trips . No doubt, this Northernmost island of the country has an abundance of charming natural views. But it is also home to one of the most strangest roads in the world. The ‘Roller Coaster Road’ located in the Furano city of Hokkaido totally lives up to its name. The 2.5-kilometer long road has several steep up and down slopes. Enjoy this

Must Read: 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That Make It Look Right Out Of A Storybook

2. Metasequoia Tree Road, Shiga

Metasequoia Tree Road is a picturesque route in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan. The 2.4-kilometer long stretch of the road is lines with 500 Sequoia trees. The average height of each tree is about 35-meters. Driving through this shaded road is a blissful experience. The visual effect of the drive varies depending on the season you are taking this road trip. You would see lush green Sequoias if you are traveling during Spring or Summer seasons. And the Autumn or Winter makes the tree leaves turn spectacularly golden.

Suggested Read: Travelers Will Now Have To Pay A Sayonara Tax When Leaving Japan

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

3. Tsunoshima Bridge, Yamaguchi

Tsunoshima Bridge is a great example of architectural advancements. Take this one of the most thrilling Japan road trips and drive over the ocean. This bridge is constructed to link the mainland and a mini remote island in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Driving on this 1,780-meter long bridge is a rare experience for sure. But the excitement doesn’t end there. The gorgeous island on the other side awaits you with its white sand beaches and azure water for an exotic tour.

4. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, Ishikawa

Japan is home to some of the most surprising experiences. And now that we exploring the best Japan road trips , Chirihama Nagisa Driveway will add some amazement to the list. This is your rarest chance to drive along a seashore. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is world’s one of the only 3 public driveways on the beach. And this is the only one in Japan. This is an 8-kilometer long road that runs on the beach.

Suggested Read: Japan Beats Singapore As Having The World’s Most Powerful Passport!

5. Venus Line, Nagano

Venus Line offers opportunities for one of the most romantic Japan road trips. The drive passes through the vast and green highlands of Nagano Prefecture. Connecting Chino to the Utsukushi Ga Hara, this 70-kilometer long road will make you high on superb views of nature and unlimited fresh air. Drive along the Venus Line with your partner or a bunch of your favourite friends.

Suggested Read: This Library Hostel In Japan Is The Perfect Cocoon That Every Bookworm Dreams Of!

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand

Bangkok. Phi Phi. Krabi. Why should guys have all the fun?

Sandeep Illustrates On The Best Activities For A Family Trip To Mauritius

Water sports. Cocktail parties. And unlimited fun at Casela.

Nisarg Can't Stop Praising His Honeymoon Trip To Maldives

There was snorkeling, sightseeing, luxury, comfort, & much more!

Sabyacsachi's Romantic Trip Proves Europe To Be The Mother Of All Vacations

For Art, Culture, Luxury, & more...

Srishti Talks Of Her Amazing Trip To Singapore With Her Mother & Niece

A fun-filled destination for ages indeed!

67-Year Old Sridhar Tells How He Beat The Odds & Took A Solo Trip To Dubai

Desert safari. Burj Khalifa. Welcoming locals. Tell me more!

Not Adventure Lovers? Saurabh's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong To Still Be Full Of Fun

Your kids will love Disney Land & Ocean Park!

Ravi's Tale Of A Sri Lanka Family Tour Is All You Need To Know About Ramayana Tour

For the love of Ramayana & Travel!

6. Izu Skyline, Shizuoka

Izu Skyline promises one of the most thrilling Japan road trips . This 40.6 km long toll road in Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture does give you the best skyline views of the surroundings. Running from South to North of the region, a drive through it will stun you with the spellbinding views of the iconic Mount Fuji, along with other mountains, the highlands and Sagami Bay coast line.

Suggested Read: Cherry Blossoms Are In Full Bloom & So Is The All New Spring Flower Cruise In Japan

7. Patchwork Road, Biei

Biei is one of the most scenic locations in Japan. Situated in the heart of Hokkaido, this tiny town is blessed with abundant natural beauty. Your driving route will pass through lush green crop fields and hills. This place has attracted several commercial ad agencies and is a popular shooting location in Japan. If you are planning to take a drive through the Patchwork Road in Biei, the best time is summer. This is the time when you would see the real “patchwork” on the fields, done with a variety of crops.

8. Aso, Kumamoto

This is one of the most unbelievably stunning Japan road trips . Aso is a city in Kumamoto Prefecture, located on Kyushu Island. Driving in this region takes you through the mind-blowing landscapes, including the lush greenery and the volcanic mountains. Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan. It home to the active Mount Nakadake Volcano and the largest caldera in the world. During the drive, you can stop to take a dip in the natural hot springs and visit the Nakadake Crater during the lower risk times.

Suggested Read: Getting A Japan Visa Will Now Be Easier Than Buying A Movie Ticket!

9. Shikoku Karst, Ehime & Kochi

Located in the Shikoku region of Japan, Shikoku Karst is the biggest karst in the country. ‘Karst’ refers to a kind of topography which has been formed as a result of dissolving of soluble rocks. It is generally limestone, gypsum or dolomite rock. This happens over a period of many years and leads to the creation of dramatic rock formations. The Shikoku Karst is spread across the Ehime and Kochi Prefectures of Indonesia. The driving road along this region is located at an altitude ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 meters. Through this breathtaking Japan road trip, you will witness some exclusive views of mountains ranges and grasslands.

Suggested Read: Camping In Japan: 5 Super Gorgeous Spots For All Future Campers!

10. Bandai-Azuma Skyline, Fukushima

The average altitude of Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima is 1,350 meters above the sea level. The perks of driving at this height are the mind-blowing scenic views of the surrounding. And in this case, it not just mountains, but the famous volcanic mountain, Azuma. Mount Azuma-Kofuji is an active volcano in Fukushima Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture of Japan. The term, ‘Kofuji’ refers to its shape that resembles Mount Fuji. The best time to take this one of the most fascinating Japan road trips is during Autumn to witness the charming Bandai-Azuma skyline.

Further Read: Spas In Japan: 5 Handpicked Places Which Will Be Ideal For A Relaxing Spa-cation!

Has taking a road trip with your partner, friends or family always been on your wishlist? The above-listed routes ensure absoluetly unique and splendid experiences. So, plan a trip to Japan and explore this wonderful country with your loved ones. Also, use this chance to take all these Japan road trips.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Road Trips

Can tourists drive in Japan?

Yes, tourists can drive in Japan if they have the proper legal documents and permits for the same. Otherwise, driving in Japan can be quite complicated and expensive. Tourists without a legal license can face legal actions like fines, get arrested, and even deported. Tourists need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan. Americans with only a U.S. driver’s license cannot drive in Japan.

Is it safe to rent a car in Japan?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to rent a car and drive around in Japan with the proper permits for driving with an international license. To facilitate one-way road trips, rental companies in Japan also allow you to return the vehicle at a different branch. One would, however, not require to rent a car, especially in Tokyo, because the city is well connected through trains & buses. These means of transportation are considered to be safe, quick, and cheap.

Is driving in Japan hard?

No, driving in Japan is quite simple. The driver’s seat and the steering wheel are on the right side and the cars drive on the left side of the road. Traffic rules and road signs follow international standards.

How many days should I spend in Japan?

You need about 5 to 6 days to fully explore Japan. Out of these, it is advised to spend 2 to 3 days in Tokyo and the rest of the days in other destinations.

How expensive is a trip to Japan?

It would cost you around $100 USD per day per person for hotel accommodation, food, purchasing a rail pass, and visiting a few local attractions. You can, however, save money by staying like a local in Japan.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Japan?

Summer months are the most popular for visiting Japan. However, the cheapest months are the winter months – from mid-January until March when the weather is cold & dry.

When should you not visit Japan?

You should not visit Japan from June to August as that is the time of monsoon season and you may encounter torrential rains.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Plan your trip today!

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People Also Read:

Spain Road Trips American Road Trips Switzerland Road Trips

Recent Posts

A Comprehensive Guide To Bangalore To Gokarna Road Trip In 2023

Chennai To Pondicherry Road Trip: All You Need To Know For Your Next Vacay

Manali To Leh Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Adventure

Bangalore to Goa Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Getaway

14 Exciting Things To Do In Summer In Japan On Your Holiday In 2023!

India To Thailand Road Trip: A Detailed Guide For An Uninterrupted Expedition

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• Japan »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

Driving in Japan — 15 Things First Timers Should Know Before Planning that Road Trip

Driving in Japan can be daunting for someone who rarely drives in Singapore, but this guide will make things better (hopefully).

On our last trip to Japan , we wanted to explore smaller towns which were inaccessible by public transport — so (unfortunately) I had to take the wheel 😭.

It was my first time driving in Japan and there were plenty of mini culture shocks on the road — road signs I’d never seen, and traffic light signals on a T-junction that seems to contradict one another.

The only assurance was that both Japan and Singapore drive on the left side of the road, phew .

From renting cars in Japan, to trying our best not to piss off the locals, here’s the driving guide to Japan we wished we had before embarking on our own road trip!

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off your Japan car rental and all activities with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15) at checkout. One-time use only! (* – list of excluded activities )

Click to jump to relevant sections:

Driving Requirements | Pre-trip Essentials | On the Road | Parking | Tips for Planning your Japan Road Trip

Driving Requirements

1) rental shops can have different age limits.

The first thing we noticed was that car rental shops in Japan have varying age requirements for drivers.

For example, our rental car from Toyota Rent A Car , had a minimum rental age of 18 years old and at least one year of driving experience, whereas Nippon Rent-a-car has a minimum age of 20.

*Note: Some rental shops like Hertz charge a risk driving fee if the driver’s age is between 18 to 24 years old.

2) International Driving Permit (IDP) is required

The permit costs S$20 and you can apply it online at the Automobile Association website (at least two weeks in advance) or get it immediately in person at any AA Centre — there are three in Singapore (near Redhill, Geylang Bahru, and Ang Mo Kio MRT Stations).

*Note: Your IDP is only valid for one year from the date of issue, so remember to renew yours if it’s expired!

Pre-trip Essentials 

3) rent the car online ahead of time.

While walk-ins are possible during shoulder seasons in Japan, it’s best to book them in advance. The problem with many car rental websites is that most of them are in Japanese so it’s hard to compare prices when you’re unsure what’s covered and what isn’t.

Thankfully for international travel websites like Klook , we didn’t have to deal with the language barrier. (This post isn’t sponsored btw)

We ended up with a Toyota Aqua for three days that cost ~S$247 , including a free basic insurance plan. The pick-up at Toyota Rent A Car Shinjuku Minamiguchi was seamless as we paid online beforehand. We just needed to provide the booking confirmation, our passports, a credit card, and IDP.

4) Get car insurance

It may seem tempting to skimp on car insurance — don’t.

In the event of any *touchwood* unfortunate events, scratches, and other car damages, expenses can easily rack up to a high figure! These costs may not be covered by regular travel insurance, so it’s worth paying a little extra than to risk the full cost.

Most rental companies include a basic insurance plan that comes together with the car, but be sure to check on the excess. This means you will still have to pay for the damage up to that amount should there be any accidents. If the “Zero Excess” option isn’t too expensive, it’s best to go with that.

*Pro-tip: Take note of important numbers on the insurance pamphlet from the shop in the event of an emergency.

5) Check the car for existing damages

Don’t speed through the car inspection when picking up the car. Some rental staff are very meticulous and will mark out the faintest scratch on the car’s surface.

We took pictures of all sides of the car and highlighted existing scratches during the inspection process before leaving to prevent any unnecessary fines.

6) Rent a reloadable card to pay for highway tolls

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) cards are a cashless way to pay highway tolls, similar to cash cards in Singapore.

We rented the card for ~¥330 at the rental shop when collecting the car for greater convenience on the road. Instead of pre-loading value in the card, we could settle the total amount when we returned the car.

On the Road

7) expressway toll booths.

On the expressway, you’ll come across these toll gates. If you own an ETC, make sure to enter the ones labelled ‘ETC’. The barrier is kept up and will only drop down if the ETC is not detected.

If not, look for general lanes marked ‘一般’, which accepts both cash and credit card payments. You’ll be given a ticket when you pass the first gantry and be asked to show the ticket and make payment when you exit the expressway.

We noticed that not all exits have general lanes and may not always accept credit card payments, so we recommend getting the ETC card for convenience.

8) Speed limits

Japan has pretty strict driving laws so don’t expect to be drifting at Fast and Furious speeds.

The speed limits vary but usually regular roads are 60km/h and expressways are 100km/h — so stay within the limit and don’t ruin your trip by earning a red ticket!

9) Road signs

Some might be confusing to foreign drivers.

For instance, you might see a combination of arrows and circles in different colours — one red, one green, which do you follow?

Essentially, the green arrows are what you adhere to. So in the case of the sign above, if you’re going straight or left, you may proceed. All other directions should stop.

Some road signs are purely written in Kanji or have symbols that are not as obvious. Below are some of the important ones to take note of.

We recommend familiarising yourself with this list of Japanese road signs before embarking on your trip.

10) Watch out for wildlife on the road, know what to do in case of roadkill

You might come across animal hazard road signs on your Japan trip, especially in areas like Nara, which are famous for their free-roaming native deers.

Apart from deer, you’ll also find other wildlife like tanukis , foxes, monkeys, and even bears in the Japanese countryside, depending on the region. In the event of roadkill, call 110 to alert the authorities, and notify the car insurance company.

11) Rest stops and petrol stations

Photo credit: Central Nippon Expressway

Other than petrol top-ups, there are many options to take a break on major expressways . From onsens to mini theme parks, some even offer overnight accommodations in convenient locations for long, night drives.

If you’re in the Mt. Fuji area, check out Fujikawa Service Area — decked out with a Ferris wheel, dog park, cafes and even a tax-free shop. The best part is you get a full view of Mt. Fuji as a backdrop!

12) Parking lots have opening hours

For example, some operate from 8AM to 10PM, which means you won’t be able to retrieve your car if you need to leave early in the morning!

On our road trip to Shizuoka , we found that these parking spaces are manually run by staff and are transported to the underground carpark by a car elevator.

For more flexibility, keyword search “24 hour parking” in the town you are visiting in advance on Google Maps . These are unmanned so can make payment at the ticket machines before you leave. The machines usually only accept cash and will dispense a ticket to insert at the carpark gantry when you exit.

*Pro-tip: Ask your accommodation for the nearest parking spot if there’s no on-site parking.

13) Parking bumpers at coin-operated parking lots

If you come across coin-operated parking lots on your trip, don’t be confused fools like us.

Basically, you’ll need to have a set of wheels (either the front or back) over the green parking bumper. After a few minutes, the sensor will detect your vehicle and a locking plate will rise and secure the car.

To lower the locking plate, just pay the parking fee at the coin machine and you’re good to go!

Prices may vary but it cost us ¥100/hour to park at Honcho Street, Fujiyoshida.

As the instructions are in Japanese, we spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure this out so don’t be fools like us!

Other Useful Tips for Planning your Japan Road Trip

14) gps navigation.

Google Maps

Google Maps is reliable for navigating around Japan. Not only did it provide accurately timed routes, but we could also see if there was a traffic jam ahead.

While creating our trip route on Google My Maps , we pre-saved the attraction locations to make them easier to retrieve.

*Pro-tip: Zoom in on the map to find interesting places while planning your routes between destinations.

Most rental cars have an in-built GPS system that uses the Mapcode system. This is an 11 digit location code you can find on the Japan Mapcode webpage . Alternatively, you can download the local navigation app NaviBridge .

*Note: These codes are not found on Google maps

15) Inspiration for planning your own Japan itinerary

Driving in Japan may not be the most common option to get around but a road trip offers the flexibility that rail doesn’t. Public transport is not as readily available in smaller towns in the countryside, where hidden gems are abundant.

And renting a car can be more convenient than you’d think, especially when you pre-book it online. We used Klook instead of directly booking on car rental websites to avoid language barrier problems.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klo ok to get 5% off your Japan car rental and all activities with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15) at checkout. One-time use only! (* – list of excluded activities )

If you’re looking for inspiration for places to visit, check out the following itineraries on past road trips we have been on: – 7-Day Okinawa Itinerary Under S$1.2k — Road Trip in Japan’s Underrated Island Utopia – 7D Japan Itinerary For S$1.3k — A Tokyo and Mount Fuji Adventure – First Timer’s Guide to Shikoku — 13 Unique Things to Do in Japan Besides Sightseeing – 7D6N Japan Itinerary Under S$1.4k — Road Trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Beyond

Have any more questions about driving in Japan? Let us know in the comments!

Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

31 New Deals and Attractions in Singapore this April 2024

Top 11 Stunning Yet Budget-Friendly Tokyo Capsule Hotels (from ~S$40/night)

Where to See Cherry Blossoms Outside Japan — The Ultimate 2024 Guide

Tokyo Vs Osaka: Why Are These Two Popular Japanese Cities so Different — Cultures Explained

Hiroshima and San’in Guide — Going Beyond Tokyo/Osaka to Find Japan’s Best Hidden Gems

Hello and thank you for these great tips. I’m also planning to rent a car from Mt Fuji area and drive to Shizuoka. Can you give approximate pricing for fuel and toll costs please from the Kawagucki station area to Shizuoka? I realise it can drastically change based on the driving itinerary noting several stopping points but just a general expense between the 2 stops would help.

Hello A.K! I believe this article could help! There’s a budget breakdown of our entire trip that you can use as an estimate

https://thetravelintern.com/tokyo-fuji-japan-itinerary

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

Experience Macao Singapore Roadshow: Get Exclusive Deals, Experience the Macau Grand...

Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated...

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Complete Japan Travel Guide
• Kanto Region (Tokyo, Hakone)
• Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto)
• Kansai Wide (Wakayama)
• Chugoku Region (Hiroshima)
• Chubu Japan
• Hokkaido Japan
• Kyushu Japan
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• KLOOK Promo Code & Voucher (2024 April)
• Agoda Promo Code

Japan Itinerary Blog: Perfect Travel Route for 7, 10, 15 Days

Last updated on April 21st, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Japan and looking for a Japan itinerary? Here we give you first-hand travel tips and recommendations for Japan, together with a perfect Japan travel itinerary for 7, 10, 15, or even 21 days with the best places to visit. All the recommended attractions are ideal to put into your travel plan that we consider to be the highlights of Japan for first-timers.

Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is an amazing country where ancient traditions and vibrant modern culture collide, awakening the curious corners of the mind, and pushing you to explore as much as possible. As a Japanese culture lover, I’ve managed to travel to Japan more than 10 times, either short-stay business trips, self-plan travel with families and friends, or even back-packing solo budget trip, I am never getting tired of visiting this amazing country.

There is so much to offer including the stunning natural scenery, hot spring onsen bath, traditional cultural towns, and vibrant futuristic cities. With the exquisite Japanese cuisine, mouthwatering fresh seafood, and regional delicious ramen, I can even make a trip to Japan just for Japanese food! Not to mention the seasonal activities that happening in Japan such as cherry blossom in spring, summer festival celebration, fall foliage during hall, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

In this Japan Itinerary , we’re covering a number of cities and towns that provide an immersive travel experience. It’s an active popular route for Japan itinerary that will take you through 4 regions and at least 8 cities. Each provides an opportunity to be wowed by the scenery, witness ancient history, expand your palate and discover unique Japanese culture. This Japan itinerary is flexible, feel free to extend or shorten your stay in the locations we recommend. In addition to recommended stops, we’ll be covering flights and transportation, recommended hotels, and activities.

We hope you find this Japan travel Itinerary blog helpful when planning your trip. Besides, this Japan travel guide is very compressive and long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to transportation, hotels, tours, and other services followed by different topics. Feel free to check on each section if you wish to know more about a specific topic.

Table of Contents

How Long to Spend in Japan?

One question that many potential visitors ask frequently is how long they should spend in Japan? And my answer is that it depends on what you want to see and how many places you want to visit . The country is vast and each region offers different things to do. I can spend days in Tokyo city alone and continually find new things to see and do.

Planning a trip to Japan ain’t an easy task because there’s just SO MUCH to explore . But, it is possible to enjoy the best of Japan with whatever time you have on your Japan travel itinerary. That being said, a two weeks Japan itinerary is the best way to explore some of the popular sights and get an introduction to some of the cities in Japan. But if you have more time to spend, then you can’t go wrong with taking advantage of it and extending your stay in this lovely nation.

One thing to keep in mind no matter how long you have to dedicate to your Japan travel itinerary is that it is impossible to see absolutely everything so make sure to prioritize what you want to visit, don’t rush for everything, and travel in leisure!

Best Time To Visit Japan

Any time! Japan is a ‘year round’ destination and each season brings a reason to visit Japan ! Whether it’s the famous sakura or cherry blossom season and pretty weather in the spring, the hot and liveliness of summer, the fall color changes of autumn, or the icy cold snowy festival of winter, you can’t go wrong traveling to Japan at any time of the year.

Visiting Japan in Spring : From March to May is the Spring season in Japan with little rainfall, clear skies, and mild temperatures. It is the best season to visit in Japan as it is the famous sakura blossom season that usually happens from late March to the beginning of April.

During these few weeks, this is the travel peak season in Japan, so expected higher price increases in accommodation and bigger crowds. But I assure you, that you won’t regret visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season as Japan is amazingly beautiful with everything clad in picturesque pink sakura. Japan’s National Holiday, Golden Week also falls in this season from late April to the first week of May.

Visiting Japan in Summer : The summer season in Japan is started from June to August and the weather is hot and humid. The daytime temperatures are often higher and require paying more attention to physical well-being.

Summer in Japan is a great opportunity to experience the Japanese culture related to this season such as fireworks, festivals, and the Japanese love to plan their summer holiday in the cooler region such as Nikko, Hakone, and especially Hokkaido. Hokkaido’s flower field is one of the popular activities during Summer in Japan.

Visiting Japan in fall : From September to November, Autumn is the season of gorgeous fall foliage. The weather in fall is very comfortable and suitable for traveling in Japan but typhoons may occur between September to mid-October. So please note this and best to plan to visit Japan from late October to November.

Viewing the fall foliage, or “momijigari” in Japanese , is one of the most awaited activities in Japan with autumn leaves painting the whole country in crimson and gold. Kyoto is the best place for viewing the spectacular fall landscape.

Visiting Japan in Winter : Starting from December to February is the winter season in Japan and it is the coldest season of the year. Winter illuminations started features all over Japan, it’s the best time for enjoying the hot spring. Imagine dipping in a natural hot spring and relishing in the beautiful winter scenery surrounding you.

Besides, Hokkaido is the best destination to enjoy the winter season in Japan with excellent ski resorts for winter activities and gorgeous snow festivals in Sapporo.

How To Travel in Japan

International visitors typically arrive at Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT), the busiest airport in Japan. Some may choose to arrive at Haneda International Airport (another airport in Tokyo and mostly for budget airline and domestic transfers), Kansai Airport (KIX) in South of Osaka, or New Chitose Sapporo Airport in Hokkaido.

Browsing through Skyscanner to get a cheap ticket to Japan

If you are landing at Narita Airport, there are a few ways to access Narita Airport and the Tokyo city area; by train, bus, private transfer, or taxi.

From Narita Airport To Tokyo

Few train companies running for the Narita Airport route. A faster train will be faster and more comfortable but also more expensive.

• JR Narita Express (N’EX), or JR Narita Line Rapid Train will head over to Tokyo Station.
• Keisei Skyliner, or Keisei Access Express, Keisei Main Line Rapid Limited Express to Downtown Ueno or Nippori Stations.

Pro Tips : Klook offer Skyliner ticket at cheaper price . Easy redeem at Narita, Ueno or Nippori.

Airport Limousine Bus is is the budget and most convenient option if your hotel is located at one of the drop-off points along the bus route. It greatly helps those with lots of luggage.

Go for a private transfer or taxi if you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to drag your luggage around. This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more. ( Book via Klook with best price offer )

Few considerations when you choose which mode of transportation, which is budget, time-consuming, Convenience, and where you heading to.

We have documented a Japan transport Guide to help you decide on your transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo City – From Narita Airport To Tokyo: How To Decide Your Best Transport .

Getting Around in Japan

Japan has the best and most effective public transportation system in the world, making it easy to get around the country, either by high-speed train (Shinkansen), local train, bus, or self-driving .

The Japanese train system is amazing with an extensive network of high-speed trains that can take you almost everywhere in Japan. Trains are typically reliable, comfortable, run on time, and are super fast. Train travel is the best option, for city-to-city transfer when you planning to move between the major cities. It can be done by bus but it would be much slower. Most of the time, we used the train to travel around Japan.

Check the Japan JR Pass to travel in Japan with hassle-free

Renting Car in Japan

If you want to have a bit more flexibility, have an easier time getting off the beaten path, or simply don’t want to be at the mercy of inconvenient train or bus timetables then renting a car could be a good option for you. While you don’t need a car in big cities and towns in Japan (all of the city centers are incredibly walkable and public transit is quite good), it can be really helpful if you want to get out into nature or visit some areas with fewer public transit connections such as Hokkaido and Kyushu.

Find and compare your rental car at RentalCars.com .

Self-driving is the best way to explore the regions especially if you are traveling with family and kids. If you’re interested in hiring a car in Japan, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best prices on a car rental. Different options and a wide selection of cars with price comparisons.

Besides, we also documented how to rent a car and drive in Japan. Read here for the  Useful Tips on Renting A Car in Japan .

What is JR Pass?

As a traveler planning on a DIY itinerary to Japan , for sure you heard about JR Pass . JR Pass is a form of rail pass that provides almost unlimited access to all JR trains in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. This is a unique train pass available only to foreign visitors that makes train travel much cheaper.

But take note, JR Pass is only valid for JR trains under Japan Rail Company . In Japan, many train companies are well-connected between and within the cities, and JR is one of the biggest and most comprehensive train companies with Shinkansen also under JR.

Getting a JR Pass makes sense ONLY if you are planning to visit multiple cities in Japan. The JR Pass is not cheap but the train fare between cities isn’t cheap too! You’ll be saving a lot more by getting a JR Pass. The pass is counting by days, so we recommend that you wait to activate your JR Pass until you are leaving Tokyo for long-distance train travel around Japan.

The easiest and least expensive way to buy the Japan Rail Pass is online from an official JR Pass vendor before you leave for Japan. It is considerably cheaper (10 to 13% cheaper) to get it ready at your home country compared to buying it on the spot. You can check out the latest prices for green and ordinary passes on Klook  or  Japan Rail Pass for more information.

Click here for prices & information on how to order and save with the JR Pass .

Japan Travel Tip : Due to the massive price increase for the Japan Rail Pass, travelers might find it harder to maximize the value of the JR Pass. This pass will only be worth the money if you plan to travel to many places in Japan. You can get the Point-to-Point Shinkansen Ride with a QR Code for a hassle-free ride.

Planning on Japan Itinerary

Although Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are three of Japan’s most iconic cities, there are still many interesting places to explore. For first-timers visiting Japan, 2-weeks is the best duration to experience the highlight of Japan .

With two weeks in your hand, you can plan your Japan itinerary with the most popular travel route, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and included some day trips from the big cities, such as Hakone, Nara, Uji, and more. You can also include some of the central regions and visit the traditional Japanese village if time permitted.

We will include the recommended day trip as part of this Japan itinerary travel guide blog. Besides, rest assured, this Japan itinerary can be also flexible if you only have less than 2 weeks in Japan. We will reduce the traveling time and guide you on where to stay in Japan, without keeping switching to hotels when traveling here.

Here are some sample Japan itineraries to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima area with travel tips at each session.

Our Japan itinerary (Popular Route) :

• Day 1 – 5: Arrived in Japan. Exploring Kanto Region in Tokyo and nearby day trips. (At least 3 Days)
• Day 6 – 11 : Heading to the Kansai region for Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and more. (At least 4 Days)
• Day 12 – 18 : Proceed to Chubu Region to Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanawaza, and more. (At least 4 Days)
• Alternatively, further to the Chugoku region to visit the infamous Hiroshima and Miyajima (At least 2 days)

All different routes are the ideal itineraries to follow if you want to explore several Japanese cities in two to three weeks. You can easily pick 2 to 3 popular routes from above and combine some of the small cities and towns that we’ll be going to share in the below Japan travel blog which appeals to you the most.

Let’s start to check out this ultimate Japan travel itinerary!

Japan Itinerary 1st Stop: Kanto region

Start this classic Japan itinerary in the modern and urban Japan capital of Tokyo. This incredible Japanese city is popular for a reason: it is absolutely beautiful, energetic, easy to navigate, and packed with fun and interesting things to do.

This ultra-modern city has one of the world´s best and most amazing shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is also filled with Japanese history so that travelers also have the opportunity to cover quite a bit of ground and get to know this great city. There is plenty to do and see in Tokyo. Spend at least two to three full days in Tokyo city and do short day trips outside of Tokyo!

The ideal Japan itinerary in the Kanto region is as below :

Day 1: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shikuju, or Roppongi. Day 2: Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara. Day 3: Tsujiki Market/Toyosu Market, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba. Day 4 – 5 : Short trip to Hakone, Kawaguchiko, or Nikko.

Further Read More : Tokyo Itinerary – What To Do in Tokyo .

Things To Do in Japan Itinerary (Kanto Region)

Tokyo is the place to experience the modern side and culture of this amazing country. It can be divided into eight exciting neighborhoods or 23 special wards, and each place offers different types of interesting things to do and see.

Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi

Harajuku – Famed for its fashion scene, quirky culture, cosplay shops, and so much more! This is the place where Tokyo’s youth come to show off their latest fashion outfit and shop for new ones. But you can have both the traditional and modern culture on the same day.

Start your day in the pleasant walk in Yoyogi Park toward to the Meiji Shrine, a historical Shinto Shrine in Tokyo located in Harajuku. You might even see the Shinto wedding if lucky!

Next, walk across the street to Takeshita Dori that filled with captivating shops and cafes, trendy people, and street food. Then walking through the Omotesando, the Tokyo version of Champs Elysées, with designer boutiques and international fashion brands. The cat’s street, a more relaxed and hipper kind of vibe also hidden in the street of Harajuku.

Shibuya – The center of Tokyo, along with Shinjuku. It is a major action and fun area with lots of restaurants, a shopping mall with a strong youth presence towards fashion and culture.

The famous Shibuya Crossing is found in front of Hachiko Exit, Shinjuku. Every few minutes the pedestrian light would turn green in this world´s busiest pedestrian and the entire crossing will be filled with a ton of people coming from all directions. A crazy scene that has been featured in many movies, video games, and music videos.

Don’t forget to check out the famous Hachiko Statue, a legendary Japanese dog who is famous for being extremely loyal.

Shinjuku – Another major city center of Tokyo with the modern skyscrapers building surrounding. Go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a bird’s eye view of Tokyo for free. In Shinjuku, you will also find Golden Gai and Memory Lane, and restaurant alleys that have been unchanged since the second world war.

The Memory Lane aka Omoide Yokocho or “Piss Alley” is featured varied tiny eateries and small izakaya, the best place to spend your dinner or supper with ramens, kushiyaki, yakitori (skewered grilled chicken), and more. You can drink Japanese beer, sake, or whiskey highball here! Having food in the Tokyo alley to feel nostalgic for traditional Japanese food.

Roppongi – This area is famous for entertainment and nightlife with several galleries, shopping centers, and theaters. Together with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building at Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower, Roppongi is featured with the best night view of Tokyo at Roppongi Hills. Just pick one of them for the best view of Tokyo city.

Tokyo Fish Market, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba

Toyosu Market/Tsukiji Market – If you are a foodie like me, visiting the fish markets in Tokyo is a must. A visit to the crazy Tuna auction is one of the best ways to feel the atmosphere at the fish market in Tokyo.

The famous Tsukiji Fish Market (inner market) has been closed down and moved to Toyosu Market in 2019. But still, you can eat the fresh sushi and sashimi at both fish markets with many the excellent seafood restaurants for a culinary visit.

Ginza and Tokyo Tower – Tokyo’s version of New York`s Fifth Avenue, Ginza is one of the city’s upmarket shopping districts with broad boulevard shopping streets. Next couple your visit to Tokyo Tower, the signature tower of Tokyo.

Odaiba and Tokyo Bay – The man-made island to protect the marine life and it was turned into a modern shopping and entertainment center. It consists of a beach, a waterfront, promenades, and walkways with a lovely view of the Rainbow Bridge.

Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara

Asakusa – The ‘olden’ district where you can get a feel of how Tokyo was in the past decades. It is the favorite district by the backpacker with many cheap foods and budget accommodation around. Find Tokyo`s most visited temple, Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest temple in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Check out its impressive bright red gate – the Kaminarimon Gate at Asakusa and walk toward the shopping street Nakamisedori for some street food and souvenirs.

Tokyo’s tallest building, the Tokyo Sky Tree is located beside the Sumida River and Park.

Unique Attractions in Kanto Region

If you’re planning to spend more time in Tokyo, then you may want to have some interesting attractions to visit on the Japan itinerary. Listed below are some unique tourist activities that you can include in Tokyo.

• Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea ,
• Street Go Karting Experience in Akihabara (Booking is a MUST!)
• teamLab Borderless (Temporary Closed for relocation)

Note : teamLab Borderless in Odaiba Closed August 31, 2022 and it is relocating to the Toranomon-Azabudai Project which will completion at 2023. Rest assure. Visitor can still visiting teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu until the end of 2023.

Short Trips in Kanto Region

If you’re interested in seeing more of the Japanese nature beyond its capital, use one of the days in this Japan itinerary to go on a day trip. There are countless amazing places to visit from Tokyo and for sure will give you a great view of Japan.

Nikko – Located north of Tokyo with 2 hours by train, Nikko is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. It is a lovely hillside town with an impressive amount of Buddhist temples and shrines tucked away in the green and lush forest.

Hakone – A onsen town to experience the natural hot spring bath in Tokyo. It’s also famous for beautiful nature such as Lake Ashi, and Owakudani Hell Valley, and also a chance for you to see Mount Fuji up close (depending on the weather).

Kamakura – A beach-side little town with about a 1-hour train journey from Tokyo. Kamakura’s highlight is the stunning old Buddhist temples with a tall bronze statue of Amida Buddha, completed in 1252.

Fuji Five Lakes and Mt Fuji – A lovely area with five lakes surrounding Mt Fuji with about 2 hours by train from Tokyo. The Kawaguchi-ko is the most popular lake among the five lakes, and several temples and shrines can be planned into your Japan itinerary. The Red Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background is one of the popular attractions in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

After enjoying a number of great days in the Kanto region, it’s time to head on to your next destination!

To save up on transportation costs, consider getting the transport passes to get around Hakone, Kamakura, and Fuji Five lakes areas.

Hakone Free Pass (from ¥4,600) – Valid for two or three days, can be used for unlimited travel on eight transportation options including the Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and Hakone Ropeway.

Hakone Kamakura Pass (from ¥7,000) – Valid for three days, unlimited use of all transportation options in Hakone areas and also to Kamakura. The transportation option also included all Odakyu Lines (Odakyu Odawara Line, Odakyu Enoshima Line, Odakyu Tama Lines, and Enoden trains between Fujisawa and Kamakura.

Read more on how to visit Hakone in the budget way : The Ultimate Hakone itinerary with Hakone Free Pass .

What To Eat in Kanto Region

Make sure to taste the mouthwatering Japanese cuisine when traveling in Tokyo city. There is so much delicious food to eat in Japan, from Michelin star Restaurants, and local traditional cuisine, to cheap budget food. Just grab a hot bowl of steaming ramen and slurp away just like the locals.

Related Food blog in Tokyo and Kanto Region for you if you’re looking for what to eat in Kanto Region.

• Mutekiya Ramen Ikebukuro: Must Eat Tokyo Best Ramen
• Ichiran Ramen Ueno: Best Ramen Shop in Ueno Tokyo
• Daikokuya Tempura: Asakusa Must Eat Food
• Chuka Soba Tomita Ramen: Tokyo Best Tsukemen
• Ichifuku Shibuya: A Taste of Tokyo Michelin Miso Ramen

You may also read our Tokyo food Guide on what Japanese dishes you must try when visiting Tokyo.

Where To Stay in Japan: Kanto Region

Tokyo has an incredible variety of accommodation available with several great places to stay in Tokyo that will suit any travel style. Accommodations in Tokyo can range from the world’s most luxurious hotels, mid-range business hotels, ryokans (Japanese style inn), bed and breakfast, lodges, and budget hostels.

If you’re looking for a great place to rest your head, click here to read our Ultimate Guide to where to stay in Tokyo .

We recommended staying in the Shinjuku area due to its convenience and close to the main transportation hub for the JR train, buses, and metro system.

Shinjuku Top Pick : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is our best pick and we loved it. The price is reasonable, featured comfortable rooms with excellent service and location, close to the subway/train station Shinjuku. The JR train station is within walking distance. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and eateries nearby. Extremely popular and rooms also run out fast.

Alternatively, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is located right next to the lively Kabukicho area. So you can find a lot of eateries and restaurants nearby. Added, it is only a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. Spacious and clean room to make a comfortable stay.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse the best deals on hotels in Tokyo .

It is also best to plan to stay one night in the traditional ryokans, such as Hakone to soak into the natural hot spring bath to experience the Japanese culture in style. Our top recommendation especially for first-time travelers is Tonosawa.

Nestled in the arms of a picturesque valley, this area is renowned for its hot spring bath and quieter place to base yourself on a trip to Hakone. The historical Ichinoyu Honkan and Fukuzumiro are the perfect picks.

It can be difficult to find the best stay in Hakone, click here to read our ultimate guide to where to stay in Hakone .

Japan Itinerary 2nd Stop: Kansai Region

Next, heading to the Kansai region to continue Japan’s adventure. Here, you will explore Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji in this part of Japan itinerary. Take note that it takes around 3 to 4 hours by bullet train (shinkansen) to get to Kyoto from Tokyo. With that said, the Japan itinerary for the first day in the Kansai region should be fewer, but depending on your arrival time, it’s still possible to do a lot.

The ideal Japan itinerary in Kansai region is as below :

Day 6: From Tokyo to Kyoto. Half-Day Trip to Uji. Day 7: Southern Higashiyama at Kyoto. Day 8: Kyoto West Area: Arashiyama and Kinkajuji. Day 9: Day Trip to Nara. Day 10: From Kyoto to Osaka. Exploring Osaka. Day 11: Osaka.

Of course, depending on your travel plan, you can freely swap the day arrangement or attractions in your Japan itinerary!

Related Read for Japan Itinerary at Kansai Region :

• Things To Do With Osaka Amazing Pass for 1 day or 2 days
• 15 Things To Do and Eat for 3 Days in Kyoto
• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto
• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto

Things To Do in Japan Itinerary (Kansai Region)

Before continuing on the Japan itinerary in the Kansai region, make sure you understand how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. The main golden route in Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected with the Tokaido Shinkansen line. This line offers the fastest and smoothest way for traveling between Tokyo station, and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto stations, included with the Japan Rail Pass .

A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes up to 140 minutes at ¥13,080, depending on train type.

Speed Train running between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto:

• Nozomi trains are the fastest with only 140 minutes at about ¥14,000 with seat reservation and ¥13,080 on the non-reserved seat. Not included in JR Pass.
• Hikari trains slightly slower at 160 minutes with seat reserved cost at ¥13,500 and non-reserved at ¥13,080.
• Kodama trains take about four hours with a seat reserved at ¥13,500 and non-reserved at ¥13,080.

Once everything is settled and check in to your hotel in Kyoto, it’s time to kick start again your Japan travel itinerary in the Kansai region.

One of the most iconic cities to visit on any Japan itinerary is Kyoto, Japan’s historical and cultural capital. Known for its grand colorful Shinto shrines, ancient Buddhist temples, and fantastic Japanese gardens, Kyoto is an incredible city to visit no matter what kind of Japan route your find yourself on.

Take at least two days to explore the city to its fullest, taking in all of the main sites like the Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and many others. Remember, no Japan trip is complete without a visit to Kyoto, it is mandatory!

Southern Higashiyama Kyoto

Located along the slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountain, the Southern Higashiyama is a preserved historic district and very popular in Kyoto. The notable attractions include the grand Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the cozy streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka lined with traditional wooden buildings, and the Yasada Pagoda.

Besides, it is a good idea by wearing the kimono and exploring this area to experience the feel of ‘old Kyoto’. You’ll definitely fall in love with Kyoto here and I highly recommend doing it in the unique atmosphere of Kyoto.

Kiyomizudera : A famous temple in Kyoto that’s listed under the UNESCO World Heritage. Best known for its wooden stage that stretches out to the hillside as it offers great views over the cherry and maple trees. (Admission is ¥400).

Fushimi-inari : Famous for the arcades of vermillion torii gates. One of the most important shrines in southern Kyoto that you absolutely must NOT miss! From the main base building, there are thousands of eye-catching torii leading to the forest of Mount Inari. The hike takes about 3 hours but you’re free to stop halfway and return to the base whenever you like.

Kyoto West Area

Located on the west side of Kyoto, Arashiyama is another must-visit in Kyoto and is particularly popular during the spring and autumn season. Arashiyama is full of incredibly interesting things to do and offers so much beyond its main sights.

Plan your Japan itinerary by riding the Sagano scenic sightseeing train to Arashiyama, taking the Hozugawa River Boat ride, enjoying the scenic walk under the famous bamboo groves, and crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge, or visiting the Monkey Park Iwatayama.

To avoid the crowd, I recommend coming to Arashiyama in the early morning. And you can also pre-book your Sagano scenic Train ticket via Klook to enjoy the mountain view at the Japanese village, riding along the Hozugawa River.

Related Read :

• Ride On Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway
• Half Day Trip To Arashiyama

Kinkakuji : Another popular sight in Kyoto. The Zen temple is completely covered in gold leaf with golden shiny color. You can enjoy its impressive architecture as it overlooks a picturesque pond. Just follow the path and walk around the lake to marvel at the famous Golden Pavillion floating on its small lake.

Check out our trip to Kinkajuji from Arashiyama .

Gion : Kyoto’s historic neighborhood and offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan´s history. Some of the houses are best preserved from the Edo period until today. It is also Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. A lot of visitors come and visit with the hope to catch a glimpse of a Geiko as she hurries through the streets.

Pontocho : This is a dining area that’s packed with restaurants offering a wide range of choices from local to foreign cuisines.

Nishiki Market : Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this is a long yet narrow shopping street that features over 100 lively shops and restaurants. A great spot for you to visit for your Japan itinerary if you want to buy any fresh produce or Kyoto specialties.

If you still have some more time, there are still many notable temples and shrines that does not include in this Japan itinerary. The Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Toji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and many more are worth spending time exploring in Kyoto.

Day Trip in Kansai Region: Nara

Because you have the time if you’re following this particular itinerary, it is also a great idea to go on a day trip from Kyoto. One of the most popular is the Nara, which is only about an hour from Kyoto. You could also head to Uji, which is also a great place to visit for its traditional green tea and historical shrine.

Both Nara and Uji are located between Kyoto and Osaka. So it is flexible to interchange if you want to plan for the day trip from either location.

Nara : It is always a great idea to plan a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka. The traveling journey takes about 1 hour by train. You can venture into the Nara district for its historic treasures and adorable deer park.

Deer Park : The large park in the center of Nara is home to thousands of wild free-roaming deer. In the Shinto religion, deers are considered messengers of gods and Nara made them as a symbol of their city. Feed them by buying the crackers that are sold all over the park at a low cost. Do be careful though as they can get quite playful some times.

Todaiji Temple : One of the landmarks in Nara. The Big Buddha hall, Daibutsuden is the world’s largest wooden structure and houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue.

Day Trip in Kansai Region: Uji

Uji is more like a hidden gem with peaceful charm yet historical importance. It takes approximately 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. It is famous for its high quality green tea products and historical shrine. So don’t forget to taste the matcha green tea and dessert in Uji.

A famous temple in Uji is the Byodoin Temple. The sight of its Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond’s surface has a beauty that is beyond imagination.

Next, it’s time to explore the amazing Osaka, the second-largest metropolitan in Japan after Tokyo. This wonderful city is best known for its grand shogunate Osaka Castle, and also a popular kitchen hub for some of the best restaurants in Japan.

Osaka Castle : An iconic Osaka landmark, one of the few historical sights in the modern city of Osaka since the 16th century. This Japanese castle has been destroyed during the war and restores to its original with the support of the government and the Osaka people. The exterior was designed to what it looks like centuries ago, but the interior is utterly modern with air-conditioned and lifts supported.

Kuromon Ichiba Market : If you’re looking for a fresh seafood market in Osaka, this is the place to go to for your Japan itinerary. A lively covered market full of the shop selling local produce and a huge variety of fresh seafood. Taste the sea urchin, fugu fish, scallop, gigantic crab, or the toro from any one of the stores here.

Umeda Sky Building : A 173-meter unique building design consists of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. Don’t miss out on the photo opportunities on the long escalator that leads to this observatory!

Shinsekai : An entertainment district in the early 20th century but was neglected in the decades afterward. It is now is full of uniqueness and memorability with many nostalgic and vintage things. Visit the Tsutenkaku Tower (the symbol of the district) and taste the kushikatsu (battered deep-fried foods) in Shinseikai.

Dotonbori : A lively entertainment area that runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. In Dotonbori, you’ll find it full of shops, restaurants, and bars with eye-catching billboards and neon lights. The signature Glico’s Running Man signboard is located at Dodonbori. Make sure that you visit here at night!

Unique Attractions in Kansai Region

There are also some unique attractions that worth to coupled into your trip in Kansai region.

Universal Studios Japan needs a little introduction. It’s one of Osaka’s most visited attractions, and worth to spend your time in this famous Theme Park. Favorite attractions include the newly open Mario Adventureland, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Minions, Transformers, and Jurassic Park!

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) with 1, 1.5 and 2-day Studio Pass

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was an amazing experience and would recommend this to anyone who loves sea creatures. It is one of the world’s largest aquariums, with over 600 species of animals and witness aquatic animals of the Pacific Rim in the recreation of their habitats.

Skip the ticket queue with Klook voucher !

What To Eat in Kansai Region

Osaka is known as one of the ultimate food destinations in Japan. It is a city with passionate food lovers and an abundance of things to eat. Takoyaki (Octopus Ball), Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake), Kushikatsu (Battered, Deep-Fried Skewer), ramen, sushi, and more.

A variety of food and restaurants can be found in Osaka. If you’re not sure where and what to eat, the two main places to try a variety of food are Dotonbori and Ichiba Kuromon market.

Dotonbori — Probably the best place in Osaka to get your fill of street food, you can find mouth-watering snacks here for really affordable prices. One of the must-tries is Takoyaki!

Kuromon Ichiba Market — One of the top spots for fresh seafood, you can find various stores selling freshly cut sashimi don for as low as ¥380, ramen bowls for ¥250, as well as oysters and grills on sticks.

For more food options in Osaka! Check out our Osaka Food Guide .

While food in Kyoto is more focus on traditional local dishes which required good quality of water to produce. You can have a good taste on Tofu, Sake, soba, or some of the modern and traditional twist food for your food journey in Kyoto.

Related Kyoto Food Blog : Top 7 Must Eat Food in Kyoto .

Where To Stay in Japan: Kansai Region

To ease on your Japan itinerary for where to stay in the Kansai region, we recommended staying in Kyoto and Osaka when planning on your Japan itinerary for Kansai region. Depend on your preferences, each area have their advantages and what type of accommodations you are interested in.

Best Stay in Kansai Region: Osaka

Osaka is the major city and a vibrant hub of the Kansai region. It has well-connected public transport with JR Shinkansen, speed trains, local trains, busses in the city. Food lovers would love to stay in the city because it is a food paradise with a variety of good choices. Osaka is not just about food, but it’s a great place to start your journey in Kansai and a handy base for most adventures and tourist hot spots. The accommodation ranges are also very wide, and great choices from luxury high-end hotels to the budget hostel.

Best Value : Cross Hotel Osaka is located about a 5-minute walk from the Namba Station Midosuji Line. This 4-star hotel by far is one the most popular hotel in Osaka and always the top pick of travelers. The location is fantastic which situated between Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. That’s mean all the restaurants and shopping arcades are within walking distance. All rooms have comfy beds and there are a lot of rooms to choose from. Personally, Cross Hotel Osaka is a perfect place for families and all kinds of travelers. Room running fast, make sure to book earlier.

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Cross Hotel Osaka .

Popular Pick : Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda is a 3-star hotel situated nearby Umeda Station. It is a decent chain of business hotels in Japan. All rooms are cozy and modern. Very suited and practical for the traveler who looks for a comfortable stay. Reasonable price tag too!

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda .

Best Stay in Kansai Region: Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the best stay to stay in Kansai region. It is a perfect stay for lovers of history thanks to its sprawling tapestry of iconic temples, Shinto shrines and prominent buildings. If you would like to stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn, where you sleep on futon mats and eat a traditional Japanese dinner then Kyoto has more Ryokans than any other city.

Best Stay : Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is another popular pick in Kyoto. You will fall in love with this cozy hotel once you walked in. The environment is so tranquil and serene with various styled rooms available. Perfect location at Kawaramachi Sanjo within walking distance from station, cool modern decor with elegant Japanese elements. Most importantly, this beautiful historic hotel is offering rooms at a reasonable price.

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo .

Japan Itinerary 3rd Stop: Chubu Region (Option)

Lastly on the Japan itinerary is the Chubu region. In fact, the Chubu region is my favorite travel destination of all. Many notable attractions are worth to into your Japan itinerary. Here is the best pick from my travel experience with all the highlights that you’re not gonna miss. We have considered the traveling time and interest in below Japan travel plan, and you’re welcome to change according to your needs. Our recommendation attractions included.

The ideal Japan itinerary in the Chubu region with 5 days is as below :

Day 12: From Osaka to Takayama. Day 13 – 14: Kamikochi and Stay in Hirayu Onsen Day 15: Shiragawago. Day 16: Kanazawa. Day 17: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Day 18: Matsumoto.

Things to do in Japan Itinerary: Chubu Region

Takayama: If you’re looking for a thoroughly old and authentic traditional Japanese village, traveling to the city of Takayama is a must. It is a beautifully preserved old mountain city located in northern Gifu Prefecture in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Strolling in Sanmachi Suji with beautiful old preserved streets lined with charming old wooden houses with small shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Sample some local specialties such as Hida beef sushi, Mitarashi Dango (savory skewer rice ball topped with soy sauce and sesame paste), and taste the local sake. It all makes you feel like you are back in the old Japanese Edo period.

Check if your Japan itinerary falls within the famous Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s best festivals . It is held in the old town twice a year, in spring (14th – 15th of April) and autumn (9th – 10th of October), a great fun experience.

We loved Takayama and recommended spending at least one day in the beautifully preserved old city of Takayama. Many budget accommodations and nice ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that you can consider spending one night here.

Where to Stay : Located within the historical area in the central town, this delightful Hotel Wood Takayama gains its popularity. The Takayama’s top attraction, Sanmachi street is just a door away. This brand new hotel has a beautiful contemporary design and traditional touch, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventures. Extremely popular and room easily fully booked.

Getting To Takayama from Osaka :

The simplest and most comfortable way to travel between Osaka and Takayama is to take the Limited Express Hida which runs directly between Osaka Station and Takayama Station in around 4 hours and 20 minutes. There is only one train service each day which leaves in the morning.

Alternatively, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya and then change to the Hida service there. The train journey takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, and you can consider spending a little time exploring Nagoya city.

The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the Limited Express Hida and also covers shinkansen services between Osaka and Nagoya, except the Nozomi train.

Kamikochi and Hirayu Onsen

Kamikochi : A perfect day trip from Takayama for hiking in the Japanese Alps. It is Japan’s best kept secret and preserved in its natural state. Many travelers are coming along the way to Kamikochi for its stunning scenery, alpine flora, wildlife, and plants.

The whole journey took us about six hours, hiking along the beautiful Azusa river. End your hike by staying one night in traditional ryokans in Hirayu Onsen.

There are many traditional onsen ryokan in the Hirayu Onsen region. We stayed in the  Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso (水明館 佳留萱山荘)  is a hot spring paradise located in a gorgeous remote valley. It featured amazing hot spring variety with a splendid view of the mountains. 

Note: Close for renovation (2022)

Shirakawago

Shirakawa-go: One of the popular attractions in Japan’s itinerary and listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a small, picturesque traditional village in Japan with the signature Gassho-style farmhouses. The Gassho-zukuri Houses is a unique praying hand design with a steep slanting thatched roof system. Many of them are already 250 years old and most of them are now museums and restaurants.

Stroll around the narrow streets and admire the famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go. For more info, read the Shirakawago itinerary here.

Transport Arrangement to Shirakwago :

Take the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go in the morning which takes about 40 minutes. Nohi bus (濃飛巴士) departs every hour, running between Shirakawago, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama. When you arrived in Shirakawago, leave your luggage at the tourist center and explore the village.

At the end of the day, take your luggage and continue your travel journey to Kanazawa by Nohi bus (40 minutes). Alternatively, do a day trip back to Shirakawa-go from Takayama instead if you don´t want to bring your luggage.

The bus fare costs about ¥2,000 one way. Unfortunately, Shirakawago is not accessible by train, and JR Pass is not valid on these buses. If your Japan itinerary only covers the Chubu region, the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass will be covered on this.

The little Kyoto in Northern Japan, Kanazawa. It is the capital of the Ishikawa prefecture and it boasts historical attractions. Spend a day wandering around Kanazawa city, sample the delicious Japanese seafood, and visit the Japanese garden, museum, and historical building here.

There are many things to do in Kanazawa as part of your Japan itinerary:

• Kenrokuen – A Japanese Garden ranked as one of the top three gardens in Japan.
• Nagamachi Samurai District – Beautifully preserved Samurai with full of Edo period atmosphere.
• Chaya district – The Geisha districts with old traditional Japanese wood houses and well-preserved traditional buildings in this neighborhood.
• Omicho Market – Local traditional market in Japan, selling local produce such as seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more. Best place to sample various local foods and other delicious Japanese dishes.
• And Kanazawa 21st Century Museum, Historical Kanazawa Castle, temples, shrines, and more.

Where to Stay : We stayed in Hotel MyStays Kanazawa Castle , a standard business hotel in Japan at a reasonable price tag. It has the best location in Kanazawa, within walking distance from the Kanazawa station. Guests can enjoy the in-house hot spring bath which is a great plus. Click for the room availability .

Getting around Kanazawa is very convenient with excellent bus transportation services. The  Kanazawa Loop Bus  and  Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus covered almost all the attractions in Kanazawa city. The flat-rate fee at ¥200 per ride for adults and you can get the  Hokutetsu One Day Pass  at Kanazawa Station.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

If you’re up for incredible and unique nature activities in Japan, it’s a MUST to visit the stunning mountain sightseeing route that’s commonly referred to as the “Roof of Japan”. You will travel across the alps of Japan by different transport means for an awesome and unique nature experience.

This Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is only open from the 15th of April till the 30th of November, as it closes during winter. The popular grand ‘Snow Wall’ that’s open from mid-April to late June. While beautiful alpine flowers started to bloom around June with the lush green mountain range, and slowly turn their color from green to yellow and red in fall.

Remember to bring warm clothes with good walking shoes. You might experience a different season here, just like us! The scenery is changing from Autumn foliage to winter sonata during our visit to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in October.

Depend on where you start your journey, either from west to east or another way round. Follow from our Japan itinerary, you can start from Kanazawa, 1 hour from Dentetsu Toyama (the start point for the Kurobe Alps). Alternatively, rest your head in Toyama if you want to start the journey early. The whole journey takes about 9 hours and you will end at Shinano-Omachi before proceeding to Matsumoto.

Take note that JR Pass does not cover the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. You need to purchase the additional Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket at ¥9,800. Highly recommended to get this option ticket to save yourself the headache.

Sound confusing? Read through the below explanation and you’ll find out it is very easy to plan on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary .

After the exhausting day on Alpine Route, take an easy and relaxing stroll in Matsumoto, one of Japan’s finest cosmopolitan cities that still have that rural feel.

The main attraction in Matsumoto is the beautiful black and white Japanese Castle, one of the Top Three Japan Premier Castle and the most complete up to today. The castle is surrounded by a lake and a bright red photogenic bridge. Spend your day in the Matsumoto castle and stroll along the Nawate-dori, along the river with cozy shops and cafes.

This is the kind of place that can keep you occupied in relaxing vibes, with its stunning castle, captivating districts, and enchanting vistas.

Where To Stay : We rest our heads in Ace Inn Matsumoto after the end of the Alpine Route trip. It is a great little business hotel with a convenient location. The location is superb, right in the center of Matsumoto, within walking distance of the train station.

A little bit of upgrade and stay at central Matsumoto,  Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring  and  Buena Vista  offer luxurious and professional service at a reasonable price.

Other Notable Attractions in Chubu Region:

Nagoya : The main city in the Chubu region and known for its towering castle. Other notable sites are including Nabano no Sato, Atsuta Shrine, and mouthwatering tebasaki (Japanese chicken wing) and miso dishes.

See here for a list of things to do in Nagoya to plan on your Japan itinerary.

Where to Stay : We stayed in  Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya and highly recommended it. Strategic location and next to the subway station. We also recommended Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel which is directly connected to Nagoya JR Station. It is one of the great choices for travelers looking for a convenient stay.

Jigokudani Monkey Park : The ‘Snow Monkeys’ bathing in a natural onsen is only found in Niigata, Yamanouchi. This is the best place where you can watch the snow money up close in the park. The park is open all year but if you want the best photos of the monkeys, come from January to February when the park is covered in blinding white snow.

Japan Itinerary 3rd Stop: Chugoku Region (Option)

Chugoku region is lesser known by travelers compared to the Kanto and Kansai region. But many locals love visiting the Chugoku region for its well-known historical, traditional shrines, and natural beauty. The Shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima takes only 1.5 hours. Again, for JR Pass holders, take note that you cannot ride on Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen.

We recommended spending at least 2 days in this region to explore it with a relaxed vibe. But, it is possible to do Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day via a day trip from Shin-Osaka. However, some planning is necessary and you can only focus on certain attractions.

Related Chugoku Region itinery:

• Hiroshima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Miyajima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Mt Misen Itinerary: Miyajima Ropeway and Hiking Travel Guide

Hiroshima should be a name familiar to those who studied world history in school and all of us. With the grim past, Hiroshima is full of fantastic sights and historical attractions.

The important historical sites like A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum  are all powerful and confronting. A visit to Hiroshima is truly an emotionally-encompassing experience!

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island : We also recommended spending another day on this enchanted island. It is only about 45 minutes from Hiroshima station with a combination of the train and the ferry. The best thing is  Japan Rail Pass allowed visitors to make the round-trip by train and ferry for free!

Miyajima island houses the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine and its enormous torii gate. At high tide, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the giant Torii gate appear to float on water. The island is so beautiful to walk around, with ancient temples to admire, and delicious food stores offering oysters and local snacks.

Where to Stay : Hiroshima Station is the best place to situate yourself if you are with a tight schedule. The location is very convenient and you can use the train, catch the streetcar, and Meipuru-pu bus when traveling around the city.

APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi  is a popular chain Japanese hotel, offering a clean and comfortable stay. Conveniently located within a 4-minute walk from the JR Hiroshima station. Your stay is boasted spacious public baths at a reasonable price tag.

Related Read : Where To Stay in Hiroshima: Best Hotels Pick

How To Maximized Japan Rail Pass in Japan Itinerary

It’s hard to include all the attractions just in one Japan itinerary. The above Japan itinerary included most of the interesting places that are worth putting into your Japan travel trip, depending on your interest and budget. But there are still more hidden gems and you can’t pack with SO many interesting places in one trip.

Due to the massive price increase for the Japan Rail Pass, travelers might find it harder to maximize the value of the JR Pass. This pass will only be worth the money if you plan to travel to many places in Japan. Luckily there are more budget-friendly alternatives to getting around Japan!

Here is our recommendation for maximizing the Japan Rail Pass in Japan itinerary.

If you only have 7 days or less in Japan: It’s preferable to just stay in one region, like Kanto and Kansai, especially if it’s your first time in Japan. You can explore each region based on our recommendation.

Japan Travel Tip : If you’re only planning to visit one region in your Japan itinerary, then you don’t need a Japan Rail Pass and you can consider getting the JR regional pass for respective region.

• JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass at Chubu Region.
• JR West Kansai Area Pass that focusing on Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe area.
• JR Wide Kansai Area Pass to visit Okayama, Wakayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, and more.

If you only have 10 to 15 days in Japan: Pick any two regions for your Japan itinerary. It is possible to do 5 or 6 days in Kanto, and 5 or 6 days in Kansai Region. It is possible to squeeze in some of the attractions in the Chubu region if you’re willing to do a fast-paced trip.

Japan Travel Tip : It’s a good idea to get a JR Pass for this. You can get the 7-Day JR Pass and plan your Japan itinerary accordingly. Depends on your preferred stops, so you should read through this article.

If you only have more than 15 days in Japan: With this number of days, you’ve got all the time to take things easy! You freely extend your days per area to see any places you can explore when planning on your Japan itinerary travel route.

Japan Travel Tip : For sure you’ll travel to a lot of places. Just get a JR Pass for 14-Days or 21-Days , and plan your Japan itinerary travel route.

That being said, a two-week Japan itinerary is the best way to explore some of the popular sights and introduce some of the cities in Japan.

It’s preferable to just stay in one region, like Kanto and Kansai, especially if it’s your first time in Japan.

Pick any two regions for your Japan itinerary. It is possible to do 5 or 6 days in Kanto, and 5 or 6 days in Kansai Region.

With this number of days, you’ve got all the time to take things easy! You freely extend your days per area to see places you can explore when planning your Japan itinerary travel route.

Wrap-Up: My Japan Itinerary?

Phew! That’s it for a full detail of Japan itinerary for your trip! Japan is a country that’s rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s no wonder why it’s a popular destination for travelers from all around the world.

We have traveled to Japan many times and here is all the best pick with the popular route for you to travel. Take note that it is impossible to pack all of the attractions as you will be running around from one place to the next places without enjoying the most.

Obviously, there is more to Japan other than the famous Japan travel destinations of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya , and more. We also share the links to access the Kyushu and Hokkaido region . Although those places do not include in this Japan itinerary, if you have more days on your Japan itinerary, consider filling it up with any of the following destinations!

For a complete list of amazing tours and activities to do in Japan, see here!

• Japan Travel Guide: Thing To Do and Eat in Japan
• Japan Food Guide: Must-Try Japanese Dishes in Japan

Japan Itinerary by region :

• Kanto Japan – Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko.
• Kansai Japan – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe.
• Kansai Wide Region – Wakayama, Kumano, Kii-Katsuura, Hyogo, and more.
• Chugoku Region  – Hiroshima, Miyajima island, Mount Misen.
• Chubu Region – Nagoya, Takayama, Shiragawa-go, Toyama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and more.
• Kyushu Region – Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, Aso, Miyazaki, and more.
• Hokkaido Region  – Sapporo, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Asahikawa, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Furano, and more.

Useful transportation guide to save you some money when traveling in Japan:

A Guide for Japan Rail JR Pass: Budget + Tips

• Useful Tips on Renting Car in Japan
• Finding The Best Kansai Train Pass: Budget Guide & Transport Tips
• Finding The Chubu Best Transport Pass: By Bus, Train, Self Driving

You Might Interested:

7 Days Kansai Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 2024 Planning on 7 days Kansai itinerary to Kyoto, Osaka,...

Where To Stay in Japan: Top City & Onsen Town

We have listed our accommodation guide at Japan's popular travel place. Check out read my...

Here sharing my budget tips using Japan Rail Pass from my previous experience in Japan....

What To Eat in Kyoto: Top 8 Must Eat Food Guide

Visiting Kyoto and looking for what to eat in Kyoto? Here is the top 7...

Nara Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog To Visit Nara

Nara is very ideal for a day trip from Osaka and Kyoto by train. Here...

Osaka Amazing Pass Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

The best way to visit Osaka with Osaka Amazing Pass! My 2-Days Osaka itinerary include...

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• Stories of Japan
• Japan Travel Spots
• JAPAN by Japan（ A Community for Fans of Japan! ）​
• Fun From Home
• Travel Agent List of Singapore
• Visa Information for Singapore
• Japan Rail Pass of Singapore
• About JNTO Singapore Office
• Enquiry Form
• Press Release
• Call for Proposals

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Story Things To Know Before Going on a Road Trip in Japan By JNTO On 22 June 2022

Travelling by car in Japan allows you to see the beauty of the country's diverse nature, such as cherry blossom-lined lanes and mountain routes, that trains and tour buses cannot access

You can travel any route you want and stop at anytime, making the trip more tailored to your preferences. Here are some tips to know before hitting the road in Japan.

Obtaining an International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive in Japan, you must first obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Apply for an IDP with the Automobile Association of Singapore, either online or in-person at their office. As long as you keep both the IDP and your national license with you at all times, you will be able to drive in Japan. Foreigners with an IDP are only allowed to drive for a maximum of one year while in Japan, even if their IDP is valid for a longer duration.

Choose a Route

Proper planning is essential for a safe and comfortable road trip when you drive long distances. Make a list of places you want to visit and plan your routes ahead of time. You may also use your preferred mobile navigation app to check the roads you want to take and the driving time. Creating a plan ensures a smooth trip and allows you to make the most of your time during your stay. Check out our road trip itineraries  for some inspiration.

Renting Cars

Before you hit the road, there are a few things to bear in mind when renting a car in Japan. Cars in Japan have the steering wheel on the right and drive on the left side of the road, similar to Singapore. When driving on toll roads, you have three options for payment: cash, credit card, or electronic toll collection (ETC). To utilize ETC, you need an ETC card as well as a vehicle with an ETC device so do check with the car rental provider ahead of time if they are available. You should also make sure that the cars you're renting have English navigation systems.

If you're travelling with a pet, check with the car rental company beforehand to see if any pet-friendly automobiles are available. It's also advisable to confirm the cost for returning the car to a different location and any other additional fees, as each company has its own pricing system.

Coin Parking

If your destination has no parking spaces available, you can try finding a coin-operated parking facility nearby. These facilities, commonly known as coin parking, can be found practically everywhere in Japan. The parking system may vary by location, but most lots are unmanned and equipped with wheel locks that keep your car in place until you pay the fee. As the name suggests, most of the lots will only have machines that accept cash, thus having some spare change on hand is essential when using these parking spaces.

Common Road Etiquette 

For a stress-free and joyful trip, it is a good idea to follow the road etiquette commonly practiced in Japan. One standard etiquette that may be confusing is the use of hazard lights. Japanese drivers will flash their hazard lights to express their gratitude when other drivers give way such as letting you switch lanes. Other etiquettes include the way people park in Japan. Due to the restricted and narrow parking spaces in Japan, drivers prefer to reverse into them as it is more convenient and safer when exiting the lot. Certain parking lots however, may have their own set of rules so keep an eye out for them when you enter one. Take our quiz on Japan’s road rules to find out more.

Plan Rest Stops Long drives will cause fatigue and make it difficult to concentrate. Make sure to include rest stops in your itinerary. It is suggested that drivers take a 20-minute break every two hours or so. Japan is famous for its numerous Service Areas (SA) and Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) which serve as rest areas for drivers to relax and refresh their focus. Michi-no-Eki in particular not only offer free parking, Wi-Fi and washrooms open 24/7, many also provide charging ports for electronic devices, ATM services and local produce for sale, with some even having hot spring facilities!

If you have an urgent need to use a restroom but can't find a rest area nearby, you can also head over to a nearby convenience store. Unlike Singapore, most stores come with washrooms but do make sure to ask the store workers before using them.

Pack Essentials Aside from the very essentials that you cannot go on the road without, such as your license and IDP, these items will help you have comfortable rides. First, always carry cash with you. Sometimes cashless payment is not available at a parking lot or a toll booth, and you may need some change to pay for the fee. It's also crucial to stay hydrated while driving. Remember to keep water bottles on hand and sip regularly. On sunny days, don't forget your sunglasses for better visibility.

Take Public Transport if needed Your trip does not necessarily have to be completed all by car. You can always use public transport when it is the easier way. There may be road closures and traffic congestions, and not all tourist attractions have sufficient parking. In such cases, taking a bus or train can be a better option than sticking to driving throughout the itinerary. In addition, car rentals are available at most of the country's major train stations. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest by taking advantage of both driving and public transportation.

In Case of Emergency

Try as you may, travel mishaps are sometimes unavoidable. If you are involved in an accident, dial #110 to contact the police, regardless of the severity of the situation. If anyone was injured in the accident, dial #119 to request an ambulance. You should also get in touch with your car rental provider for advice on what to do. Check for location markers, posted every kilometre on the highway, if you're having trouble stating your location when calling for help. Set up an emergency triangle or other warning markers behind your car if your car breaks down on the highway to notify approaching drivers .

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

Route Search

• First Train

Route Options

• Reserved Seat
• Non-Reserved Seat
• Green Car (first class)
• No Preference
• Use If Possible
• Do Not Use If Possible
• Prefer to Use Nozomi
• Also Show Results for Hikari
• Prefer to Use Local Train