Japan Roadtrip

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Fuji + Japanese Alps — 7 days

Tokyo to Nagoya via the Fuji Five Lakes, Kamikochi and Matsumoto Castle, the preserved Nakasendo post towns of Narai-juku and Tsumago–Magome, Tsukechi Gorge, and Gero Onsen.

Don't miss

houtou at Kawaguchiko on a cool autumn evening.

  • Day 1 — Tokyo → Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji, Momiji Corridor lakeside walk) → Chureito Pagoda / Arakura Sengen Shrine (postcard Fuji viewpoint). (drive ~2h). Stay Kawaguchiko. — Route map
  • Day 2 — Fuji Five Lakes full day — Oshino Hakkai (spring ponds, Fuji views) → Fugaku Wind Cave / Aokigahara (lava caves, sea of trees) → Lake Saiko / Shoji (quieter lakes, Fuji reflections) → Kawaguchiko Music Forest (optional). (drive ~1h). Stay Kawaguchiko. — Route map
  • Day 3 — Kawaguchiko → Kamikochi (Alps larch; car-banned — park + shuttle) → Matsumoto (Crow Castle). (drive ~3h). Stay Matsumoto. — Route map
  • Day 4 — Matsumoto → Narai-juku (Kiso Valley preserved post town) → Tsumago / Magome (Nakasendo preserved post towns, classic Magome–Tsumago walk). (drive ~1.5h). Stay Tsumago/Magome. — Route map
  • Day 5 — Tsumago → Tsukechi Gorge (foliage) → Gero Onsen. (drive ~2h). Stay Gero. — Route map
  • Day 6 — Gero → Nagoya (castle, science museum). (drive ~2h). Stay Nagoya. — Route map
  • Day 7 — Nagoya morning — Atsuta Shrine (one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines) + Osu Kannon (temple + shopping arcade) → evening shinkansen home (no car day). — map

Highlights

Mt. Fuji + Lake Kawaguchi 🏔️ Mt. Fuji + Lake Kawaguchi — the postcard Fuji-over-the-lake view from the north shore

Chureito Pagoda ⛩️ Chureito Pagoda — the five-story pagoda with Fuji behind, autumn-lit

Kamikochi Kappa Bridge 🌉 Kamikochi Kappa Bridge — the iconic river crossing amid larches and peaks

Matsumoto Castle 🏯 Matsumoto Castle — the “Crow Castle”, set off by autumn colour

Oshino Hakkai 🏞️ Oshino Hakkai — clear spring ponds with Fuji views, autumn

Magome (Nakasendo) 🏙️ Magome (Nakasendo) — preserved Edo post-town stone slope

Local food & drink

  • Houtou — Yamanashi’s miso-pot noodle soup with pumpkin and mountain veg
  • Shinshu soba — Nagano’s hand-cut buckwheat
  • Oyaki — steamed wheat buns stuffed with nozawana or anko
  • Basashi — Nagano’s raw horse sashimi
  • Gohei-mochi — Kiso Valley grilled rice cakes in walnut miso
  • Hitsumabushi — grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways
  • Shinshu apple juice/cider — Nagano’s famed apples
  • Yamanashi (Koshu) wine — historic Koshu-grape region Don’t miss: houtou at Kawaguchiko on a cool autumn evening.

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