Nagano boasts unparalleled mountain scenery, perfect for touring by car.
Self-Drive Around Nagano for Breathtaking Views of Magnificent Mountains
Trip Highlights
- Driving the picturesque Venus Line followed by the castle and a ryokan stay in Matsumoto
- Art and wasabi fields in Azumino then a gondola ride to the heavens in Hakuba
- Cheeky monkeys and dramatic volcanoes
- Romantic waterfall and brick arched bridge
- Luxury resort shopping
Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Venus Line, Stately Matsumoto Castle, and a Soothing Onsen Soak
Ascend to Nagano’s premier highland drive, the Venus Line, then descend to Matsumoto Castle.
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The 76-kilometer-long Venus Line winds across the Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara Highlands above the tree line at an elevation of 1400 to 2000 meters, offering 360-degree panoramic vistas.
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Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles in Japan registered as a “National Treasure” with its original keep dating back to 1593. The Northern Japanese Alps provide a stunning backdrop to castle’s sleek, black façade.
Relax at a traditional inn at Matsumoto’s Asama Onsen. Your ryokan’s hot spring mineral water baths are certain to rejuvenate you.
Day 2: Azumino Art Line, Daio Wasabi Farm and the Hakuba Valley
Tour museums and a wasabi farm along the Azumino Art Line on the way to Hakuba Valley and a gondola ride high into the Northern Japanese Alps.
The Azumino Art Line is a collection of 18 art museums located at the base of the Northern Japanese Alps. In Azumino is the Daio Wasabi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in the world. The wasabi is grown in pristine river water fed by snow melt from the Northern Alps.
Take the Noah Gondola to the top of 1,289-meter tall Iwatake. From the upper station it is a short walk to Mountain Harbor, a coffee shop and bakery with a stunning view of the 3 main peaks of the Hakuba Range.
Day 3: Snow Monkeys and Volcanoes
Cross the prefecture stopping to see the Snow Monkeys before continuing over Shiga Kogen to a pair of toll roads passing a duo of dynamic volcanoes.
Jigokudani is the only place in the world that macaque monkeys soak in an onsen bath in their natural habitat. Photographers come from around the globe hoping to capture their blissful expressions as the monkeys enjoy their hot spring.
Drive up the windy ascent to Shiga Kogen and on to Mt. Shirane, an active volcano just across the prefectural border in Gunma. From there take a pair of scenic toll roads to another active volcano, Mt. Asama, and the lava fields on its northern flank.
Created by the eruption of Mt. Asama in 1783, the massive lava field creates an awe-inspiring view. Onioshidashi literally means "the place where demons come out," and it is named after the eerie landscape of massive lava formations that resemble the hideout of mythical creatures.
Day 4: Romantic Waterfalls and Japan’s Largest Arched Brick Bridge
Activities: Two more short drives await – the lovely toll road to picturesque Shiraito Falls and the windy road over Usui Pass to Meganebashi Bridge. Return to Karuizawa for shopping.
Take a leisurely drive up the scenic Shiraito Highland Way toll road to Shiraito Falls, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall whose white strands of water give the waterfall its name. The graceful falls are fed by groundwater and an impressive 70 meters wide.
Crossing over Usui Pass, the old Route 18 turns into a crazy conniption of curves legendary among street racing circles. The road leads to Meganebashi (“Spectacles Bridge”), an arched railroad bridge made out of red bricks in classic aqueduct style. An Important Cultural Heritage Site, it was constructed in the early 20th century.
After all that driving, wind down with some window shopping at the outlet mall and its over 200 stores selling a wide variety of goods including luxury fashion items. Then it is an easy 70-minute Shinkansen bullet train from Karuizawa Station to Tokyo.
