Japan · Moderate
Central Japan and the Alps: 7-Day Road Trip
A seven-day central Japan route linking Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa and Nagano with manageable mountain drives.
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 7
- Mapped stops
- 7
- Mapped distance
- 457.1 km
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Day-by-day route
Day 1
1 stopsDay 2
1 stops · 31.4 kmDay 3
1 stops · 34.8 kmDay 4
1 stops · 50 km · 55 minDay 5
1 stops · 63.6 km · 1 hr 20 minDay 6
1 stops · 238.2 km · 3 hr 20 minDay 7
1 stops · 39.2 km · 55 minMap explore
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Japan
A slower route through forest roads, onsen towns and food-focused stops across Japan.
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Discover places worth the detour
Japan
Central Japan and the Alps: 7-Day Road Trip
Day 1
Matsumoto Castle and Old Town
Start in Matsumoto with the castle, Nawate Street and a relaxed evening in the historic centre.
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Day 2
Kamikochi
Leave the car at the approved parking area and walk the river trails in Kamikochi, checking seasonal access first.
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Day 3
Takayama Old Town
Drive to Takayama, explore the morning market and preserved merchant streets, then stay locally.
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Day 4
Shirakawa-go
Visit the gassho-zukuri villages early, allow for mountain traffic and continue toward Kanazawa.
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Day 5
Kanazawa Kenrokuen and Higashi Chaya
Spend a full city day around Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle and the Higashi Chaya district.
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Day 6
Nagano and Zenkoji Temple
Travel east to Nagano, visit Zenkoji Temple and keep the afternoon open for a nearby mountain detour.
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Day 7
Snow Monkey Park or Tokyo return
Choose Jigokudani in suitable weather, then return the car and continue by rail from Nagano or Matsumoto.
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