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Suggested Itinerary

Road Trip Adventures

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South Shinshu Road Trip: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

Explore the beauty and culture of South Shinshu on a rental car road trip. This captivating route offers a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and relaxation. In Achi Village, enjoy outdoor adventures and stargazing. In Komagane, soak in breathtaking mountain views and savor local cuisine. In Matsumoto and Suwa, stroll through historic districts and tour traditional sake breweries. From vibrant towns to tranquil natural landscapes, this drive offers a well-balanced and deeply enriching travel experience.

Attraction&Regions

1 Achi Village
2 Hirugami Onsen
3 Senjojiki Cirque
4 Komagane Highlands

5 Matsumoto
6 Suwa
7 Nagoya

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Departing from Centrair!

Day 1

Perfect Stops
Along the Drive

Enakyo SA (Tokyo-bound)

About 90 minutes from Centrair, this rest area is a great place to take a break before arriving in Achi Village. Enjoy traditional Japanese rice snacks like gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes with miso sauce), mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed dumplings), and age mochi (fried rice crackers). In fall, you can also buy chestnut sweets like kuri kinton (sweet chestnut paste) from long-established shops—perfect for tasting and comparing regional flavors.

1 Achi Village

Achi Village in Nagano Prefecture is a nature-lover’s paradise, with outdoor activities and stunning scenery. Try out popular experiences like flower viewing at Hanamomo no Sato and Tenku no Rakuen Night Tour for incredible stargazing, traditional boat rides or rafting on the Tenryu River, and tasting experiences like fruit picking. Enjoying the changing landscapes through all four seasons is the perfect way to refresh your body and mind—something you just can't find in the city.

2 Hirugami Onsen

Nestled in the mountains of Achi Village, Hirugami Onsen is a peaceful hot spring resort embraced by nature. In the evening, don’t miss the stargazing tours—famed as Japan’s best night sky experience. Gazing at a sky full of stars is a truly unforgettable highlight. In the morning, explore the local market, filled with fresh vegetables and regional specialties.

Day 2

3 Senjojiki Cirque

Take a ropeway up to the 2,600-meter-high Senjojiki Cirque to access sweeping alpine views with ease. From colorful alpine flowers in summer to blazing foliage in autumn and snow-blanketed scenery in winter, the landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. The crisp air and grandeur of nature offer a soul-refreshing escape.

4 Komagane Highlands

Komagane Highlands is the perfect destination for hiking and nature walks. Surrounded by towering mountains and fresh alpine air, it’s a great place to slow down and unwind. Don’t miss the local specialty, Komagane sauce katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl). After a day of exploring, relax in Hayataro Onsen, and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of South Shinshu.

Recommended
Places to Stay

Hayataro Onsen

Tucked away in the tranquil Komagane Highlands, Hayataro Onsen is surrounded by the Central Alps’ natural beauty. The soft, skin-friendly water is known for its beautifying effects, making it a perfect place to unwind after hiking. Nearby, you’ll find renowned Komagane sauce katsudon eateries and sightseeing spots—ideal for travelers who want to enjoy both gourmet delights and nature.

Day 3

5 Matsumoto

Matsumoto offers a unique blend of history, culture, and creativity. Visit National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, and stop by the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to permanent exhibits by Yayoi Kusama. The castle town is perfect for a stroll, with cozy cafés and local shops adding charm to your walk. A delightful destination rich in art, history, and food.

6 Suwa

In Suwa, explore the four shrines of Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrine complexes, or visit the five historic sake breweries known as the Suwa Gokura. You can also enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful highland surroundings. Relax afterward at Kamisuwa Onsen, a lakeside hot spring resort perfect for unwinding at the end of your day.

Recommended
Places to Stay

Kamisuwa Onsen

Kamisuwa Onsen is a serene hot spring town along the shores of Lake Suwa. Enjoy foot baths or open-air baths with lake views, and relax after visiting local shrines and sake breweries. The peaceful lakeside atmosphere offers a quintessential Japanese hot spring experience, whether you’re traveling with family or as a couple.

Perfect Stops
Along the Drive

Enakyo SA (Osaka-bound)

This rest area features a viewing deck with panoramic mountain vistas and, on clear days, a view of the famous Mt. Ontake in the distance. About 90 minutes from Kamisuwa Onsen, it’s a convenient stop with scenic views—and even a Starbucks.

Day 4

7 Nagoya – Sakae Area

Sakae, the lively center of Nagoya, is a must-visit for shopping and dining. One highlight you won’t want to miss is Nagoya PARCO, the area’s largest fashion and entertainment complex. With around 300 shops, it’s home to cutting-edge fashion brands, popular pop culture stores like Pokémon Center and Chiikawa Land, and plenty of dining options. For the ultimate shopping experience, pair your visit with the neighboring Matsuzakaya department store. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Nagoya adventure!

Book from Chubu Centrair International Airport

Choosing a suitable car is the first step to a pleasant road trip filled with beautiful memories in the Chubu region of Japan.
Start out from Chubu Centrair International Airport.