An autumn route that starts at Narai-juku and Matsumoto Castle, then takes in the fall colors of Kamikochi, the hot springs of Okuhida and the Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hida-Takayama and Gero Onsen before ending in Nagoya. You travel from mountain foliage down to city foliage, losing altitude as you go.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Shiojiri, then the Chuo West Line to Narai-juku. Afterward, head to Matsumoto to explore the castle and the old castle town.
A post town on the old Nakasendo road. You can walk from one end of the town to the other, taking in the old wooden houses and the autumn colors on the mountains behind them.
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Move on to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle. When the trees along the moat turn color, you can see the keep and the foliage together.
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Have dinner on this street lined with storehouses with namako-kabe (black-and-white lattice) walls. It is within walking distance of Matsumoto Castle.
Official site ↗Take the bus from Shin-Shimashima into Kamikochi, walk from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge, then catch a bus toward Hirayu to reach Okuhida Onsen.
Get off at the Taisho-ike bus stop and walk the nature trail along the Azusa River toward Kappa Bridge. In the morning the mountains are sometimes reflected on the water.
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Enjoy the foliage around Kappa Bridge and the view of the Hotaka mountains. Private cars are restricted in Kamikochi, so buses are the standard way to get around.
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Take a bus from Kamikochi toward Hirayu and check in at your inn in Okuhida Onsen. Soak away the day's walking in an open-air bath.
View guide →In the morning, take in the Northern Alps from the Shinhotaka Ropeway, then go by bus to Takayama and visit Hida no Sato and the old townscape.
Ride the ropeway up to the observation deck at the summit station. On a clear day you can see the Northern Alps, including Mt. Yarigatake, up close.
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Head to Takayama and visit Hida no Sato, a collection of old farmhouses including gassho-zukuri houses. Enjoy the old houses around the pond framed by autumn leaves.
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In the evening, stroll the old townscape. You can try sake tastings at the breweries or snack on Hida beef as you walk.
Official site ↗After the morning market, take the JR Takayama Main Line to Gero. Visit Gassho Village and spend the night at Gero Onsen.
The morning market along the Miyagawa River runs only in the morning. It is a good place to pick up souvenirs such as pickles and local crafts.
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Take a bus from Gero Station to Gassho Village, where you can see gassho-zukuri farmhouses relocated from Shirakawa-go and elsewhere.
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Relax at an inn in Gero Onsen. The hot spring town along the Hida River is compact enough to explore on foot.
View guide →Take the JR Takayama Main Line to Nagoya, visit Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu, then head to Chubu Centrair International Airport.
When you arrive at Nagoya Station, go to Nagoya Castle and see the keep and the Hommaru Palace. Leaving your luggage at the station makes things easier.
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Visit Atsuta Jingu, a shrine whose history is tied to the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Walk through the wooded grounds to pray at the main sanctuary.
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Head home from Chubu Centrair International Airport. If you are returning to Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya Station.
View guide →Sample itineraries from day trips to 5 days, by region and season. Every stop links to its guide, and you can save any itinerary as your own trip plan and rearrange it day by day.
🗺 2 days, 1 nightChubu & Hokuriku ・ 6 stops
On day 1, visit the railway museum and Nagoya Castle in the city, then snack your way around Osu in the evening. On day 2, take the Meitetsu line to Inuyama to see National Treasure Inuyama Castle, its castle town and the Museum Meiji-mura.
🗺 3 days, 2 nightsWinterChubu & Hokuriku ・ 9 stops ・ January・February
A winter-only route that starts at Kenrokuen with its yukitsuri snow supports, takes in the snow-covered gassho-zukuri villages of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go and the light-up, and ends in Hida-Takayama. You travel from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go and from Shirakawa-go to Takayama by highway bus.
🗺 3 days, 2 nightsSpringChubu & Hokuriku ・ 9 stops ・ April
A spring route through Shinshu (Nagano) that starts with the cherry blossoms at Takato Castle Ruins Park and Matsumoto Castle, continues along the Nagano Electric Railway to Suzaka, Obuse and Yudanaka, and ends with Jigokudani Monkey Park and Zenko-ji. It combines castle blossoms, hot springs and Hokusai's town.
Check prices, opening hours and access on each stop’s guide and official website. Seasonal events and peak seasons vary from year to year.
