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Self-Guided Adventure
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Romantic Road
10 Nights: from US$3285 per person (twin share) Trip Code: RMR
Swap bullet trains for the freedom of a rental car as you set off to discover some of the lesser-known spots on Honshu island. From the mountains and forests of Nagano to the hot springs of Gunma Prefecture, this itinerary combines scenic vistas with a stay among the bright lights of the capital. Read more >
With such a fantastic transportation network, it's so easy - not to mention enjoyable - to zip around Japan on the speedy bullet trains, but there are still pockets of the country that can only be accessed by car. In this self-guided driving itinerary, we've included one of the most scenic drives in Honshu: the poetically named Romantic Road. The 350km long route linking Nagano and Tochigi Prefectures traverses the stunning mountain scenery of Gunma, while passing through a famous hot spring town, and the world heritage sites of Nikko, with plenty of time to stop off en-route. With a stay in the vibrant capital city at the beginning and end, this itinerary combines the best of the scenic and urban sides of Japan.
Your journey will begin in Tokyo, where cutting edge technology and centuries' old traditions mingle. From fascinating markets to tranquil parks to soaring skyscraper and shopping districts, there's plenty to explore in the capital.
From Tokyo you will travel north on the Shinkansen bullet train into Nagano Prefecture, where your journey on the Romantic Road starts. The total route is 350km long, beginning in Ueda City in Nagano and ending in the city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture, and leads you through the mountains of Gunma Prefecture which would otherwise be inaccessible by public transport. We have cherry picked the best part of the Romantic Road, meaning that you will be joining it in Nagano City, and from there you'll travel east into the mountains to Obuse and Yudanaka Onsen.
After crossing into Gunma Prefecture you will spend your first night of the Romantic Road in the famous hot spring mecca of Kusatsu Onsen, located on the slopes of volcanic Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which provides some excellent hiking - depending on the volcanic activity in the area. Famed throughout the country as one of the best hot spring destinations, we're sure you'll find the steaming baths of Kusatsu Onsen incredibly therapeutic after a day behind the wheel.
Next stop along the route is the little river-side town of Minakami, situated at the foot of Mount Tanigawa. In addition to its excellent hot springs, it also has a reputation as a thrill seeker's destination with numerous adventure companies in the area. The rapids here are some of the best in the country - particularly in spring - and provide the perfect place for an action-packed white water rafting experience.
Your driving adventure continues east to the shores of Japan's highest lake, Chuzenji. Located in Nikko National Park, Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding park offers plenty of excellent walking routes and scenic views, and some tasty Tochigi specialities too.
From Lake Chuzenji it's a short but dramatic drive to Nikko via the exhilarating Irohazaka. This one-way route, which is made up of two roads, one heading up to the lake and one down into the valley to Nikko, snakes down the mountainside in a series of 48 hairpin turns, offering incredible views at each bend. If you're travelling in autumn, you will be rewarded with the blazing reds and yellows of the trees.
Nikko itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of the ostentatious and lavish Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu who founded the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled over Japan for two centuries. Is it utterly ostentatious or one of the best examples of traditional Japanese architecture? We will leave it to you to decide.
Your final day's drive on the Romantic Road will bring you to Utsunomiya, where you will switch your rental car for a journey on the bullet train back down south to Tokyo. You will have another full day in the capital to do any final exploring, shopping, or eating that you missed during your stay at the beginning of your trip.
What's included
- Accommodation for 10 nights (three nights Japanese style)
- Breakfast each morning and four evening meals
- Airport transfers
- Manaca transport card with 3000yen credit for city transport
- Five day car rental
- All train travel between destinations
- Private guide service in Tokyo and Nikko
- Half day white water rafting experience in Minakami
- Cooking class in Tokyo
- Pocket WiFi device
- Your personalised InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) unless otherwise specified
- Any entrance fees unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
Trip Highlights
- Explore the mountain scenery along the Romantic Road
- Learn the history of majestic Nikko
- Stay in traditional accommodation
- Drive the 48 hairpin bends of the Irohazaka scenic road
- Go white water rafting in the canyons of Gunma Prefecture
- Try hot spring bathing in a traditional onsen town
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
What, where, when and how...
Romantic Road - 11 Days
Romantic Road - 11 Days - Day by Day
Romantic Road - 11 Days - Accommodation
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Day 1-3
Explore the historic Asakusa district, see the sights with a private guide at your side, and try your hand at making popular Japanese dishes in a traditional cooking class.
A shared shuttle bus will be waiting for you at the airport to whisk you in comfort to your hotel in the city. When you think of Tokyo you probably expect the neon lights of skyscapers and shopping districts, but we've chosen a more traditional neighbourhood for your first stay in the city: the Asakusa district. With Tokyo's oldest temple Senso-ji right on your doorstep and the modern, impressive SkyTree nearby, there's plenty to see on foot upon your arrival in the city.
On your first full day in the capital, you will have the services of a private English-speaking guide for the whole day. Whether there are sightseeing spots you want to tick off your list or you'd prefer to discover hidden gems known only to the locals, or you just want a bit of guidance on how to use the vast train network, your guide will be able to customize the day to suit your needs and maximize your time.
On the following morning, we will arrange for you to have a hands-on Japanese cooking class where you'll learn how to make an everyday Japanese dish that you can then replicate at home. After cooking up a storm, you will then have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure – if you have any specific requests of what you would like to do or so, be sure to let us know and we can help arrange it.Overnight: Richmond Asakusa
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Day 4
Journey north on the shinkansen bullet train to Nagano, the gateway to the Japan Alps and the start of the Romantic Road.
Leaving Tokyo behind, today you will hop on the sleek bullet train for the 1 hour 45 minute journey north into the mountains around Nagano city.
Nagano has great access to the majestic Japanese Alps to the west, and hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. The city itself is fairly compact, meaning it's easy to get around and see the sights which include one of the most important temples in the country: Zenko-ji. Established in the 7th century, it houses the first Buddhist statue to have been brought to Japan – the original statue is hidden from the public, but a copy of it is displayed to the public every six years.
While in Nagano, be sure to try out some of the local specialities, from juicy Shinshu beef to oyaki dumplings filled with everything from mountain vegetables to sweet pumpkin.Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel
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Day 5
Head into the forests of Yudanaka Onsen to visit the hot spring bathing ‘snow monkeys', and start your driving adventure on the Romantic Road as you head east to the famous hot spring resort of Kusatsu Onsen.
Today you will pick up your rental car for use over the next five days as you make your way on the Romantic Road from Nagano to Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture. The total route starts in Ueda city, a little further west of Nagano, and is 350km long but we have chosen the most scenic part for your driving adventure.
First you will travel into the hills outside Nagano to the pretty towns of Obuse and Yudanaka Onsen. Obuse belies its size with an incredible cultural and historical background and ongoing legacy; it was the home of Katsushika Hokusai, the world famous ukiyo-e woodblock print artist. Further down the road are the onsen towns that make up the Yamanouchi district. There are nine bath houses open to the public. There's a small restaurant in the tiny village where you can fill up on a bowl of hearty noodles before setting off on the next stage of your journey.
The drive from Yudanaka Onsen to Kusatsu is 50km and will take around 1 hour 15 minutes without stops. The road winds up and around 2160m Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and a fantastic hiking spot. The mountain is actually an active volcano so can sometimes be out of bounds due to volcanic activity, but the thermal energy provides the source of nearby Kusatsu Onsen's relaxing hot spring baths – a great way to end a day behind the wheel.
Kusatsu Onsen is famous throughout Japan as one of the best hot spring towns in the country, and is built around the Yubatake (hot water field) which feeds the onsen baths throughout the town, both public and private.
Your accommodation for the night will be a hot spring hotel which dates back to the early 20th century. From the futons spread out on the tatami mat flooring to the kaiseki course meals served in your room, it's a fantastic way to experience a traditional Japanese stay.Overnight: Kusatsu Hotel
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Day 6
Take in the mountain scenery of Gunma Prefecture as you traverse the Kuresaka Pass en-route to Minakami, the adventure capital of the country, where a white water rafting adventure awaits.
The drive today from Kusatsu to Minakami is 74km and will take around 2 hours. There will be time to stop off at another hot spring town Shima Onsen if you wish, or you can continue on to Minakami, your destination for today.
Minakami is situated near the Tone River in view of Mount Tanigawa, another of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Minakami is where adventure lovers go for everything from canyoning to rafting, especially in spring when the waters are higher with snowmelt.
We will arrange for you to join a half day white water rafting trip; the course covers 12km and leads you on a high thrills journey through three breathtaking canyons. A fully-qualified English-speaking guide will be with you at all times and you'll even have time to do a bit of practice before hitting the rapids.
Tonight you will be staying at another ryokan-hotel with a variety of indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Dinner will feature locally-grown Gunma specialities such as mountain vegetables and fresh beef.Overnight: Minakamikan
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Day 7
Marvel at Fukiware Falls en-route to Chuzenji, Japan's highest lake, in the stunning landscape of Nikko National Park.
Today's drive of 88km will be the longest stretch you do on the Romantic Road. The route from Minakami to your destination, Lake Chuzenji, will lead you near Oigami Onsen town alongside the Katashina river, and past Fukiware-no-taki waterfalls just north of the town. The distinctively shaped falls are often nicknamed ‘Japan's Niagara' and while they cannot rival their North American counterpart in terms of height, they are still worth a stop to break up the drive.
The rest of your journey will lead you on the twisting roads past the lakes on the north side of Mount Shirane before dropping down to Lake Chuzenji. Just north of the lake is Senjogahara Marshland which we think has the best hiking in Nikko National Park, and Yumoto Onsen town where the hot spring water bubbles up to the surface in Yunodaira Marsh.
Your accommodation on the shores of Lake Chuzenji is a traditional ryokan inn where your meals, full of seasonal cuisine, will be served in a Japanese style dining room.Overnight: Oku Nikko Shikisai
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Day 8
Visit the majestic Kegon Falls, experience the twists and turns of the spectacular Irohazaka road down to Nikko, and immerse yourself in history at the historic and ostentatious Toshogu Shrine with your knowledgeable guide.
The Irohazaka awaits you today. After stopping at the 97m high Kegon Falls, the route from Lake Chuzenji down to Nikko is an easy 18km, but is chock full of spectacular scenery. The Irohazaka is made up of two scenic roads which zigzag an incredible 48 times in dramatic hairpin bends as it wends its way down the mountainside to Nikko, offering you sweeping views of Nikko National Park on the way. ‘Iroha' refers to the first three syllables of the old Japanese alphabet, as the number of turns is the same as number of syllables in the alphabet, and ‘zaka' means ‘slope'. The trip is particularly stunning during the blazing reds and yellows of autumn, but can certainly be enjoyed year round.
In Nikko you will have the service of a private English-speaking guide to help you understand the cultural and historical importance of the World Heritage Site. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the lavishly adorned Toshogu Shrine, which was built for one of Japan's most important historical figures Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled the country from the 17th to 19th centuries. The gold leaf adornments and elaborate carvings make the shrine complex unlike any other religious building in the country, and is simply fascinating to see.
Tonight you will be staying in a convenient location near Nikko Station.Overnight: Nikko Station Classic
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Day 9-11
Round off your journey on the Romantic Road before hopping back on the bullet train south to the bright lights of Tokyo.
This morning your Romantic Road adventure will wind down with the last 45km section leading to Utsunomiya, a city famous for its gyoza dumplings in Tochigi Prefecture. In Utsunomiya you will then board the bullet train for the one hour ride south to Tokyo.
Your schedule in Tokyo for the rest of the day and all of the next is totally free, so you can finish off any last sightseeing, shopping, or eating that you wish. If there is something you would love to do or see on your final day in Tokyo, don't hesitate to get in touch with us so we can help make any arrangements.
On the final day you will return to the airport in another shared shuttle bus in plenty of time for your flight home. We hope you have a safe journey.Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku
-
Day 1-3
Explore the historic Asakusa district, see the sights with a private guide at your side, and try your hand at making popular Japanese dishes in a traditional cooking class.
A shared shuttle bus will be waiting for you at the airport to whisk you in comfort to your hotel in the city. When you think of Tokyo you probably expect the neon lights of skyscapers and shopping districts, but we've chosen a more traditional neighbourhood for your first stay in the city: the Asakusa district. With Tokyo's oldest temple Senso-ji right on your doorstep and the modern, impressive SkyTree nearby, there's plenty to see on foot upon your arrival in the city.
On your first full day in the capital, you will have the services of a private English-speaking guide for the whole day. Whether there are sightseeing spots you want to tick off your list or you'd prefer to discover hidden gems known only to the locals, or you just want a bit of guidance on how to use the vast train network, your guide will be able to customize the day to suit your needs and maximize your time.
On the following morning, we will arrange for you to have a hands-on Japanese cooking class where you'll learn how to make an everyday Japanese dish that you can then replicate at home. After cooking up a storm, you will then have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure – if you have any specific requests of what you would like to do or so, be sure to let us know and we can help arrange it.Overnight: Richmond Asakusa
-
Day 4
Journey north on the shinkansen bullet train to Nagano, the gateway to the Japan Alps and the start of the Romantic Road.
Leaving Tokyo behind, today you will hop on the sleek bullet train for the 1 hour 45 minute journey north into the mountains around Nagano city.
Nagano has great access to the majestic Japanese Alps to the west, and hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. The city itself is fairly compact, meaning it's easy to get around and see the sights which include one of the most important temples in the country: Zenko-ji. Established in the 7th century, it houses the first Buddhist statue to have been brought to Japan – the original statue is hidden from the public, but a copy of it is displayed to the public every six years.
While in Nagano, be sure to try out some of the local specialities, from juicy Shinshu beef to oyaki dumplings filled with everything from mountain vegetables to sweet pumpkin.Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel
-
Day 5
Head into the forests of Yudanaka Onsen to visit the hot spring bathing ‘snow monkeys', and start your driving adventure on the Romantic Road as you head east to the famous hot spring resort of Kusatsu Onsen.
Today you will pick up your rental car for use over the next five days as you make your way on the Romantic Road from Nagano to Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture. The total route starts in Ueda city, a little further west of Nagano, and is 350km long but we have chosen the most scenic part for your driving adventure.
First you will travel into the hills outside Nagano to the pretty towns of Obuse and Yudanaka Onsen. Obuse belies its size with an incredible cultural and historical background and ongoing legacy; it was the home of Katsushika Hokusai, the world famous ukiyo-e woodblock print artist. Further down the road are the onsen towns that make up the Yamanouchi district. There are nine bath houses open to the public. There's a small restaurant in the tiny village where you can fill up on a bowl of hearty noodles before setting off on the next stage of your journey.
The drive from Yudanaka Onsen to Kusatsu is 50km and will take around 1 hour 15 minutes without stops. The road winds up and around 2160m Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and a fantastic hiking spot. The mountain is actually an active volcano so can sometimes be out of bounds due to volcanic activity, but the thermal energy provides the source of nearby Kusatsu Onsen's relaxing hot spring baths – a great way to end a day behind the wheel.
Kusatsu Onsen is famous throughout Japan as one of the best hot spring towns in the country, and is built around the Yubatake (hot water field) which feeds the onsen baths throughout the town, both public and private.
Your accommodation for the night will be a hot spring hotel which dates back to the early 20th century. From the futons spread out on the tatami mat flooring to the kaiseki course meals served in your room, it's a fantastic way to experience a traditional Japanese stay.Overnight: Kusatsu Hotel
-
Day 6
Take in the mountain scenery of Gunma Prefecture as you traverse the Kuresaka Pass en-route to Minakami, the adventure capital of the country, where a white water rafting adventure awaits.
The drive today from Kusatsu to Minakami is 74km and will take around 2 hours. There will be time to stop off at another hot spring town Shima Onsen if you wish, or you can continue on to Minakami, your destination for today.
Minakami is situated near the Tone River in view of Mount Tanigawa, another of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Minakami is where adventure lovers go for everything from canyoning to rafting, especially in spring when the waters are higher with snowmelt.
We will arrange for you to join a half day white water rafting trip; the course covers 12km and leads you on a high thrills journey through three breathtaking canyons. A fully-qualified English-speaking guide will be with you at all times and you'll even have time to do a bit of practice before hitting the rapids.
Tonight you will be staying at another ryokan-hotel with a variety of indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Dinner will feature locally-grown Gunma specialities such as mountain vegetables and fresh beef.Overnight: Minakamikan
-
Day 7
Marvel at Fukiware Falls en-route to Chuzenji, Japan's highest lake, in the stunning landscape of Nikko National Park.
Today's drive of 88km will be the longest stretch you do on the Romantic Road. The route from Minakami to your destination, Lake Chuzenji, will lead you near Oigami Onsen town alongside the Katashina river, and past Fukiware-no-taki waterfalls just north of the town. The distinctively shaped falls are often nicknamed ‘Japan's Niagara' and while they cannot rival their North American counterpart in terms of height, they are still worth a stop to break up the drive.
The rest of your journey will lead you on the twisting roads past the lakes on the north side of Mount Shirane before dropping down to Lake Chuzenji. Just north of the lake is Senjogahara Marshland which we think has the best hiking in Nikko National Park, and Yumoto Onsen town where the hot spring water bubbles up to the surface in Yunodaira Marsh.
Your accommodation on the shores of Lake Chuzenji is a traditional ryokan inn where your meals, full of seasonal cuisine, will be served in a Japanese style dining room.Overnight: Oku Nikko Shikisai
-
Day 8
Visit the majestic Kegon Falls, experience the twists and turns of the spectacular Irohazaka road down to Nikko, and immerse yourself in history at the historic and ostentatious Toshogu Shrine with your knowledgeable guide.
The Irohazaka awaits you today. After stopping at the 97m high Kegon Falls, the route from Lake Chuzenji down to Nikko is an easy 18km, but is chock full of spectacular scenery. The Irohazaka is made up of two scenic roads which zigzag an incredible 48 times in dramatic hairpin bends as it wends its way down the mountainside to Nikko, offering you sweeping views of Nikko National Park on the way. ‘Iroha' refers to the first three syllables of the old Japanese alphabet, as the number of turns is the same as number of syllables in the alphabet, and ‘zaka' means ‘slope'. The trip is particularly stunning during the blazing reds and yellows of autumn, but can certainly be enjoyed year round.
In Nikko you will have the service of a private English-speaking guide to help you understand the cultural and historical importance of the World Heritage Site. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the lavishly adorned Toshogu Shrine, which was built for one of Japan's most important historical figures Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled the country from the 17th to 19th centuries. The gold leaf adornments and elaborate carvings make the shrine complex unlike any other religious building in the country, and is simply fascinating to see.
Tonight you will be staying in a convenient location near Nikko Station.Overnight: Nikko Station Classic
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Day 9-11
Round off your journey on the Romantic Road before hopping back on the bullet train south to the bright lights of Tokyo.
This morning your Romantic Road adventure will wind down with the last 45km section leading to Utsunomiya, a city famous for its gyoza dumplings in Tochigi Prefecture. In Utsunomiya you will then board the bullet train for the one hour ride south to Tokyo.
Your schedule in Tokyo for the rest of the day and all of the next is totally free, so you can finish off any last sightseeing, shopping, or eating that you wish. If there is something you would love to do or see on your final day in Tokyo, don't hesitate to get in touch with us so we can help make any arrangements.
On the final day you will return to the airport in another shared shuttle bus in plenty of time for your flight home. We hope you have a safe journey.Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku
Trip Reviews
Self-Guided Adventure Romantic Road
Read more >We had an amazing time we found ourselves in only one real jam, and Inside Japan were on the spot to make it right!
Trip Reviews
Self-Guided Adventure Romantic Road
Read more >We had an amazing time we found ourselves in only one real jam, and Inside Japan were on the spot to make it right!
4.0 out of 5 from 1 review Show all Romantic Road Reviews
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