This is our 4th trip to Japan. We’re trying to decide if we should stay at Matsumoto as a base and rent a car. We’ve driven in the rural areas before and feel comfortable driving. Although Matsumoto is about 1.5hr drive from Togakushi Shrine and Snow Monkey Park, we’d save a lot by driving instead of of public transport. Also makes it flexible for driving to Hakuba for a couple of day hikes and return to the Airbnb. We can even drive down to Nakasendo which is an hour drive.
Should we be looking at staying other areas if we want to minimize hotel hopping? Is there a better base? We’ll end up leaving for Kyoto after a week in the area. Any feedback is appreciated
Oct 28 – Nov 1 – Tokyo
Nov 1 (Sat) – Tokyo → Matsumoto Train: Shinjuku → Matsumoto (~2.5–3h). Pick up rental car at Matsumoto station. Check in Airbnb. Afternoon: Matsumoto Castle + Nawate-dori shopping street. Stay in Matsumoto Airbnb (6N base for Alps / Nagano day trips).
Nov 2 (Sun) – Togakushi Shrine (day trip, ~1h drive each way) Visit Upper and Lower shrines, Zenko-Ji temple, Zenkoji Nakami St. Return to Matsumoto Airbnb.
Nov 3 (Mon) – Snow Monkey Park + Shibu Onsen (~1.5h drive each way) Morning: drive to trailhead, walk 30–40 min to see monkeys. Afternoon: stroll Shibu Onsen town, soak in onsen. Evening: drive back to Matsumoto Airbnb.
Nov 4 (Tue) – Hakuba Day Trip (~1–1.5h drive) Scenic hikes, alpine lifts, nature. Evening: return to Matsumoto Airbnb.
Nov 5 (Wed) – Check out of Airbnb. Hakuba / Alps Day Trip Another day exploring Alps trails, fall foliage. Evening: Not booked yet
Nov 6 (Thu) – Narai-juku / Kiso Valley (~30 min drive) Tsumago/Magome. Evening: Not booked yet
Nov 7 (Fri) – Drive from Kiso Valley to Kyoto. 4 hrs. Stay Kyoto (4N).
Nov 8–9 (Sat–Sun) – Kyoto (Yokai Festival) Attend festival at Toei Studio Park. Kyoto sightseeing: Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Nijo Castle.
Nov 10 (Mon) – Kyoto Optional day trip: Uji (tea / matcha experiences)
Nov 11 (Tue) – Kyoto → Tokyo Shinkansen (~2h15). Stay Tokyo (1N).
Nov 12 (Wed) – Fly out of Tokyo
by optamastic