Hi! We'll be in Japan from 15.04 to 3.05 and for the first part we're planning to rent a car, then we'll go to Kyoto and lastly Tokyo. I've roughly planned the car trip, but would love some feedback from people who've been to Japan and know more than me.
We like being active on holiday and only go to hotel to sleep (one exeption being the onsen stay). I feel like there's a lot of driving on some days, but I don't think it's avoidable if we want to see all of these places. I hope my itinerary is ok-ish, looking forward to hear what you think!
15.04
15:00 Arrive in Nagano Airport, rent the car
2.5h drive to hotel in Fuefuki
Eat, rest and sleep
16.04
(I know we might not see Fuji, still want to visit Kawaguchiko for cherry blossoms)
Tenku no Torii
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Walk by the Kawaguchi Lake, grab a snack or lunch
(Might stop by Chureito Pagoda if Fuji is visible)
Shiraito Falls
Dinner and hotel in Kofu
Total driving time: 2.5h
17.04
Shosenkyo Ropeway
Matsumoto Castle
Nawate Street
Dinner in Matsumoto
Hotel in Takayama
Total driving time: 4h
18.04
Miyagawa Morning Markets
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan
Showa kan Museum
Sanmachi Suji
Hida, Setogawa Canal
Hotel and dinner in Shirakawa
Total driving time: 1.5h
19.04
Shirakawa go
Long drive to the next hotel
Dinner, rest. Hotel in Karuizawa
Total driving time: 4.5h
20.04
Kusatsu Onsen
Yumomi Performance
Sainokawara Park
Mount Haruna, Haruna Shrine
Shima Potholes
Onsen hotel in Shima
Total driving time: 3.5h
21.04
Kegon Waterfalls
Nikko Toshogu
Tamozawa Imperial Villa
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Hotel in Utsunomiya
Total driving time: 4h
22.04
Oya Temple
Four Seasons Bamboo Forest
Ushiku Daibutsu
Return car
Total driving time: 2.5h
by JuliaOfelia