I am excited to be back in Japan this April 19-26, half of which we will spending in Nagano with my mother and sister. As much as possible, we don't want to cramp it up too much so feel free to call me out if you think I might be doing so. My itinerary looks like this:
Day 1 (Sunday, Apr 19): Arrival & Travel to Matsumoto
- Arrive NRT at 3:05 PM.
- Take Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku directly to Matsumoto.
- Stay: Matsumoto (East Exit/Station area).
Day 2 (Monday, Apr 20): Kamikochi
- Day trip to Kamikochi (we are timing this right after it officially opens for the season on Apr 17).
- Plan: Hike the 10km Azusa River trail (Taisho Pond to Myojin Bridge).
- Transit: Alpico Train/Bus combo from Matsumoto Station.
Day 3 (Tuesday, Apr 21): Togakushi
- Rental Car Day 1: Pick up car in Matsumoto.
- Drive north (~1hr 15m) to Togakushi.
- Plan: Hike to the Okusha Shrine. Have a traditional Togakushi Soba lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Drive back to Matsumoto for dinner.
Day 4 (Wednesday, Apr 22): Shinhotaka Ropeway + Narai Juku and Lake Suwa.
- Rental Car Day 2: * Morning: Drive West to the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Take the gondola to the 2,100m observation deck for panoramic views and walk the snow corridor.
- Afternoon: Drive South down into the Kiso Valley to explore Narai-juku.
- On the way back, if possible, catch the sunset at Lake Suwa at around 6 PM.
- Evening: Return rental car in Matsumoto.
Day 5 (Thursday, Apr 23): Matsumoto to Tokyo City
- Morning: Relaxed morning exploring our base. Walk to Matsumoto Castle and stroll Nakamachi/Nawate Street to hunt for local crafts and kitchenware.
- Afternoon: take the Limited Express Azusa back to Shinjuku.
- Stay: Tokyo for the next few days.
I was hoping to get your thoughts on this itinerary. It will also be the first time I will be driving in Japan on an international driving permit.
by wpwsyndrome