Hi everyone!
My husband and I (late 20s/early 30s), who are huge road trip lovers, are planning a short road trip through the Japanese Alps in early December (Dec 1–5) and would love any feedback, safety tips, or recommendations for stops along the way. This will be our first time driving internationally (and on the left side of the road), so I want to make sure this route makes sense and isn’t too risky for a beginner.
Route:
12/1: Nakesando Trail day! Pick up rental car from Matsumoto in the morning. Drive to Narai-juku (1 hr drive), then drive to Magome/Tsumago (1.5 hr drive). Stay the night in Magome.
12/2: Enjoy Magome/Tsumago in the morning, then make our way to central Takayama (2.5 hr drive). Stay in Takayama from 12/2-12/4.
12/3: Short day trip to Shirakawa-go (either car or bus) or spend the whole day in Takayama if burnt out. Spend final night in central Takayama.
12/4: Spend final morning exploring Takayama. Then drive to Kakurean Hidaji ryokan with private open-air bath (Okuhida Onsen) (1 hr drive)
12/5: Drive from Kakurean Hidaji back to Matsumoto (1.5-2 hr drive).
Questions:
- Is this route safe and realistic in early December? (concerned about snow/road conditions, especially around Okuhida and mountain passes)
- Any must-see pitstops between these places? (scenic spots/hikes, local food, hidden gems)
- Any driving tips for first-time drivers in Japan? (especially around parking, tolls, or narrow mountain roads)
- Any accommodation recommendations in or near Magome/Tsumago?
Appreciate any advice from folks who’ve driven this route or visited the area in winter!
by TravelPantsPro