Hello All,
​
Sharing my 10 days experience in Japan.
Car Rental Nissan March – 66000yen
Toll fee – 14340yen
Total distance – 1305km
Gas/Petrol – 2 full tanks @ 179-182yen a liter (Sry didnt really keep track receipt, yet to sort it out)
​
Driving was easy peasy in Japan (compared to Thailand & Malaysia driving experience). Most of them follows road regulation, speed limits, hardly overtake you even on rural road (they do have few ‘shoulder lane’ for people to stop, you may slow down and stop or move aside to let behind car to pass you). Speed limit on Expressway 80km/h signs but I do see people speed up to 100-120km/h, rural roads 40-50km/h in small town. I got to say, they have heck lots of tunnels and longest I gone through was 11km.
You may want to open both GPS (Google & Car GPS), I find it both accurate but Car GPS has notification/indicator of traffic, road maintenance, car accident, expressway jct, rest stop. Downside the Car GPS wasn’t able to type in English but managed to somehow use it by dragging around the map to spot we wanted to go, compared the map with google map on phone.
Below roughly my trip report I can think of, may polish it later. Supposed to be Foliage trip but went early 1 week probably, but hey I managed to see it start in Hakuba-Happo Pond & Kamikochi, so it wasn’t a disappointing trip.
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**Day 0 – Tokyo**
* Arrived 9pm+ HND Airport from BKK Airport.
* Immigration and Customs +- about an 1.5 hours since lots of Tourist arrived night flights.
* Went to Tokyo Monorail Kiosk for Welcome Suica but queue was kinda long, decided just to get ticket and move on since my check-in till 12am only. Stop at Hamamatsuchō Station for JR to Takanobaba Station for a night to collect Car on next Morning.
**Day 1 – Tokyo > Nikko**
* Checked out and walked to **Nissan Rent a Car** next to Takanobaba Station. Showed my [Booking.com](https://Booking.com) voucher together with [RentalCover.com](https://RentalCover.com) voucher and IDP + passport. Takes about 10mins for process, no additional charges except rental of ETC card 330yen.
* Begin Driving to Nikko via expressway however Accident occurred right after exiting Tokyo, stuck for 1.5 hours, took us 3 hours to arrive Nikko.
* First Meal at [三天甘太郎](https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E4%B8%89%E5%A4%A9%E7%94%98%E5%A4%AA%E9%83%8E/@36.7520503,139.5973226,21z/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x601fa4b7c69ac8d1:0x6f526b42961dd1c0!2sNikko,+Tochigi,+Japan!3b1!8m2!3d36.7198987!4d139.6982361!16zL20vMDF3aDRj!3m5!1s0x601fa7da6c7ffb15:0x73f3fda8ee9ca5f1!8m2!3d36.7520503!4d139.5973226!16s%2Fg%2F11qpkcdk9v?entry=ttu) Yuba Udon and Yuba Jyu. Delicious with River view and chill wind. No parking since it’s a small shop, I parked at Lawson Stn and walked over.
* Parked at Toshogudai Parking Lot then walked to Five-storied Pagoda (Gojunoto) and surrounding area.
* Dropby to Uniqlo for some clothes/heattech
* Check-in [K’s House Nikko – Kinugawa Onsen Hostel](https://www.google.com/maps/place/K’s+House+Nikko+-+Kinugawa+Onsen+Hostel/@36.8153832,139.707016,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x601f9f22bd45e729:0xb5b9ceb445759109!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d36.8153832!4d139.7095909!16s%2Fg%2F11tj3652qh?entry=ttu) , booked a room mountain view, able to see River as well. Additional charges 150yen per night/person for Onsen Tax. Spacious Kitchen with 3 prep table with stove, 2 sets of washer and dryer as well. 800meter walking distance from Tobu World Square Station, Kinugawaonsen. Most restaurants open 5.30pm onwards in this area.
* Dinner at [Sacchan さっちゃん](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sacchan/@36.818143,139.71011,21z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x601f9f4714f5459b:0x68d622a24ce398de!8m2!3d36.8182207!4d139.7101425!16s%2Fg%2F1tglhdzv?entry=ttu) , run by 2 elderly couple (i assumed). They have English Menu and conversation mostly her using phone translator. She will first inform you that Menu is limited as this place more towards Local drinking joint rather than proper restaurant. Fried Chicken & Stew is awesome, pair with Hot Sake for the Night.
**Day 2 – Nikko**
* 8am Drove to **Kegon Waterfall** took 45mins to arrive at **Kenei Kegonnotakidai 1 Parking Lot** cost 330yen (opposite lot 300yen)**,** didn’t bother with the paid elevator down to observatory deck. The free deck is more than enough. Had pressure cook chestnut and grilled fish, delicious.
* Drove to [Yutaki Yuryo Parking Lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Yutaki+Yuryo+Parking+Lot/@36.7957002,139.4298833,18z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x601fb20d0becafd7:0x3a7ea3a0f5c07099!2sYudaki+Falls!8m2!3d36.795418!4d139.428549!16s%2Fg%2F1221xzlm!3m5!1s0x601fb209364c6aab:0x41dd17eef1dfb7bb!8m2!3d36.7946032!4d139.4300883!16s%2Fg%2F11c1xd5hng?entry=ttu) 500yen for parking. Walked 3mins to [Yudaki Falls](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Yudaki+Falls/@36.795418,139.428549,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x601fb20d0becafd7:0x3a7ea3a0f5c07099!8m2!3d36.795418!4d139.428549!16s%2Fg%2F1221xzlm?entry=ttu) and spend about 10mins at the path to Senjogahara, did not walk far. The scenery driving here is awesome.
* Drove back to [Utagahama Parking Lot 1](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Utagahama+Parking+Lot+1/@36.7312382,139.4910862,18.87z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x601fa8d9c2cc6841:0x9e85e78f9c0ae0a6!8m2!3d36.7314085!4d139.4909976!16s%2Fg%2F11c3tx3fhr?entry=ttu) free parking (opposite of Chūzen-ji Temple). Had Lunch at [レークオカジン](https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AF%E3%82%AA%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3/@36.7320548,139.4917464,57m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!3m7!1s0x601fa8d9fd28894b:0x343a2b1fc3640e6b!8m2!3d36.7321097!4d139.4917661!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F12qf9h_np?entry=ttu) their Curry Tonkatsu and local Trout Soba (trout fished from Chuzenji Lake).
* Refuel Gas at station, self service English menu with credit card. Too exhausted and slept early since next day driving to Matsumoto
**Day 3 – Nikko > Matsumoto**
* Checkout 8am and drove to Matsumoto via Expressway. Takes about 4hours.
* Stopby those rest stop for small meals / cafe not worth mentioning
* Dropby [TABINO HOTEL Lit MATSUMOTO たびのホテルlit松本](https://www.google.com/maps/place/TABINO+HOTEL+Lit+MATSUMOTO/@36.2293405,137.9670384,21z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x601d0f02b71dc1ef:0x13c21b19bc7be4c2!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d36.2292534!4d137.9670907!16s%2Fg%2F11nrxbby5b?entry=ttu) for check-in and leave luggage.
* There’s a lot of parking near the Yohashira Shrine. **Nawate Street** and **Nakamachi street** are so so, to me nothing special or probably it’s weekday?
* Walked to **Matsumoto Castle**, sadly its partially covered with renovation/restoration. Still a good view and scenery.
* Wanted to try **Mensho Sakura,** the queue was long approximately 30ppl shop not even open. Back to Hotel area for a meal, not worth mentioning since nothing special.
**Day 4 – Matsumoto**
* 7am Day trip to **Hakuba** for **Happo Pond.** Drove for about 1.5hrs with simple Lawson Station Kara-age Kun Fried Chicken Nuggets as breakfast.
* You won’t be able to drive up to Kurobishi Lift No 3 although review says you can, it’s barricaded closed via 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games sign and via Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium , shows no entry sign with very narrow road. Ended up at Gondola Lift.
* Arrived at [Hakubamura Parking Lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hakubamura+Parking+Lot/@36.7020945,137.8370353,254m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!3m7!1s0x5ff7ce09122b163d:0x496602398cd6c4f1!8m2!3d36.7023383!4d137.8365658!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F12xq8chdl?entry=ttu) cost 1000yen. Paid 3300yen for round trip Happo Alpine Line (Gondola Lift + Alpine Quad Lift + Groat Quat Lift).
* Please bring small snack/energy bar or drinks. There is vending machine at First Gondola station and Quad Lift. At the top section 1 small coke machine limited drinks.
* Hike up till Happo Pond took us 1.5 hours as we are dumb to choose Rocky route instead of Board Walk route which very much easier mostly for beginner/seniors/childrens. Plus we wore sneakers which difficult to hike up via Rocky route.
* However the Scenery/View from Rocky Route is stunning. You will not regret it, kinda like bonus apart from Happo Pond area looking to alps. Spent about 3hours ish
* On the way back, stop by [Daio Wasabi Farm](https://www.google.com/maps?client=firefox-b-d&sca_esv=576657926&output=search&q=daio+wasabi+farm&source=lnms&entry=mc&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEgoyNqZKCAxX_8zgGHQ5SBasQ0pQJegQIDBAB), huge farm but is was a Sunny day. Wasabi Ice Cream is nice to try. Not much activity apart from looking at the farm and the area where they allow you to feel the water flowing from Alps.
* No fancy dinner, Lawson meal and fried chicken.
**Day 5 – Matsumoto > Takayama (KAMIKOCHI)**
* Checkout at 6am drove to **Akandana Parking (600 yen)** for about 1hour 10mins via free route. Please drive the expressway instead because the free route is kinda dangerous and narrow to drive. Longer as well i think.
* Took 7.20am Nohi Bus cost 2090yen round trip to **Kamikochi**
* **(Recommended)** Get off at **K-28 Taisho Pond,** walk all the way up to **Tashiro Marsh/Pond** then along **Azusa River** till **Tashirobashi, Hotakabashi bridge** , remain same side walk up to **Kappa Bridge** for a break/simple meal. Cross Kappa Bridge and walk the other route to **Myōjin Pond (cost 500yen)** entry fee to see First & Second pond. Then cross **Myojin Bridge** and walk back to **Kamikochi Bus Terminal**. Depends on your pace and break time, it took us 6 hours to complete.
* Back to car park around 4pm, drove to Takayama +- 1hr drive.
* Dinner at [Aji-no-Yohei](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aji-no-Yohei/@36.1406714,137.2575128,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x6002badbba0a579f:0x15d15f21028eafd9!2sAji-no-Yohei!8m2!3d36.1406714!4d137.2600877!16s%2Fg%2F1thvy5r6!3m5!1s0x6002badbba0a579f:0x15d15f21028eafd9!8m2!3d36.1406714!4d137.2600877!16s%2Fg%2F1thvy5r6?entry=ttu) (Opens 5.30pm) for their Hida Beef. Grilled & Sukiyaki are both awesome.
**Day 6 – Takayama (ShiragawaGO& Gokayama)**
* Started journey 7am to ShiragawaGO via expressway, took about 45-50 minutes to arrive. First car at car park(1000yen fee , no admission fee). Good point for very early, you able to take pics of empty bridge, walkway, surrounding buildings as well as from observatory area (15mins walk).
* Not much restaurant open on weekdays although google map say it does, small kiosk may open around 10.30am as well as souvenir stalls.
* Left ShiragawaGO around 11.30, for Gokayama via non-toll route roughly 40-45mins journey.
* Gokayama a smaller version of ShiragawaGO, way less tourist/locals. However only 2 restaurant is available, 1 was closed when I arrived. Had meal at [Matsuya お休み処・茶店 まつや](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Matsuya/@36.4260624,136.9358171,77m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x5ff8160fb66a5ed9:0x66570a71e6263709!8m2!3d36.4260899!4d136.9354723!16s%2Fg%2F1tj4gx9m?entry=ttu), worth the wait for Soba noddle tempura, delicious. Left after spending 1.5hour, kinda small but worth the visit if you have extra time.
* Back to Takayama arrived 3.30pm, just nice for walk in Sannomachi Street (i prefer this over Nawate St/Nakamachi St). Enough time to get snacks around, most of them close at 4.30pm/5pm. You might be able to get grilled hida skewer or hida beef sushi if you’re lucky as they sold out quite early.
**Day 6 – Takayama > Tokyo**
* Morning checkout 7am and stroll in [Miyagawa Morning Markets](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Miyagawa+Morning+Markets/@36.1390013,137.2633585,2553m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x6002bad6cfb0ec13:0x4c262f0cacf9e0d6!8m2!3d36.144704!4d137.2579466!16s%2Fg%2F120wl4t5?entry=ttu) , wanted to try Noix De Coco but wasn’t open. Bought an apple (taste was good, something like honey apple for 320yen a pieces). Again, weekdays lesser shops. Bought some snack as breakfast, nth to shout about but nice.
* 8.30am starter driving through scenic route 361 till Shinkaifuku then continue on route 19 then continue route 361 from kamiyairiguchi junction all the way till Okaya JCT join expressway till Tokyo. You will be able to see Mount Fuji halfway through expressway.
* Stopby Suwako SA (up) (rest stop). The resturant & starbucks has overview of Suwa Lake, great place for quick lunch / break.
* Back to Takanobaba Station by 4.30pm to Return Car to Nissan.
Day 7 & 8 – Tokyo
Nothing much to share, kinda normal for everybody i believe. Return to my country on day 9.
