Central Japan Road Odyssey

Route: Tokyo ➝ Kusatsu Onsen ➝ Kurobe/Toyama ➝ Shirakawa-go ➝ Nagoya ➝ Nara ➝ Osaka
Trip Style: Overland journey by van/coaster
Pace: Balanced, no hiking, suitable for 24–45 year olds
Focus: Scenic views, hidden towns, cultural highlights, food discoveries

Want to see more of Japan without hopping from city to city?
Tokyo offers a lot—but beyond the neon and crosswalks are peaceful temples, mountain lakes, and old towns full of character.

Many travelers stick to the city and miss gems like Kamakura’s giant Buddha, Hakone’s hot springs, and the scenic lakes near Mt Fuji. That’s why we created this 6-day journey — the perfect mix of Tokyo’s best with short, comfortable day trips to Kawagoe, Fuji, and more.

You’ll enjoy temples, nature, food streets, and outlet shopping — all without changing hotels too often.

👉 Book now and explore Japan’s cultural highlights—all within reach of Tokyo.

Central Japan Road Odyssey

7 Days 6 Nights | Tokyo ➝ Kusatsu ➝ Kurobe/Toyama ➝ Shirakawa-go ➝ Nagoya ➝ Nara ➝ Osaka
Explore Japan’s scenic heartland by road, with a curated route blending hot spring towns, alpine valleys, heritage villages, and vibrant city culture.

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  • Arrive at Haneda/Narita (evening)

  • Meet & greet, transfer to hotel

  • Optional: stroll around Shibuya or enjoy izakaya near the hotel
    Hotel: Shinjuku/Nihonbashi area

🗓️ Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

  • Morning: Meiji Shrine ➝ Yoyogi Park ➝ Harajuku (Cat Street)

  • Afternoon: Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza old town

  • Must-eats: Sushi skewers at Tsukiji, trendy crepes, matcha parfait
    Hotel: Tokyo

🗓️ Day 3: Tokyo ➝ Kusatsu Onsen (Travel: ~3.5 hrs)

  • Scenic countryside drive to Kusatsu

  • Explore Yubatake hot spring field, try onsen tamago

  • Footbaths & traditional street snacks

  • Relax at the ryokan with a kaiseki-style dinner
    Hotel: Onsen ryokan in Kusatsu

🗓️ Day 4: Kusatsu ➝ Kurobe Gorge ➝ Toyama (Travel: ~4 hrs)

  • Optional stop: seasonal fruit farm in Nagano

  • Ride the scenic Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train (perfect for photos)

  • Evening izakaya in Toyama
    Must-eats: Toyama white shrimp sushi, local sake
    Hotel: Toyama city

🗓️ Day 5: Toyama ➝ Shirakawa-go ➝ Nagoya (Travel: ~4.5 hrs total)

  • Morning visit to Shirakawa-go (UNESCO village)

    • Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, rice cracker & soba tasting

  • Afternoon arrival in Nagoya

    • Visit Osu Shopping Street or SCMAGLEV Railway Museum

    • Optional izakaya dinner crawl
      Hotel: Nagoya JR Gate Tower or similar

🗓️ Day 6: Nagoya ➝ Nara ➝ Osaka (Travel: ~3.5 hrs)

  • Morning visit to Nara Park – feed friendly deer, explore Todai-ji Temple

  • Arrive in Osaka: Dotonbori street food tour, Shinsekai retro area
    Must-eats: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu
    Hotel: Namba/Shinsaibashi area

🗓️ Day 7: Osaka ➝ Departure

  • Morning: Kuromon Market or quick shopping

  • Transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) (~1 hr).

Key Places of Interest

  • Tokyo: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Nezu Shrine, Shibuya & local izakaya

  • Kusatsu Onsen: Yubatake Hot Spring Field, onsen footbaths, kaiseki dinner

  • Kurobe Gorge/Toyama: Scenic railway ride, firefly squid tasting (seasonal), Toyama sushi

  • Shirakawa-go: UNESCO World Heritage village, gassho-zukuri houses, soba & mochi tasting

  • Nagoya: Osu Shopping Street, Railway Museum, miso katsu & local chicken wings

  • Nara: Nara Park with friendly deer, Todai-ji Temple

  • Osaka: Dotonbori street food trail, teamLab Botanical Garden, Shinsekai retro vibes