The Top 5 Secret Locations Accessible by Campervan
In this blog, we will introduce the Top 5 locations in Japan that can only be visited by campervan. Every where you go in Japan is easily accessible by train, yet many attractive and hidden locations that you can only access by campervan to explore.
JAPAN ROAD TRIP has branches throughout Japan! So, depending on where you want to start your tour, you can choose the branch that is most convenient for you. We will also indicate which branch is closer to the location you intend to visit in this blog.
Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa
The Noto Peninsula is located in northern Ishikawa Prefecture, about 3 hours and 45 minutes from Osaka. So, we recommend renting an RV from Kansai International Airport Branch or Tamatsukuri Station Branch in Osaka.
It spans 100km into the Sea of Japan and features natural wonders like sandy beach, rice terraces, and traditional farmhouses. its rich agricultural and fishing culture and ideal geographical conditions make it a culinary treasure trove.
If you visit, here are 3 must-see sites that we recommend.
・Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, characterized by zig-zagging hillside rice paddies and a blue sea, attract photographers worldwide. The landscape changes with the seasons, with white snow in January and February, flooded rice paddies creating an infinity pool effect, and fields turning green before ripening to gold in August and September. After harvesting the rice, 25,000 solar-powered, color-changing LED lights illuminate the terraces at night from mid-October to mid-March.
・Notojima Island
Notojima Island, located off the coast of the Noto Peninsula, offers a rural lifestyle with traditional agriculture. Despite being connected to the mainland recently, the island has developed a culture of self-reliance and harmony with nature, with homes featuring black-tiled roofs.
・Okunoto Salt Farm Village
The Okunoto Salt Farm Village in Japan showcases centuries-old salt-farming techniques, known as Agehama, used by the people of the Noto Peninsula for 500 years. The museum and roadside station provide an in-depth experience of salt-harvesting.
Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido
Shiretoko National Park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido. The drive from Shinchitose Airport Branch to the Shiretoko Peninsula will take 7 hours and 45 minutes. It may be a long drive, but it will provide a fantastic opportunity to explore Hokkaido.
It is a beautiful and unspoiled national park with diverse wildlife, including brown bears, deer, and foxes. The northern tip is only accessible by boat or trekking tours. In 2005, Shiretoko was added to the world heritage list for its ecosystem and biodiversity.
If you visit, here are 3 must-see sites that we recommend.
・Okhotsk Sea
Hokkaido’s northeastern coast, including the Shiretoko Peninsula, is the southernmost region in the northern hemisphere to witness drifting sea ice during winter. The ice typically appears by late January and disappears by early April, with the best viewing time being around the second half of February.
・Shiretoko Five Lakes
The Shiretoko Five Lakes, formed by Mount Io’s eruption and fed by underground springs, are a set of five small lakes that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness, providing visitors with an easy way to experience Shiretoko’s unspoiled nature.
・Oshinkoshin Falls
Oshinkoshin Falls, one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, is located near the coastal main road from Shari to Utoro. Also known as “Sobi no Taki,” it features two visible falls, making it a breathtaking sight.
Tsunoshima Bridge in Yamaguchi
Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge is located off Yamaguchi Prefecture’s northwest coast. The drive from Fukuoka Airport Branch to Tsunoshima approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
It is a popular destination for romantic getaways. TV commercials have featured the stunning scenery, which includes the azure sea and small islands. Visitors can explore Tsunoshima by crossing the bridge by car, offering a romantic and idyllic getaway experience.
If you visit, here are 3 must-see sites that we recommend.
・Makizaki Wind Park
The island cape, extending into the Sea of Japan, is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. Accessible via a free parking lot, the landscape is mostly green, with grasses growing shorter towards the shore. The area is windswept and lined with hard igneous rock, with no trees. Scrubby bushes and hearty flowers thrive in this harsh environment. The breeze brings beauty from the deep into Tsunoshima, forming “flowering” wave crests during winter.
・Shiokaze No Sato
Tsunoshima Island offers a clean, blue swimming area with white sand and attractive rocks. Accessible from Yamaguchi Prefecture’s main coast, the beach is easily reached by driving across the Tsunoshima Bridge to the central isthmus of the “horn”-shaped isle retreat, which is a few minutes’ drive from the main coast.
・Tsunoshima Ohama Campground
Tsunoshima is a serene beach town with a white sandy beach, clear blue water, a lighthouse, colorful church, seaside grasses, wildflowers, and rocky cliffs. Visitors can pitch a tent or rent a bungalow. The area is most peaceful between sunset and early morning when the waves are quiet.
Oze national Park in Fukushima
Oze national park is a excellent hiking destination in the mountains about 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. From our head office the drive will be 4 hours drive.
Ozehara National Park is renowned for its Ozegahara Marshland and Ozenuma Pond, along with surrounding mountains. It’s particularly popular during skunk cabbage blooms in late spring and early autumn colors, but is rarely visited in winter due to deep snow cover.
From Tokyo via Gunma Prefecture there are 3 major trailheads on the Gunma side of Oze.
・Hatomachitoge trailhead
The most popular trailhead because of its proximity to the marshland, which is about an hour’s walk away. The road to Hatomachitoge is closed to private vehicles, and shuttle buses operate to Hatomachitoge from Tokura from mid April to early November, where there are several large parking lots (1000 yen per 24 hour period) and bus connections to/from Numata and Tokyo.
・Oshimizu trailhead
The second most popular trailhead is because to its proximity to Ozenuma Pond, which is a two-hour walk away. In contrast to the road to Hatomachitoge, the road to Oshimizu is open to private vehicles throughout the hiking season. Buses from Numata and Tokyo operate to the Oshimizu trailhead from mid-May to mid-October (others stop at Tokura).
・Fujimi-shita trailhead
The least popular since it does not provide easy access to the marshland or the pond. The route to the trailhead is open to private vehicles throughout the hiking season.
Hida Mountains
The Hida mountain are a massive Y-shaped mountain range located in Honshū island, between Nagano, Toyama and Gifu Prefectures. You can rent from either our headquarters office, which is 5 hours and 10 minutes drive, or the Tamatsukuri Station Branch in Osaka, which is 5 hours 30 minutes drive.
The Hida Mountains are primarily composed of granite and crystalline rocks with feldspar, formed by volcanic magma infiltrations. They are part of Chūbu Sangaku National Park and are known for mountaineering and skiing. Active volcanoes like Mount Ontake contribute to the presence of natural hot springs. The mountains’ rivers, including the Ōtaki and Kurobe, have been used for hydroelectric power production.
3 things to do in the Hida Mountains
・Kamikochi
The Chūbu-Sangaku National Park’s 1500m valley is a must-see for Japanese hiking culture. For a longer trip, consider visiting Matsumoto city, home to one of the few Japanese black castles. A day trip is feasible, but a stroll in Matsumoto city is recommended for a deeper exploration.
・Kurobe dam Alpine Route
Kurobe Dam is a popular tourist attraction with a panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps from its large observatory. Visitors can witness the dynamic water release during summer and early autumn. The dam offers a variety of walking routes, including short (one day) and longer (two or more days) options, with a rest house for tea breaks.
・Azumino
Azumino, a city with few attractions, is a popular destination for locals who enjoy training in wasabi cultivation, tasting wasabi ice cream, and more. However, the city is also attracting foreign tourists through numerous local associations aimed at increasing its popularity. Despite its lack of specific attractions, Azumino remains a popular destination for travelers.
Summary
There are many more hidden locations in Japan that international tourists are unaware of, and these are only the top five that we recommend. At JAPAN ROAD TRIP, our staff is always available to give you with excellent service and recommendations on locations to visit. So what are you waiting for? Rent a campervan for your next trip with us!
03-6777-6565
