Traveling from Tokyo to Nagano in a campervan rental can be an excellent way to enjoy winter sports. In addition, you can enjoy shopping, traditional meals, and experiencing natural beauties along the road.

Here’s one of the suggested itinerary options for your winter sports trip to Japan.

Day 1: Tokyo to Matsumoto

Getting off your flight, rent a campervan motorhome or RV. And start your journey from Tokyo and drive to Matsumoto (approximately 3-4 hours).

JAPAN ROAD TRIP（https://www.japanroadtrip.com/en/）

JAPAN ROAD TRIP is one of the most popular companies of campervan rental offers a campervan dispatch service to your airport. And we also suggest the best vehicle or itinerary for your needs. So feel free to inquire anything about campervan rental.

Matsumoto-jo castle（https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/eng）

One of the most beautiful castles in Japan. And it has a unique feature: black exterior walls, earning it the title of “Crow Castle”. (Karasu-jo).
Those who are interested in Japanese history, architecture and culture would appreciate this castle very much.

Nakamachi District（https://nakamachi.org/en）

A well-preserved traditional district with historic buildings and shops. And traditional tea houses offering Japanese tea ceremonies and cultural experiences.

【RV Park Information】

• RV park Kokoro-ya
• URL:https://www.kurumatabi.com/park/rvpark/582.html
• Parking fee: 2,750JPY per vehicle
• Location: 3948-1 Konami Suwa-shi Nagano 〒392-0131
• Reservations by telephone only:0266-57-2656

Day-2: Matsumoto to Kamikochi

Drive from Matsumoto to Kamikochi (approximately 1-2 hours).

Spend the day exploring Kamikochi’s natural beauty and hiking trails.

【RV Park Information】

• Camping out in the car AzuminoStation
• URL:http://www.ne.jp/asahi/azuminoict/hp/
• Parking fee: 2,500JPY per vehicle
• Location: 5099-3 Horigane-Karasugawa Azumino-shi Nagano 〒399-8211
• Reservation form: Booking online available

Day-3: Kamikochi to Nagano city

Depart Kamikochi and drive to Nagano City (approximately 1-2 hours)

Visit the Zenkoji Temple area and try local foods.

【RV Park Information】

• Roadside station: Kita-shinshu Yamanouchi
• URL:https://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/road/chiiki/road_chiiki00000285.html
• Parking fee:Free
• Location:393-2 Ooaza-Sano Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano 〒381-0402

Day-4: Nagano City to Shigakogen

Drive from Nagano City to Shiga Kogen (approximately 1-2 hours)

Choose a ski resort and spend the day enjoying skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in Shigakogen.

Recommended Ski Resort

【Giant Ski Resort】https://shigakogen.co.jp/

【Shigakogen Moutain Resort】https://www.shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

【Okushiga Kogen Resort】http://en.okushiga.jp/

【RV Park Information】

• Shiga Kogen Kidoike Campsite
• URL:https://www.kurumatabi.com/park/rvpark/582.html
• Inquiry:0269-34-2821

Day-5:
Shigakogen to Yudanaka, Karuizawa, and return to Tokyo.

Depart Shigakogen and drive to Yudanaka (approximately 1-2 hours).

Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park and observe the wild snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs of the Yudanaka area.

And drive to Karuizawa (approximately 1-2 hours) and explore shopping at the huge outlet mall- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza ,explore foods at Karuizawa Ginza and beautiful scenery.

Karuizawa Tour Spots

http://karuizawa-kankokyokai.jp/en/

 

Finally, drive back to Tokyo (approximately 2-3 hours) and return your campervan.

Summary

This itinerary allows you to experience winter sports in Shiga Kogen, explore cultural sites in Matsumoto and Nagano City, enjoy the natural beauty of Kamikochi, and relax in hot springs in Yudanaka. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Karuizawa for shopping and sightseeing before returning to Tokyo. Remember to check the weather and road conditions beforehand and plan your accommodations and campervan parking accordingly.

JAPAN ROAD TRIP is now running a YEAR-END AND NEW YEAR DISCOUNT campaign, so if you want to hire a camper at a reasonable price, now is the time! You may contact us via mail or What’sApp for further information and reservations. We will be able to suggest the best vehicle to make your trip wonderful!