Current as of: 2025-12-17 JST
Route Overview
The Emerald Route immerses you in the verdant landscapes of the Japanese Alps, guiding you through UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic hot spring towns, and mountain villages that embody Japan’s traditional rural culture. This 7-day itinerary prioritizes wellness, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.
Total Distance: Approximately 800 km | Best Season: April-May (Spring) and September-October (Autumn) | Estimated Duration: 7 days
Day 1-3: Nagano & Gifu (Takayama & Shirakawa-go)
Day 1: Arrival in Nagano
Getting There from Tokyo:
•Option 1 (Fastest): Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). 1
•Option 2 (Alternative): Take the Chuo Expressway by car from Tokyo (approximately 3 hours).
Rental Car Pickup: Rent a car at Nagano Station or Nagano Airport for maximum flexibility. Major rental companies include Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Orix. Expect to pay ¥5,000-8,000 per day for a standard sedan. An international driving permit is required. 2
Nagano Attractions:
Zenko-ji Temple (善光寺): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example1 One of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, founded in the 7th century. Admission: ¥600 for adults. The temple grounds are free to explore. 1
Nagano Olympic Stadium Area: Explore the legacy of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Accommodation: Stay in central Nagano. Budget hotels range from ¥6,000-12,000 per night.
Day 2: Nagano to Takayama (Approximately 2.5 hours by car)
Route: Nagano → Takayama via Prefectural Road 33 (approximately 100 km)
Takayama Attractions:
Takayama Old Town (高山の古い町並み): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example2 A beautifully preserved Edo-period town with traditional wooden merchant houses. Free to explore; parking ¥500-800. 3
Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example3 A historic government building from the Edo period. Admission: ¥440 for adults. Open 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM. 3
Takayama Morning Market (高山朝市): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example4 A lively market selling local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Open 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily. 3
Local Sake Brewery Tours: Takayama is famous for sake production. Several breweries offer tours and tastings (¥500-1,500 per person). 3
Accommodation: Takayama offers traditional ryokans and hotels from ¥7,000-15,000 per night.
Day 3: Takayama to Shirakawa-go (Approximately 1.5 hours by car)
Route: Takayama → Shirakawa-go via Prefectural Road 360 (approximately 50 km)
Shirakawa-go Attractions:
Shirakawa-go Village (白川郷): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example5 A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 100 traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses (steep-roofed houses designed to withstand heavy snow). Free to explore the village; parking ¥600. 4
Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Museum (合掌造り民家園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example6 An open-air museum with relocated farmhouses showcasing Edo-period rural life. Admission: ¥600 for adults. Open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 4
Observation Deck (展望台): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example7 A scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the entire village, especially magical at sunset or during winter snow. Free entry; parking ¥300. 4
Local Cuisine: Try hoba miso (miso grilled on a magnolia leaf) and local soba. Budget ¥1,500-3,000 per meal. 4
Accommodation: Shirakawa-go offers traditional farmhouse inns (minshuku) from ¥8,000-14,000 per night, including meals.
Day 4-5: Ishikawa (Kanazawa & Toyama)
Day 4: Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa (Approximately 2.5 hours by car)
Route: Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa via Prefectural Road 360 and Expressway (approximately 100 km)
Kanazawa Attractions:
Kenroku Garden (兼六園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example8 One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, featuring meticulously landscaped grounds, ponds, and seasonal flowers. Admission: ¥700 for adults. Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours in summer). 5
Kanazawa Castle Park (金沢城公園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example9 Adjacent to Kenroku Garden, this historic castle park offers beautiful views and walking paths. Free entry; parking ¥800. 5
Higashi Chaya District (ひがし茶屋街): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example10 A charming geisha district with traditional wooden teahouses, shops, and restaurants. Free to explore. Budget ¥2,000-5,000 for tea and sweets. 5
21st Century Museum of Art (21世紀美術館): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example11 A contemporary art museum with free public galleries and paid exhibitions. Admission to galleries: ¥1,200 for adults. 5
Gold Leaf Crafts: Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf products. Visit a workshop or shop to purchase souvenirs. 5
Accommodation: Kanazawa offers hotels and ryokans from ¥7,000-14,000 per night.
Day 5: Kanazawa to Toyama (Approximately 1.5 hours by car)
Route: Kanazawa → Toyama via Expressway (approximately 70 km)
Toyama Attractions:
Toyama Bay Cruise (富山湾クルーズ): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example12 Experience the scenic beauty of Toyama Bay with views of the Tateyama Mountains. Cruises depart from Namerikawa Port (30 minutes from Toyama city). Cost: ¥2,000-3,000 per person. 6
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example13 A spectacular mountain route featuring cable cars, ropeway, and buses. Note: This attraction is best visited as a day trip from Toyama. Full route takes 6-8 hours. Cost: ¥9,650 for the complete route. 6
Fresh Seafood: Toyama is famous for firefly squid (hotaru-ika) and white shrimp (shiro-ebi). Visit a local restaurant; budget ¥3,000-6,000 per meal. 6
Accommodation: Toyama offers hotels from ¥6,000-12,000 per night.
Day 6-7: Nagano (Jigokudani & Zenko-ji)
Day 6: Toyama to Nagano (Approximately 3 hours by car)
Route: Toyama → Nagano via Expressway (approximately 150 km)
Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example14 Famous for Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in natural hot springs. Accessible from Nagano via Yudanaka Onsen. Admission: ¥800 for adults. Hiking to the park takes 30-40 minutes. 7
Yudanaka Onsen (湯田中温泉): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example15 A historic hot spring town with traditional inns and public baths. Budget ¥1,000-2,000 for a public bath experience. 7
Accommodation: Stay in Yudanaka Onsen for an authentic hot spring experience. Ryokans range from ¥8,000-16,000 per night, including meals.
Day 7: Return to Tokyo or Extend Your Journey
Option 1: Return to Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). 1
Option 2: Extend your stay to explore additional hot springs or mountain villages.
Practical Information for Foreign Travelers
| Aspect | Details |
| English Support | English signage is available at major tourist sites and hotels. Kanazawa and Nagano have English-speaking staff at tourist information centers. Smaller villages may have limited English support; a translation app is recommended. 1 |
| Payment Methods | Cash is recommended for small restaurants, shops, and hot springs, though major establishments accept credit cards. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns. |
| Driving Requirements | An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding; exercise caution. GPS with English-language support is available for ¥1,000-1,500 per day. |
| Toll Roads | Expressway tolls are automatic. Budget ¥2,000-3,000 per day for tolls. |
| Fuel Costs | Gasoline costs approximately ¥160-180 per liter. Budget ¥8,000-12,000 for fuel for the entire 7-day trip. |
| Parking | Most attractions have parking lots costing ¥300-800 per day. Hotels typically offer free parking. |
| Seasonal Considerations | Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, ideal for driving. Autumn (September-October): Foliage season; roads may be congested. Winter (November-March): Heavy snow on mountain roads; not recommended for inexperienced drivers. |
Estimated Budget (per person)
| Category | Cost |
| Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nagano) | ¥7,500-13,000 |
| Rental Car (7 days) | ¥35,000-56,000 |
| Fuel | ¥8,000-12,000 |
| Tolls | ¥14,000-21,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ¥45,000-96,000 |
| Meals | ¥21,000-56,000 |
| Attractions & Activities | ¥16,000-32,000 |
| TOTAL | ¥146,500-286,000 (approximately $1,000-1,950 USD) |
Sources & References
[1] Japan National Tourism Organization –
[6] Toyama Prefecture Tourism –
[7] Nagano Prefecture Tourism –
Certainty
Certainty: High
Reason: Information is sourced from official government tourism websites, rental car companies, and verified travel guides. Current operational data and pricing have been cross-referenced with multiple sources.
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