Tokyo → Nagano → Shiga Kōgen → Nozawa Onsen → Yudanaka Snow Monkeys → Matsumoto → Tokyo

Tokyo → Nagano City Distance: ≈ 250 km Driving time: 3 – 4 h** Leave Tokyo on the Chūō Expressway, following mountain valleys toward Nagano. The city’s Zenko-ji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest, its wooden halls beautiful in snow. Warm up with local oyaki dumplings or miso soup at the temple gates. Overnight stop: Michi-no-Eki Shinshū Nakano – north of Nagano City. Facilities: 24 h toilets, café, regional produce, no showers. Nearby onsen: Yudanaka Onsen (8 km). Nagano → Shiga Kōgen Highland Distance: ≈ 40 km Driving time: 1 h** Climb through birch forest to the Shiga Kōgen Plateau, one of Japan’s highest national parks. Winter roads are quiet and well cleared; skiing, snowshoeing and frozen lakes line the route. Stop at Shibu Toge Pass for broad mountain views. Overnight stop: Michi-no-Eki Yamanouchi. Facilities: 24 h toilets, café, rest area, coin showers. Nearby onsen: Shibu Onsen Village (5 km). Shiga Kōgen → Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Yudanaka Distance: ≈ 20 km Driving time: 30 min** Descend slightly to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs. A short forest path (25 min walk) leads to the viewing area — open even in snow. Spend the afternoon exploring Yudanaka Onsen, its narrow lanes lined with steaming baths. Overnight stop: remain at Michi-no-Eki Yamanouchi or nearby Michi-no-Eki Nozawa Onsen. Facilities: 24 h toilets, restaurant, coin showers. Nearby onsen: multiple public baths within walking distance. Yudanaka → Nozawa Onsen Village Distance: ≈ 35 km Driving time: 1 h** A short, scenic drive brings you to Nozawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most atmospheric winter towns. Wooden bathhouses steam at every corner; evening strolls in yukata are part of the experience. Try the Oyu public bath, open until late, and local sake at small taverns. Overnight stop: Michi-no-Eki Nozawa Onsen. Facilities: 24 h toilets, restaurant, market, coin showers. Nearby onsen: public baths throughout the village. Nozawa → Matsumoto (Alpine City & Castle) Distance: ≈ 140 km Driving time: 3 h** Drive through the northern Alps foothills to Matsumoto, a classic mountain city dominated by its black-walled castle. Visit the castle keep, stroll the old Nakamachi street for miso and craft shops, and enjoy local soba noodles. Overnight stop: Michi-no-Eki Alps Azumino Horigane no Sato – west of the city. Facilities: 24 h toilets, restaurant, local produce market, coin showers. Nearby onsen: Asama Onsen (10 km). Matsumoto → Lake Suwa → Tokyo Distance: ≈ 200 km Driving time: 4 – 5 h** Descend from the Alps toward Lake Suwa, then rejoin the expressway east to Tokyo. Optional final stop at Mount Fuji Five Lakes if conditions are clear — snow views are superb in February. Overnight stop (optional): Michi-no-Eki Narusawa. Facilities: 24 h toilets, café, coin showers. Nearby onsen: Yurari Onsen (2 km).

Driving Summary Tokyo → Nagano City Approx. 250 km · 3–4 hours Nagano City → Shiga Kōgen Highland Approx. 40 km · 1 hour Shiga Kōgen → Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Yudanaka Approx. 20 km · 30 minutes Yudanaka → Nozawa Onsen Village Approx. 35 km · 1 hour Nozawa Onsen → Matsumoto Approx. 140 km · 3 hours Matsumoto → Lake Suwa → Tokyo Approx. 200 km · 4–5 hours