Japan’s Chūbu region, where the Japanese Alps are located, is filled with amazing natural scenery. While many hidden gems cannot be reached by trains, they are still worth exploring! Even if you enjoy shopping and eating more, you won’t be disappointed by the region’s many charms. After all, the local cuisine in the mountainous area is incredible. Shopping in the regional cities means you don’t need to queue up for ages at the fitting rooms and cash register. If you have two weeks and are unsure how to plan it, follow this itinerary to explore the beauty of nature in Japan!
Summary of the 14-Day Itinerary
This itinerary best suits those planning to visit Japan between mid-October and early November when fall foliage season peaks. But you can still use it if you visit Japan during other seasons. Note that buses to Kamikōchi do not operate from mid-November to mid-April. So, if you plan to explore the Chūbu region in the winter months, you can replace the days in Kamikōchi with Takayama and Shirakawa-gō.
Important: Kamikōchi is a popular destination, especially during the fall foliage season. It is best to reserve your bus ticket HERE in advance. In addition, buses departing from Kamikōchi for Matsumoto must be reserved. Reservations are open one month beforehand.
Moreover, the itinerary is planned in a way that allows you to attend the Soba Festival in Togakushi. If you are not interested in the festival, you can adjust the sequence of the places to visit to:
Tokyo → Kamikōchi → Matsumoto → Nagano → Togakushi → Karuizawa → Kusatsu Onsen → Tokyo
Day 1 – Arriving Tokyo
Haneda/Narita Airport ⇒ Tokyo
Depending on when your flight arrives, you may or may not have time for proper sightseeing during your first day.
If you are unsure as to how to travel from Haneda/Narita Airport to Tokyo, refer to the below:
There are two services departing for Kamikōchi from Shinjuku each day. One departs in the early morning, and one late at night. If you can sleep on the bus, you can take the bus departing at night to save on accommodation costs on Day 1. Those who cannot sleep well on buses should stay close to Shinjuku Station for the first night and take the morning service on Day 2. This will make getting to Kamikōchi the next day easier.
Day 2 and Day 3 – Kamikōchi
Tokyo ⇒ Kamikōchi ⇒ Matsumoto
The bus departs Shinjuku at 7:15 am from Shinjuku Bus Terminal bus stop no. 26. As many tourists tend to get lost in Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Bus Terminal, we recommend locating the bus stop the night before to avoid missing the morning bus.
During the day, you can either spend most of your time enjoying the breathtaking scenery by trekking on the well-maintained tracks or allocating some time for a relaxing morning or afternoon tea inside one of the nicely decorated cafés.
For more information, please refer to our article on Kamikōchi (=゚ω゚)ノ.
Tip: There are a few hotels in Kamikōchi. If you are unsure, we recommend staying at Taishoike Hotel (大正池ホテル) so you can see the Taishō Pond’s stunning sunrise from your hotel room on Day 3’s morning!

There are several buses departing from Kamikōchi to Matsumoto, but you will need a reservation ticket to board. Please remember to book Online or at Kamikōchi Bus Terminal in advance. Amending the boarding time is possible at the ticket office at Kamikōchi Bus Terminal for a 100 yen processing fee.
The last bus departs Kamikōchi at 5:30 pm for Matsumoto.
Day 4 and 5 – Matsumoto
Matsumoto
Day 4 and 5 are allocated to exploring Matsumoto. For information about the city’s attractions, refer to our Matsumoto article. We recommend staying close to Matsumoto Station on Day 5. You want to get to the station as early as possible to explore Karuizawa on Day 6.
When you visit Matsumoto, the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle is a must-see. If you don’t want to go inside the castle, snap a few photos from its outer moat.
Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street are close to the castle. Each of them has a slightly different vibe. We highly recommend spending an hour or two checking out the boutique shops and cafes there. You will find a couple of other interesting spots.
If you like museums, the Matsumoto Museum of Art is a must-visit.

Matsumoto also has a couple of other museums that are worth visiting. For more information, refer to our article on the Museums in Matsumoto.
If you like hot springs, you can spend a night at Asama Onsen on Day 4.
On Day 5, you can continue exploring Matsumoto or visit the Daiō Wasabi Farm. The wasabi farm isn’t too far from Matsumoto and is considered a hidden gem. You can taste the freshest wasabi there and even purchase one or two to use during your stay in Japan!
Day 6 and Day 7 – Karuizawa
Matsumoto ⇒ Karuizawa
Get out of bed as early as possible on Day 6 if you want to maximize your time in Karuizawa. Take the local train to Nagano Station. Then, take the next bullet train from Nagano Station to Karuizawa. For accommodation, stay close to Karuizawa Station to avoid dragging your luggage around.
Tip: If you are looking for a mid-range hotel in Karuizawa, consider APA Hotel Karuizawa Station Karuizawaso.
Refer to HERE for more information on how to take the bullet train.
Karuizawa has many attractions that you can visit. One day is definitely not enough to explore this summer resort close to Tokyo!
You can refer to our Karuizawa article for all the spots you can visit. You can pick a couple that interests you the most.
The must-go spots for the fall foliage scenery are Kumoba Pond (雲場池), Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台), and Karuizawa Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝). For cafes and shopping, head to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (軽井沢・プリンスショッピングプラザ) and Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.
On Day 7, you can explore the Naka-Karuizawa area and Oiwake-Shuku. These two areas are less touristy and have more of a countryside vibe.
Tip: Instead of the bullet train, you can also take the sightseeing train, Rokumon, to Karuizawa.
On Day 7, keep an eye on the time, as you would not want to miss the last bus departing from Karuizawa Station’s north exit for Kusatsu Onsen. The last service departs at 3:40 pm (refer to HERE for the most up-to-date timetable). It takes around an hour to get to the hot spring town. If you take the last bus service, you will arrive just before dinner time.
There are many hotels and ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen. If you are not sure which one to pick, refer to our Guide to the Hotels/Ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen for the recommended accommodations.
Day 8 and Day 9 – Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen ⇒ Nagano
The onsen town’s center is the magnificent Yubatake (湯畑). The spot where more than 4,000 liter of hot springs gushes out per minute becomes a field of hot springs, which is why the locals named it Yubatake.
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the few hot spring towns in Japan with tattoo-friendly public bathhouses. Whether you have a tattoo or not, check out at least one of Kusatsu Onsen’s three public bathhouses, Kusatsu Santō (草津三湯).
The famous hot spring town is best known for the Yumomi show, so visit Netsunoyu for the performance. You might even get to experience it!
Boutique shops and cafes can also be found on streets stretching from Yubatake. If you are a nature lover, there are a few promenades and hiking trails. There is even a ski resort, which is turned into an outdoor activity heaven during the warmer months!
For more information about the places to visit, refer to our article on Kusatsu Onsen!
After you have your fill at Kusatsu Onsen on Day 9, pick up your luggage from your accommodation and take a bus from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal to Nagano Station. We recommend staying close to Nagano Station because you will need to take a bus from Nagano Station to Togakushi the next morning.
- You can either take the Direct Bus Service from Kusatsu Onsen to Nagano (1 service per day) or
- Head Back to Karuizawa and take a bullet train to Nagano.
Tip: Book the same hotel for Day 9 and Day 11. The hotel will most likely hold your belongings while you are away for a night in Togakushi. But please confirm with the hotel first!
Day 10 and Day 11 – Togakushi and Kinasa
Nagano ⇒ Togakushi and Kinasa ⇒ Nagano
The first bus departing for Togakushi from Nagano Station is at 7 am. Between 7 am and 7 pm, there is at least one service per hour. It takes around an hour to get to Togakushi. We would recommend that you get to Togakushi by 11 am so that you can enjoy soba noodles at one of the popular noodle restaurants in Togakushi.
Refer to HERE for Togakushi’s access information.
The main attraction in Togakushi is Togakushi Shrine. If you want to trek through the approach that links the shrine’s five sub-shrines, allow yourself a whole day.

The bus from Nagano Station can take you to the last sub-shrine. If you don’t want to walk the entire day, you can utilize the bus services during the day.
Other attractions that might interest you include the Togakushi Ninja Museum・Ninja Trick Mansion, and the stunning Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden!
Refer to our Togakushi article for the attractions in the area.
Tip: Plan your Day 10 or 11 to fall on November 1st to attend the Togakushi Soba Festival!

We recommend spending a night at Togakushi on Day 10. You can get up early on Day 11 and enjoy the nature Togakushi has to offer. But you can also take a bus back to Nagano Station if you don’t want to change hotels constantly.
Day 11 is mainly reserved for Kinasa, a small village next to Togakushi. If you don’t have access to a car and want to visit it, you need to travel back to Nagano Station, as there are no bus services connecting Togakushi with Kinasa.
Day 12 and Day 13 – Nagano
Nagano ⇒ Tokyo

Day 12 and Day 13 are reserved for the attractions/destinations that can be reached from Nagano Station. For example, you can take a bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys indulging in hot springs. Remember to check the park’s official website to ensure the monkeys have come down to the park before heading out.
On the way to the park, stop by Obuse for chestnut desserts. If your Day 12 or Day 13 falls on the last Sunday of October, the Obuse Chestnut Festival should be on!
You can get up early on Day 13’s morning for Zenkoji Temple’s morning service. The Rosary Blessing is a unique ritual that you can get from the head monk. If you are interested, refer to our Zenkoji article for more information.
You can spend the rest of Day 13 around the temple and check out the shops and cafes on Nakamise-dōri Street. There is also a sake brewery that you can visit.
After you have your fill in Nagano, take the next bullet train for your accommodation in Tokyo.
Day 14 – Tokyo
Kichijōji
If you don’t have to catch a morning flight, then you can spend the rest of your remaining time in Kichijōji. It is a nice neighborhood for shopping and relaxation. There are also a few unique cafes that you might be interested in stopping by. If you are a Ghibli fan, the Ghibli Museum is located there.
You can refer to our Kichijōji article for more information!
Planning to Spend More than 7 Days in Japan? Check Out the Itinerary for Other Parts of Japan!
If you have more than 7 days to spend in Japan and are struggling to decide where to visit next, we have a couple more itineraries to other parts of Japan with fascinating attractions!
Please refer to our Japan Itinerary Category for more information!