5 days in Japan Itinerary

On the 26th (Thu), make a trip to Oshi Station Remains and then soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Naganohara-machi road trip planning tool.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiports are Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Toyama Airport and Niigata Airport. In March, daily temperatures in Naganohara-machi can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): explore the world behind art at Matsumoto City Art Museum.

To see maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Matsumoto visit planning app.

You can drive from Naganohara-machi to Matsumoto in 2.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in Matsumoto can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can drive to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): learn more about the world around you at Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato), admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya, take a stroll through Sanmachi Suji, then examine the collection at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market.

For photos, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read Takayama online trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Matsumoto to Takayama in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in March, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel to Kawaguchi.

Kawaguchi is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, in the central Kantō region of Japan., the city had an estimated population of 578,727 and a population density of 9340 persons per km². Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): enjoy some diversion at Showa Kinen Park and then examine the collection at Ghibli Museum Mitaka. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to Previously Tanaka Family House, take in nature's colorful creations at Kawaguchi Green Center, then take in the pleasant sights at Inokashira Park, and finally visit Kichijoji.

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Kawaguchi vacation planner.

Drive from Takayama to Kawaguchi in 5.5 hours. When traveling from Takayama in March, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Kawaguchi: temperatures range from 17°C by day to 7°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.