Summer road trips are the ultimate adventure, but anyone who has traveled by car knows that the biggest enemy is the sweltering, humid heat at night.
To help you beat the heat, we have designed the ultimate 14-day summer itinerary starting from Travellers Autobarn near Narita Airport. Our golden rule for this trip is simple: “Enjoy the sights and the beaches of Shimoda by day, and escape to high-altitude spots for a perfectly cool sleep by night!”
Packed with expert campervan tips to keep your vehicle cool without constantly relying on air conditioning, this massive 900km grand circle covers everything from historic hot spring towns and Japan’s clearest coastal waters in Shimoda to ancient Edo-period post towns and the breathtaking 1,500-meter peaks of the Japanese Alps. Let’s pick up your campervan in Narita and hit the road!
🛠️ 5 Expert Rules to Keep Your Campervan Cool in the Summer
Unlike standard passenger cars, campervans give you the advantage of space and ventilation. Use these clever “hacks” to maximize your comfort:
- Make “Altitude” Your Best Friend (Most Important!) As a rule of thumb, the temperature drops by about 0.6 degrees Celsius for every 100 meters you climb. Even if the lowlands are a scorching 35 degrees, heading to a highland spot at 1,000 meters brings the daytime temperature down to around 29 degrees, and drops below 20 degrees at night. Always aim to camp at spots higher than 800 meters above sea level.
- 【The Pro Hack】Create a Wind Tunnel with Dual Ventilation The key to cooling a campervan is pushing the hot air out. Attach insect nets to your windows and position a portable fan or air circulator pointing directly out the window. By forcing the trapped hot air outside, the drop in pressure will pull the crisp, cool mountain air into the van from the opposite windows.
- Put Up Your Sunshades Immediately Upon Parking A common mistake is waiting until bedtime to set up window shades. By then, the daytime sun has already baked the interior walls and seats, turning your van into a midnight sauna. Put your thermal sunshades up the second you park to block out radiant heat.
- Cool the Roof to Lower the Inside Temperature When you arrive at an RV park or campsite in the late afternoon, pour some water over the roof of your campervan using a bucket or hose. This traditional Japanese concept of “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water to cool surfaces) quickly pulls heat away from the metal roof, drastically lowering the perceived temperature inside.
- Use “Cooling” Sheets and Turn Your Sleeping Bag into a Mattress Bringing a cooling gel sheet or lightweight blanket makes a world of difference. Also, instead of climbing inside your rental sleeping bag, unzip it fully and use it as a padded under-mattress. This provides better insulation against body heat and stops you from sweating against the bed cushions.
🚙 The 14-Day Itinerary & Daily Highlights :
DAY 1-2
Depart Narita! Historic Hakone and Shimodas Emerald Waters
After picking up your home-on-wheels at the Travellers Autobarn Narita office, it’s time to begin your journey! Cruise west along the Higashi-Kanto and Tomei Expressways toward your first destination: Hakone. Step back in time as you walk through the beautiful wooden structures of the historic Hakone Checkpoint, then relax by the sparkling shores of Lake Ashi. For your first night, settle down in the cool, elevated area around Lake Ashi (approx. 720m above sea level) to rest up for tomorrow’s big beach day.
On Day 2, steer the campervan south, winding past the Amagi Pass to reach Shimoda at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula. Your destinations are Shirahama Ohama Beach and Tatadohama Beach, famous for their stunning white sands and emerald-green waters that easily rival tropical resorts. Jump into the ocean to wash away your daily stress, grab a classic summer lunch at a beach shack, and rinse off at one of Shimoda’s local hot springs.
💡 Pro Travel Tip: Don’t stay overnight by the humid coast! As evening approaches, take the Izu Jukan Expressway straight north for a 2.5-hour drive to Michi-no-Eki Asagiri Kogen (900m altitude). At this height, simply opening your campervan windows lets the crisp, natural air from Mount Fuji breeze through the cabin for a perfect night’s sleep.
DAY 3-5
Mount Omuro Drive and the Frozen Caves of Mount Fuji
Day 3 shifts focus to the lush greenery of the Izu mountains. First up is Mount Omuro, an extinct volcano shaped like an inverted rice bowl. A scenic chairlift takes you to the summit, revealing a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the Izu Islands, and Mount Fuji in the distance. After walking the 1km crater loop, drive along the rugged, dramatic coastline of West Izu. Watching the sunset melt into Suruga Bay from the comfort of your campervan is an unforgettable experience. Spend the night in the cool highlands of Central Izu.
On Day 4, visit Shiraito Falls, a powerful sacred site on the Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji. Fed by melting snow, water gushes out in thousands of silk-like strands across a 150-meter-wide cliff. The base of the falls acts as a massive natural air conditioner, blasting cool mist and negative ions that make you completely forget it’s summer. Afterward, cruise through the rolling green pastures of Asagiri Kogen with Mount Fuji looming large right outside your window, and stop by a local dairy farm for rich, freshly made soft-serve ice cream.
Day 5 takes you to the Yamanashi side of the Fuji Five Lakes area for a subterranean adventure. The Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave are natural monuments that stay at a chilling 3 degrees Celsius all year round. After exploring this underground world of giant icicles, park your van beside Lake Saiko to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee with Mount Fuji as your backdrop.
DAY 6-7
Time Travel from Kiso Valley to Takayama, World Heritage Shirakawa-go, and Matsumoto
On Day 6, say goodbye to Mount Fuji and head down the Chuo Expressway toward the foothills of Gifu Prefecture. Your first highlight is Magome-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the ancient Nakasendo Highway. Walk up the nostalgic cobblestone slopes lined with traditional latticed wooden houses and waterwheels while sampling local snacks like oyaki (stuffed dumplings).
After soaking in the Edo-period atmosphere, fire up your campervan and drive north through the scenic mountain pass toward Hida Takayama. This historic merchant town is famous for its beautifully preserved wooden district. Park your van and enjoy a twilight stroll through the “Sanmachi Suji” area, treating yourself to melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef sushi. For the night, head to a nearby elevated campsite or RV park where the crisp alpine air promises a refreshing, cool sleep.
Day 7 begins early with a visit to the bustling Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, one of the oldest in Japan, to grab fresh local fruits and crafts. Next, take a scenic 50-minute cruise down the highway to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawa-go. In the summer, these iconic thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri farmhouses are surrounded by vibrant, emerald-green rice paddies, offering a breathtaking, postcard-perfect view of rural Japan.
In the afternoon, make an epic mountain drive eastward through the Chubu-Jukan Expressway and the historic Abo Tunnel into Nagano Prefecture, reaching the historic castle town of Matsumoto. Stand in awe before Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure with a striking black-and-white wooden keep, and explore the old merchant streets of Nawate-dori. Grab a late lunch of authentic, chilled Shinshu soba noodles to cool down. As evening approaches, head straight up to Sawando Onsen (1,000m altitude), the gateway to Kamikochi. Soak your driving muscles in a traditional outdoor hot spring while anticipating tomorrow’s big alpine hike.
DAY 8 -9
The Holy Grails of Nature: Kamikochi and the Alpine Drives of Hakuba
Day 8 is the undisputed crown jewel of this road trip! Board a shuttle bus from the Sawando terminal to enter Kamikochi, a pristine, vehicle-restricted alpine valley. Get off at Taisho Pond to see the majestic Hotaka Mountain Range reflecting across the glass-like water. From there, follow the wooden boardwalks along the crystal-clear Azusa River past the iconic Kappa Bridge all the way to Myojin Pond. The river water is pure melted snow—so cold you can barely keep your hand in it for 10 seconds! The cool alpine breeze sweeping through the deep forest makes this place feel like an absolute paradise. Return to your campervan in the evening to relax in the cool mountain air (we recommend staying a second night at Sawando so you don’t have to move camp).
On Day 9, drive down to Azumino, a peaceful town famous for its abundant, pristine mountain springs. At the Daio Wasabi Farm, the largest in Japan, emerald-green wasabi plants grow in perfectly clear, flowing water. Enjoy the view of the rustic waterwheels made famous by old movies, and treat yourself to a unique, sweet-and-spicy wasabi soft-serve ice cream. In the afternoon, head up to Hakuba, a legendary winter sports hub that transforms into a premium mountain resort in summer. Spend a refreshingly cool night at 760 meters surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps.
DAY 10-12
Zenko-ji, the "Summer" Snow Monkeys, and Shiga Highlands
Day 10 brings you to Nagano City to visit Zenko-ji Temple, a National Treasure. Don’t miss the Okaidan Meguri, a ritual where you walk through a completely pitch-black corridor beneath the main altar to find the “key to salvation” by touch alone. The absolute darkness is incredibly cool and quiet, offering a deeply spiritual escape from the summer heat. Next, drive to the charming town of Obuse, famous for its chestnut orchards and art history. Stroll along the chestnut-wood brick paths and sample rich chestnut sweets. As night falls, drive up into the cool heights of the Shiga Highlands.
On Day 11, head to the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park. While famous for monkeys soaking in hot springs amid winter snow, the summer “Green Monkey” season is an incredible hidden gem. A pleasant 15-minute walk through a shaded, lush green valley brings you to the habitat of these wild macaques. Summer is the best time to see adorable newborn baby monkeys clinging to their mothers or playfully chasing each other. Thanks to the river location and deep forest canopy, it remains a cool and incredibly therapeutic spot.
Day 12 is dedicated to exploring Shiga Kogen, one of Japan’s largest mountain highlands. Spend your day trekking around high-altitude marshes like Shijuhachi-ike and the emerald-blue Onuma Pond. At over 1,500 meters, daytime temperatures stay in the low 20s with practically zero humidity—it is pure, natural air conditioning. At night, the temperature drops so low that you will need long sleeves, a jacket, and a cozy blanket inside your campervan as you gaze up at a sky full of stars.
DAY 13-14
Cruising the Sky on the Venus Line and the Journey Back to Narita
On Day 13, head south toward the Venus Line, widely considered Japan’s most spectacular alpine driving route. Roll down your campervan windows, turn off the AC, and cruise along the ridge lines past Lake Shirakaba toward Utsukushigahara and Kirigamine. The feeling of the cool, crisp mountain air brushing against your face as you look out over endless rolling green highlands and alpine flowers is pure freedom. Your final overnight stop is Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen, the highest roadside station in Japan at 2,000 meters. You will literally sleep above the clouds, completely detached from the summer heatwaves below.
On your final day, Day 14, wake up early to catch a breathtaking sea of clouds and the sunrise over the mountains. Slowly wind your way down the Venus Line and make one last stop at Kiyosato Kogen (Seisenryo). Grab their legendary, ultra-rich soft-serve ice cream with a panoramic view of the Yatsugatake Mountains as a sweet finale to your trip. With a campervan packed full of unforgettable memories, drive back via the Chuo, Ken-O, and Higashi-Kanto Expressways to return your vehicle to the Narita office, wrapping up the perfect 14-day summer escape.
Handy Tips for a Smooth Campervan Journey
- Allow Extra Time on Day 1: Driving from Narita to Hakone requires passing through or around Tokyo. Leave early in the morning to avoid potential metropolitan traffic bottlenecks.
- Plan Your Return Drive: The drive from the Nagano/Yamanashi highlands back to Narita is quite long. Enjoy the crisp mountain morning on Day 14, but make sure to start your highway drive early enough to return your vehicle comfortably on time.
Start your Japan Roadtrip with a Campervan!
Check out some of our recommended Itinerary here:
- See Our The Great Summer Escape: 21 Days in Tohoku & Hokkaido
- See Our How to Stay Cool in an RV During Summer
- See Our How to Travel Japan by Campervan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners
Looking for more? Find a huge range of different routes and road trip itineraries across Japan.
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