For those who want to deeply enjoy Japan
A Perfect 2-3 weeks campervan road trip model plan across Japan!
・You want to experience cities, nature, culture, and gourmet food all together!
・You want to travel freely without being tied to hotels!
If this sounds like you, then a campervan road trip around Japan is highly recommended.
This model plan starts from Narita Airport and offers a 2-3 week route packed with Japan’s iconic sightseeing spots, stunning landscapes, and local experiences.
Model Route (in order)
Narita → Nikko → Karuizawa →Matsumoto
Kamikochi → Takayama & Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
Fuji Five Lakes
Izu/Hakone → Narita
Accommodation?
Basically, stay overnight in the campervan at roadside stations, RV parks, and campsites.
Enjoy hot springs too
Day-use hot spring facilities are available throughout Japan and easy to visit even on a campervan trip.
You can Google ” Onsen” or “Sento”
Flexible customization!
• If you have more time, extend your trip to places like Ise or Hiroshima
• In autumn, adjust the route to include famous fall foliage spots
• Add seasonal events like cherry blossoms in spring or fireworks and festivals in summer
The appeal of campervan travel
Campervan travel offers the unique appeal of combining both accommodation and transportation in one vehicle, allowing for free and flexible travel without being tied to hotel availability or strict schedules. You can stay as long as you like at beautiful scenic or countryside spots, and enjoy local takeout food as a cozy picnic inside your vehicle.
Nikko → Karuizawa → Matsumoto
Day 1-3
Day 1｜Narita → Nikko
Start your trip by heading to Nikko. Visit the beautifully decorated Toshogu Shrine and admire the powerful Kegon Falls. In the evening, relax at an onsen at a roadside station.
Day 2｜Nikko → Karuizawa
Travel to Karuizawa and explore the old town by rental bike. Take a coffee break at Harunire Terrace, then enjoy shopping at the Prince Shopping Plaza outlet mall.
Day 3｜Karuizawa → Matsumoto
Drive through scenic mountain roads to Matsumoto. Visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle, stroll along Nawate Street, and try the local fried chicken dish, Sanzoku-yaki.
Kamikochi → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa
Day 4-7
Day 4: Matsumoto → Kamikochi
On this day, take a bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi for a scenic day hike. Enjoy beautiful spots such as Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond while exploring the area. After the hike, return to Matsumoto for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Matsumoto → Takayama
Travel from Matsumoto to Takayama, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming historic streets. Visit the morning market, try local specialties like Hida beef sushi, and browse traditional craft shops for souvenirs and handmade goods.
Day 6–7: Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa
Depart Takayama and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-style thatched-roof houses. Afterward, continue on to Kanazawa, where you can visit museums, stroll through lively markets, and discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Kyoto → Nara → Osaka
Day 8-12
Day 8｜Kanazawa → Kyoto
Travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic thousand Torii gates. Enjoy a traditional matcha tea experience in the tea-growing regions of Uji and Wazuka. Spend the night in Kyoto.
Day 9｜Kyoto Sightseeing
Explore Kyoto’s historic sites, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the charming Sannenzaka district. Take a stroll through Gion and visit Yasaka Shrine, best enjoyed in the early morning or at dusk.
Day 10｜Western Kyoto – Arashiyama Area
Spend the day in Arashiyama. Walk through the serene bamboo grove, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, and take in the view from Togetsukyo Bridge. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets.
Day 11–12｜Nara → Osaka
Head to Nara to explore nature and history at Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Then, dive into Osaka’s vibrant food scene in Dotonbori with local favorites like takoyaki and kushikatsu. Visit Tsutenkaku Tower and explore the retro vibes of Shinsekai. Stay overnight in Osaka.
Fuji Five Lakes
Day 13-14
Day 13–14｜Fuji Five Lakes Sightseeing
Discover the best Mt. Fuji views from Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu, and Lake Saiko. Visit charming spots like the Little Prince Museum, and enjoy local specialties at roadside stations.
Izu or Hakone → Return to Narita
Day 15-16
Day 15–16｜Izu Peninsula or Hakone
Spend your final days in either the Izu Peninsula or Hakone. In Izu, enjoy a scenic coastal drive, relaxing hot springs, and visits to Atami and Shuzenji. In Hakone, take a cruise on Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, and explore the Open-Air Museum. Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Narita, return your vehicle, and head home with unforgettable memories of Japan.
Explore other popular road trips in Japan
Check out some of our other popular road trips from Tokyo
- See Our Onsen (Hot Springs) Road Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
- See Our Mt. Fuji Area Road Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
- See Our Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
- See Our Tohoku Area Road Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
Looking for more? Find a huge range of different routes and road trip itineraries across Japan.
Get the best rates on Campervan hire in Japan for your next road trip
Planning a road trip in Japan? Locking in an affordable campervan rental early is the key to keeping costs down. With plenty of options available, booking with Camper Van, Motorhome Rental, Tokyo/Narita Japan in advance ensures you get the best deal before prices rise in peak season.
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