Japan's version of Germany's "Romantic Road" leads over about 350 kilometers from Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture through the mountains of Gunma Prefecture to Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture.

Various interesting towns, hot spring resorts and lots of natural scenery can be enjoyed along the Romantic Road, including the mountain resort of Karuizawa, active volcanoes, the hot spring mecca of Kusatsu and the world heritage sites of Nikko.

Due to a lack of convenient public transportation along many of its sections, the Romantic Road has remained off the beaten path for foreign tourists. Private transportation, such as a rental car, and two to five days are recommended to cover the entire route.

Ueda City Ueda's main tourist attractions are the Ueda Castle Park with remains of the former castle, and Bessho Onsen, Nagano's oldest hot spring resort. Ueda is located 30 kilometers south of Nagano City and is a station on the Nagano Shinkansen.

10 kilometers along National Route 18

Unno Juku Unno Juku is a former post station and silk producing town on the Hokkoku Kaido, an ancient road leading through Nagano Prefecture. Dozens of old buildings have been beautifully preserved along a more than 250 meter long stretch of the road.

10 kilometers along National Route 18

Komoro City Komoro's main attraction is Kaikoen Park (admission: 300 Yen), the former site of the city's feudal castle. Nowadays, only a gate and the ruined walls of the castle remain. A small museum with exhibits from the feudal ages stands next to the park's entrance.

5 kilometers along Regional Route 80

Shinraku Temple (Miyota Town) Built at the foot of Mount Asama as a protection against volcanic eruptions, Shinraku Temple has a history of over 1000 years. Among the temple buildings is a three storied pagoda.

5 kilometers along Regional Route 80 10 kilometers along National Route 18

Karuizawa more details Karuizawa is an upmarket mountain resort at the foot of Mount Asama, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and shopping opportunities, including a small version of Tokyo's Ginza shopping district.

10 kilometers along Shiraito Highlandway (300 Yen) 5 kilometers along Onioshi Highway (610 Yen)

Onioshidashi (Mount Asama) The Romantic Road follows the base of Mount Asama for more than 50 kilometers. One of the most impressive places to view the active volcano is from the Onioshidashi Park (admission: 500 Yen), a stream of solidified lava formed by a past eruption.

15 kilometers along Onioshi Highway (860 Yen) 10 kilometers along Regional Route 59 5 kilometers along National Route 292

Kusatsu Onsen more details Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, blessed with large volumes of high quality hot spring water, said to cure every illness but lovesickness.

10 kilometers along National Route 292 25 kilometers along Regional Route 55 10 kilometers along National Route 353

Shima Onsen A small, traditional hot spring resort in the northern mountains of Gunma Prefecture.

15 kilometers along National Route 353 15 kilometers along National Route 145 40 kilometers along National Route 120

Oigami Onsen more details Oigami is a hot spring resort, attractively located next to Katashina River. Worth an overnight stay at a ryokan, or at least a visit to the public bath.

3 kilometers along National Route 120

Fukiware Falls Fukiware no taki is a distinctively shaped waterfall along Katashina River, not far from Oigami Onsen.

55 kilometers along National Route 120 (closed in winter)

Lake Chuzenji more details Nikko National Park offers many beautiful hiking opportunities. Hot spring bathing can be enjoyed in Chuzenjiko Onsen and Yumoto Onsen.

15 kilometers along National Route 120

Nikko more details One of Japan's most popular tourist spots, the world heritage site of Nikko is famous for the Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex.

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Nagano Prefecture
Gunma Prefecture
Tochigi Prefecture

Karuizawa
Kusatsu Onsen
Oigami Onsen
Nikko