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. Note that one part of the route just east of Nikko gets closed during the winter.
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 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 (400 yen)
5 kilometers along Onioshi Highway (620 yen)
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, a stream of solidified lava formed by a past eruption.
15 kilometers along Onioshi Highway
10 kilometers along Regional Route 59
5 kilometers along National Route 292
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
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 from around December to late April)