Tokyo to Shibu Onsen drive

Hi all,

In April we are driving out to Shibu Onsen for a one night stay, I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on somewhere nice to stop for a bit to eat and a stretch of the legs on the drive. We will be taking the most direct route there via the Kan-Etsu Freeway & the Joshin Etsu Freeway.

On the way back we will be going through Matsumoto and back to Tokyo via Mt Fuji.

Any suggestions would be welcome, is there any especially nice scenic spots to stop at on this route?

Thanks in advance

We always just stop at the highway rest areas for a break and for food. There's no other choice unless you want to get off the expressway and make a detour into some town. Since you'll have a car, your best chances for a good view will probably be at your destinations.

In Matsumoto, for instance, consider a short car ride up to Keshiboku (Google: "松本市 芥子坊主"). There's a large parking lot, picnic area, observation tower, and great views of the Japan Alps and the Matsumoto basin. That's about 10-15 minutes from the city center by car.

Another great spot for views, especially a few weeks from now, will be Koboyama in Matsumoto (Google "松本市 弘法山古墳の桜"). It's an entire small mountain that's covered with nothing but cherry trees. You can climb to the top and get a great panorama view. That's about 10 minutes by car from the city center.

On your way back to Tokyo from Matsumoto, if the road up to Utsukushigahara is open the day you make your trip, consider going there if it's a clear day. The views are awesome!