Japan, Tokyo

Self-drive tour from Tokyo to Niigata

Arrival in Tokyo. Check into a hotel near the airport to rest before starting your self-drive tour.

• If you arrive at Haneda Airport (HND), you can access the hotel directly via a walkway.
• If you arrive at Narita Airport (NRT), a free shuttle bus will take you to the hotel (regular departures, follow the signs for ‘Hotel Shuttles’).

Time at leisure, overnight stay at the hotel.

Today's itinerary: drive to Kusatsu, one of Japan's most famous onsen.

Pick up the car in the morning and depart: Meet at the car hire desk in the airport to check the contract, licence and passport, and to quickly inspect the car (taking photos, checking for scratches and checking the fuel level). Then depart for Kusatsu Onsen.

In the afternoon, arrive in Kusatsu and check in at your accommodation.

Discover Yubatake: the iconic hot spring field in the centre of town. Netsu-no-Yu: a traditional demonstration around the baths (depending on the schedule).

In the evening, enjoy an onsen bath at your ryokan/hotel.

Notes/practical information:

Driving is on the left in Japan.

Signage is in Japanese/English.

Parking: hotel car park or public car park (often subject to a fee).

Distance Tokyo → Kusatsu Onsen: ~180 km.

Duration: ~3 hours' drive.

Recommended route: via Kan-Etsu Expressway.

Tolls: ~2,500 JPY (to be paid on site, in cash or by card depending on the system).

Today's itinerary: Mountain road to Echigo-Yuzawa and discovery of the spectacular Kiyotsu Gorge.

In the morning, breakfast at the hotel in Kusatsu; a final onsen bath if desired. Visit to Sainokawara Park (walk in the thermal park).

Departure at the end of the morning for Echigo-Yuzawa.

In the afternoon, arrive in the Echigo-Yuzawa region and head for the Kiyotsu Gorge. There is a tunnel equipped with artistic installations and observation platforms offering spectacular views of the gorge, which is suitable for most travellers and provides an easy walk.

In the evening, check in at your hotel. Dinner is not included. Enjoy local specialities (Koshihikari rice, mountain produce).

Notes/practical information:

Distance Kusatsu → Echigo-Yuzawa: ~90 km.

Duration: ~1 hour 40 minutes.

Route: via Route 145 & Route 17 (scenic mountain road).

Wear comfortable shoes for visiting the gorges.

The tunnel may be slightly damp (floor sometimes slippery).

Full day in the Echigo-Yuzawa region, with several options depending on your preferences: wildlife, flora or cycling.

Option A: NATURE & CULTURE - Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway & Bijinbayashi Forest.

Morning: Ride on the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, panoramic view of the mountains and valley; walk along the trails at the summit (depending on the season).

Afternoon: Drive to Bijinbayashi Forest. Walk among the slender trees, a very picturesque setting (Note: Bring clothing suitable for the altitude (it can be cooler); walking shoes recommended).

OPTION B: CYCLING - Golden Cycle Route Programme.

Enjoy a full day of cycling along the Golden Cycle Route. Cycle through rice fields, traditional villages and mountain landscapes. Bicycles can be hired in the local area for the day (note: hire point to be confirmed locally). The route can be adapted, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. Remember to bring sun cream, water bottles and comfortable clothing.

OPTION C: Excursion to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Drive to the car park of the park in the morning. Take a short walk (approx. 20–30 minutes) along a forest trail. Observe Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) in their natural habitat, sometimes bathing in hot springs (especially in winter). Return to Echigo-Yuzawa in the late afternoon.

Notes: The travel time from Echigo-Yuzawa to Jigokudani Park is approximately 1.5 hours by car. The trail may be muddy or snowy depending on the season. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for cold weather in winter.

Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, drive to the coast of the Sea of Japan and explore the city of Niigata.

In the morning, breakfast and check-out, then drive to Niigata City.

In the afternoon, explore Niigata:

• Furumachi district (old town, shops, cafés);
• Bandai Bridge: iconic bridge over the Shinano River;
• Northern Culture Museum (depending on time and interest): former residence of wealthy landowners.

In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood at the port or in a specialised izakaya. Dinner is not included.

Notes/practical information:

Distance between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata City: ~100 km.

Duration: ~1.5 hours.

Route: via Kan-Etsu Expressway.

Tolls: ~1,500 JPY.

Parking: hotel car park or public car parks (for a fee)

Niigata is known for the quality of its rice and sake.

Today, take a ferry trip to Sado Island, rich in history and coastal landscapes.

• Sado Gold Mine (UNESCO): visit the old galleries and historical exhibition;
• Senkaku Bay: rocky coastline, option of a mini-cruise on a glass-bottom boat;
• Tarai-bune: traditional tub-shaped boat, typical of Sado.

In the evening, return to Niigata by ferry. Dinner is not included. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Notes/practical information:

Ferry journey time Niigata → Ryotsu (Sado Island): ~2.5 hours (Sado Kisen company).

Check ferry timetables in advance (subject to seasonal changes).

Allow plenty of time for connections with buses/taxis on the island.

Car hire available on Sado (to be arranged in advance).

Today, return the car, visit the city and enjoy a leisurely evening in Niigata.

In the morning, return the hire car. Return formalities (fuel level, condition of the vehicle).

In the afternoon, suggested visits:

• Niigata Museum of Modern Art
• Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium
• Nishikaigan Beach (in summer, seaside promenade)

In the evening, shopping in Furumachi (souvenirs, sake, snacks). Dinner is not included. Enjoy local specialities (e.g. Hegi-soba: soba noodles served in a wooden tray; Tare-katsu: breaded pork with sauce).

Notes / practical information:

Return the car to Niigata Station (hire company). Travel then continues by bus, taxi or on foot. Ask the hotel for a map of the city and the main bus routes if necessary.

On the last day, return to Tokyo by Shinkansen, then transfer to the airport for your international flight.

In the morning, last-minute souvenir shopping (sake, Koshihikari rice, senbei) and check out of the hotel. Departure by Shinkansen from Niigata Station.

Arrive in Tokyo in the afternoon and transfer to the airport (Narita or Haneda). Check in for your return flight.

Note/practical information:

Travel time on the Joetsu Shinkansen Niigata → Tokyo (city centre): ~1 hour 40 minutes.

Travel time Tokyo → Narita Airport on the Narita Express: ~60 minutes.

Travel time from Tokyo → Haneda Airport by Tokyo Monorail (from Hamamatsucho): ~30 min.

Arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours before your international flight departure.

Keep your Shinkansen tickets and airport tickets easily accessible.