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Roadtrip from Tokyo to Hakuba 2024/3/20 00:35
Hi,I will be travelling from 29/3/24 roadtrip by car till 14/4/24 from Narita to Karuizawa-Matsumoto-Hakuba-Snow Monkeys -Kusatsu maybe Nikko then back to Narita.Would like to get some advice is it possible to drive during this time as I found out some of the road closure! Also need some suggestions on the itinerary plan with a nice Alps scenic road,thank you!
by Lace (guest)  

Re: Roadtrip from Tokyo to Hakuba 2024/3/20 07:49
Is it possible to drive : sure!
Are there closed roads: oh yes.
I was in Nozawaonsen (not too far from Shibu onsen where the snow monkeys are) last year in early November and they were just getting ready to close a connection street over the mountains between Nozawaonsen and Shiga Kogen until mid/emd May
http://bicycletraveljapan.blogspot.com/2023/11/d3-nozawaonsen-to-nagan...

I would think that the continuation of this road from Shiga Konen to Kusatsu will also be closed until end May.

For scenic driving, Venus line would come to mind. Itfs partially closed until mid April but I havenft been able to find which parts and until when.

Per this article one of the few roads open all year is the one from Matsumoto to Itoigawa:
https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id19888

An other drive that comes to mind is the Japan Romantic Road. It says that some passes in Gunma Prefecture are closed in winter. While this article only mentions some parts beyond Nikko.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7450.html

Overall youfll need a car equipped for winter conditions and appropriate driving skills IF you venture off into the mountains. So far this year (or at least the last few weeks) have been a bit colder. With snow falling in Tokyo on 1/Mar and snow forecast for today for many mountainous parts (even medium sized mountains far away from the Alps)
by LikeBike rate this post as useful

Re: Roadtrip from Tokyo to Hakuba 2024/3/20 11:46
Thank you so much for the useful information .
by Lace (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Roadtrip from Tokyo to Hakuba 2024/3/20 23:40
Driving during spring can be delightful, but do check road conditions due to possible closures. Consider scenic routes like the Venus Line for stunning Alps views. Your itinerary sounds exciting; enjoy exploring the beauty of Japan's landscapes!
by oliverhen rate this post as useful

Re: Roadtrip from Tokyo to Hakuba 2024/3/22 00:27
The Venus line sound interesting,will also consider the Matsumoto to Itoigawa as it said open whole year! If anyone done that before can share your experience with me,thanks!
by Lace (guest) rate this post as useful

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