Planning a Japan Road Trip: Why Nagoya Is the Perfect Base; Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Gujo Hachiman

Hey everyone,

If you’ve already been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or even Hokkaido, and you’re looking for something a little different and less crowded, Nagoya might just surprise you.

In this episode of Gibbon Travelogue, Lilian and I are in Nagoya to show you how to plan a road trip in and around central Japan, Nagoya makes such a fantastic base, how easy driving in Japan actually is, and how a car opens up access to places that public transport simply can’t reach comfortably.

0:00
Why Nagoya? 01:15

Getting to Nagoya 02:04
We walk you through everything you need to know, from getting to Nagoya via Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Best Time to visit 02:50
Choosing the best time of year to visit.

Driving in Nagoya 03:52
What it’s really like to drive in Japan, including winter conditions, toll roads, parking, and navigation tips.

If you’ve ever been hesitant about renting a car in Japan, this video is designed to give you the confidence to try.

Parking in Nagoya 06:58

Accommodations 08:13
We also share practical details like where we stayed, realistic accommodation costs

Our itinerary 10:01
You will also see our actual 6-day road trip itinerary, starting from Nagoya and heading into some of Japan’s most beautiful and lesser-visited regions.

Day 1 10:08
The preserved streets of Takayama Old Town

Day 2 11:12
The snowy UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go

Day 3: 11:54
The tranquil waterways of Gujo Hachiman
We show how these destinations fit naturally into a relaxed road trip.

Day 4: 12:43
SCMaglev and Railway Park
Mitsui Outlet shopping at Jazz Dream Nagashima
Nabana no Sato’s winter illuminations

Day 5 13:57
Nagoya Castle
The Toyota Commemorative Museum

Day 6: 14:52
Ghibli Park

If you enjoy flexible travel, scenic drives, and discovering parts of Japan beyond the usual tourist trail, this Nagoya road trip might be perfect for you.

If you found this video helpful, give it a like, subscribe to Gibbon Travelogue, and let us know your questions in the comments.
Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next adventure.

Lots of love
Gilbert & Lilian
‪@gibbontravelogue‬