In the previous “Yumeguri Plan,” we imagined what a trip to Shirahone Onsen might look like.
But if you actually go, what kind of route allows you to enjoy the must-see spots and local gourmet without rushing?
Here, I’ll introduce a recommended 1-night/2-day model course as a ready-to-use travel itinerary.
I’ve included travel times and transportation, so you can easily apply it to your own plans ✨
Table of Contents
🗺 Itinerary Digest (Time Schedule)
📍 Highlights by Itinerary (Photos + Impressions)
- Lunch Spot (Day 1): Matsumoto “Miyota”
- Sightseeing: Matsumoto Castle & Nawate Street
- Accommodation: Awanoyu
- Onsen (Awanoyu Grand Open-Air Bath)
- Lunch Spot (Day 2): Kamisuwa “Eel-tei”
- Sightseeing: Lake Suwa
✅ Achievements of This Trip - Local Gourmet
- Side Trips
📝 Summary
🗺 Itinerary Digest (Time Schedule)
| Day | Time | Plan | Duration | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 8:33 | Depart Hachioji | 2h | Ltd. Exp. Azusa 5 (for Minami-Otari) |
| 10:37 | Arrive Matsumoto → Lunch at Miyota (Tempura Soba) & Sightseeing (Matsumoto Castle & Nawate St.) | 2.5h | Walk | |
| 13:29 | Depart Matsumoto | 0.5h | Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line | |
| 13:59 | Arrive Shinshimashima → Transfer to bus | 0.2h | – | |
| 14:10 | Depart Shinshimashima | 1.3h | Alpico Bus (for Awanoyu) | |
| 15:28 | Arrive Awanoyu | – | – | |
| 15:30 | Check-in at Awanoyu | – | Walk | |
| 18:00 | Dinner (Touji Soba, Wagyu Beef) | – | At inn | |
| Day 2 | 9:45 | Check-out → Bus | – | – |
| 9:55 | Depart Awanoyu | 1.3h | Alpico Bus (to Shinshimashima) | |
| 11:13 | Arrive Shinshimashima | 0.25h | – | |
| 11:28 | Depart Shinshimashima | 0.5h | Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line | |
| 11:57 | Arrive Matsumoto → Transfer | 0.2h | – | |
| 12:10 | Depart Matsumoto | 0.5h | Ltd. Exp. Azusa 26 (for Shinjuku) | |
| 12:33 | Arrive Kamisuwa → Lunch at Eel-tei (Unajū) & Sightseeing (Lake Suwa) | 2h | Walk | |
| 14:33 | Depart Kamisuwa | 2h | Ltd. Exp. Azusa 74 (for Shinjuku) | |
| 16:31 | Arrive Hachioji | – | – |
📍 Highlights by Itinerary
Lunch Spot (Day 1): Matsumoto “Miyota”
A famous soba restaurant in Shinshu. The crisp texture of the tempura and the smooth soba noodles were a perfect match. Ideal stop before or after sightseeing Matsumoto Castle.
Sightseeing: Matsumoto Castle & Nawate Street
The black-tinted keep of Japan’s National Treasure castle was breathtaking. Strolling through Nawate Street with its retro shops gave us a sense of castle-town charm.
Accommodation: Awanoyu
The signature inn of Shirahone Onsen. About 1h20 by bus from Shinshimashima station—deep in the mountains, truly a hidden hot spring. The milky-white “Grand Open-Air Bath” offered a sense of becoming one with nature. Dinner featured Touji Soba and Wagyu Beef, showcasing Shinshu’s mountain flavors.
Onsen (Awanoyu Grand Open-Air Bath)
A true “Shirahone,” naturally turning milky-white due to its mineral content. Immersed in the sulfur-scented waters under the open sky, it felt like melting into nature itself.
Lunch Spot (Day 2): Kamisuwa “Eel-tei”
A long-established unagi restaurant by Lake Suwa. The fluffy grilled unajū was exquisite—a fitting finale for the trip.
Sightseeing: Lake Suwa
A relaxing stroll along the lakeshore. The scenery of Suwa’s nature provided a serene end to the journey, while recalling the soothing moments at Shirahone Onsen.
✅ Achievements of This Trip
Local Gourmet
- Tempura Soba (Miyota, Matsumoto)
- Touji Soba & Wagyu Beef (Awanoyu Dinner)
- Unajū (Eel-tei, Kamisuwa)
- Sanzoku-yaki Fried Chicken (Karaage Center, Matsumoto)
Side Trips
- Matsumoto Castle
- Nawate Street
- Lake Suwa
📝 Summary
A perfect 2-day trip of relaxation and indulgence: soaking in the famous milky-white waters of Shirahone Onsen, savoring Shinshu’s gourmet dishes, and exploring Matsumoto & Suwa.
The Grand Open-Air Bath at Awanoyu was the highlight—an unforgettable experience. Strolling around castle towns and lakesides added color and balance to the trip.
💬 How would you enjoy Shirahone Onsen?
Share your recommended gourmet spots and side trips in the comments!
➡ Stay tuned for the next article, “Onsen Review,” where I’ll dive deeper into Awanoyu’s hot springs and cuisine.
📸 I’ll also be posting photos from this trip on Instagram—check them out if you’d like!
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