8 Days, 7 Nights: Self-Drive Adventure Along Central Japan’s Coast Summary
- Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya → Hamamatsu
- Day 2: Hamamatsu → Shizuoka
- Day 3: Shizuoka → Shuzenji
- Day 4: Shuzenji → Atami
- Day 5: Atami → Fuji (Shizuoka)
- Day 6: Fuji → Hamamatsu
- Day 7: Hamamatsu → Nagoya
- Day 8: Nagoya → Singapore
Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya → Hamamatsu
After landing at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) in the morning, we picked up our rental car and began our journey. We grabbed a quick snack at our favourite bakery Fusha Tokoname in Tokoname before heading off.
For lunch, we visited Kozakura, a restaurant specializing in Tonkatsu. H had the wagyu katsu, and it was delicious! Despite feeling full, we made a stop at Oimo Café, a hidden gem for sweet potato lovers! This quaint café offers everything from roasted sweet potato desserts to creamy soft serve. Its minimalist interior and scenic location make it a relaxing stop—perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Next, we visited Matcha Museum Saijoen WAKUWAKU & Tea Café AOI hoping to join one of their workshops. The museum offers interactive exhibits and matcha experiences, like grinding your own tea. Unfortunately, it was closed that day. Instead, we enjoyed premium matcha and wagashi at Tea Café AOI, a serene modern teahouse.
In the afternoon, we made our way to Lake Hamana, a scenic inland lake famous for its sunsets and eel cuisine. We checked in at Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa for a restful night.
Day 2: Hamamatsu → Shizuoka
Shizuoka is a city blessed with a stunning landscape where green tea plantations, coastal views, and Mount Fuji converge. Often referred to as Japan’s tea capital, it offers some of the highest-quality sencha and matcha in the country. Aside from tea, Shizuoka is known for its historical sites like Sumpu Castle and Nihondaira, and its focus on sustainable tourism and traditional crafts. The city blends nature, culture, and culinary pleasures seamlessly.
We started our morning with a peaceful walk along the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, one of Japan’s three largest sand dunes. With sweeping ocean views and coastal breezes, it was the perfect start to the day. Then, We had fantastic ramen at Men Sou Sinn for lunch! Well known for its rich tonkotsu broth and homemade noodles—a great pit stop for us!
Since we missed the matcha museum the previous day, we visited the Shizuoka Tea Museum. We even joined a tea ceremony and explored exhibits showcasing Shizuoka’s tea heritage! The shop also sells beautiful teaware and premium green teas.
By late afternoon, we arrived at Nippondaira Hotel, one of the highlights of our trip. The view is stunning even without Mt. Fuji! If you're not staying overnight, consider visiting for afternoon tea with a view.
Day 3: Shizuoka → Shuzenji
We started with a visit to Nihondaira Yume Terrace, an observatory offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, plus a relaxing café and educational displays. Then, we took the ropeway to Kunōzan Tōshō-gū, a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, , the first shogun of the Edo period . The shrine is a national treasure with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.
In the afternoon, we stopped at Miho no Matsubara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pine-lined shoreline and views of Mt. Fuji. We strolled along the beach and admired the iconic Hagoromo no Matsu pine tree.
We visited Kashi-no-Ichi Market and had our lunch there! The sashimi was so fresh! Love the local specialty sakura shrimp too! We continued our journey along the coast and check into our stay at Shuzenji Onsen Katsuragawa 湯めぐりの宿 桂川
Day 4: Shuzenji → Atami
Nestled in the heart of the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji is a quaint, historic town known for its peaceful onsen (hot springs) and Zen-like atmosphere. Often called the "Little Kyoto of Izu," it features the tranquil Bamboo Forest Path, centuries-old Shuzenji Temple, and charming ryokans that offer traditional hospitality. Its culinary delights include handmade sweets, bakery treats, and station bento—perfect for slow-paced exploration and relaxation
We began with a tranquil walk through the Bamboo Forest Path along the Katsura River, followed by a visit to Shuzenji Temple, founded over 1,200 years ago. The historic atmosphere, traditional ryokan, and public footbaths made it truly memorable.
In the late morning, We grabbed mackerel sushi on the go (so good!), then made our way to Mount Omuro, a dormant volcano. We rode a scenic chairlift to the summit and walked the 1-km rim trail for panoramic views.
Afterwards, we stopped at Le-Feuillage Bakery, a charming spot for local pastries, then drove to the rugged Jogasaki Coast, definitely one of our trip’s highlights. We crossed the suspension bridge and enjoyed dramatic ocean views from volcanic cliffs.
Then, We checked in to Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa and explored the area that evening.
Day 5: Atami → Fuji (Shizuoka)
Atami is a beloved seaside onsen resort town that has drawn visitors for centuries with its steamy hot springs, ocean views, and retro charm. It combines natural relaxation with vibrant local life, offering seafood-rich cuisine, traditional shopping streets, and cultural spots like MOA Museum of Art. With its close proximity to Tokyo and its nostalgic atmosphere, Atami is both rejuvenating and entertaining.
We started our day with breakfast at Sugikuni Eat-In Restaurant & Shop, known for fresh, grilled dried fish.
Next, we visited Roadside Station Ito Marinetown, a seaside stop offering local souvenirs, food stalls, and an onsen foot bath overlooking the harbor. Love the vibe and view there!
For lunch, we had sushi at Sushinosuke, a conveyor belt restaurant near the port—fresh seafood rice bowls and seasonal nigiri were the stars. Be prepared to queue during peak hours! Do take note that the restaurant only have Japanese menu and you will need help with ordering! We were lucky that we visited during off-peak hour and the staff manage to help us write the order.
In the afternoon, we stroll through the tranquil gardens of this former imperial summer residence. The sea-view promenade, pine groves, and historical architecture offer a peaceful, scenic break. Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park
We ended the day at Numazu Fish Market, grabbed a sweet treat at Quatre Epice Patisserie, then checked in at Hotel Nishimura in Fuji City. Fuji City in Shizuoka Prefecture offers one of the most iconic viewpoints of Mount Fuji,
Day 6: Fuji → Iwata
We began our morning with a scenic stop at Satta Pass, along the historic Tōkaidō trail, offering postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji, the ocean, and the train line. Next, we visited Sumpu Castle Park—we thought it was a castle, but it’s actually a sprawling public park with reconstructed turrets. Y loved running around!
Lunch was at Chojiya, one of Japan’s oldest restaurants (founded over 400 years ago), where we tried Tororo-jiru, a traditional yam soup once served to travelers.
Later in the afternoon, we enjoyed tea at San Grams Café, a stylish tea shop offering curated Shizuoka teas before checking into our hotel in Iwata. A quieter, lesser-known stop in Shizuoka Prefecture, Iwata offers a refreshing taste of rural Japanese life. Surrounded by agriculture, it's a great place to enjoy seasonal fruits, local produce, and a slower pace
At night, we check into our hotel at HOTEL SUI HAMAMATSU
Day 7: Hamamatsu → Nagoya
On our last full day, we drove back to Nagoya, did some shopping, and ended the day at our favourite conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Stayed at IBIS Nagoya before heading back to Singapore in the morning!
Day 8: Departure – Nagoya → Singapore
We returned our rental car and headed to the airport for our flight home—full of memories, scenic drives, and amazing food.
Overall, we loved our trip and can't wait to bring our parent and the little one to explore the coast along Central Japan! We will definitely add more days to this trip if possible!
Read 2024 12 Days 11 Nights Central Japan Itinerary – Self-Drive Road Trip here
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