Japan's Three-Star Route connects a series of destinations—Matsumoto, Hida Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa—each awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide.

It contrasts with the popular Golden Route, which focuses on the bustling urban experiences of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

The Three-Star Route offers a deeper dive into Japan's natural beauty, traditional towns, and historical sites, making it ideal for those seeking an enriching cultural journey.

Matsumoto City sits at the base of the Northern Alps in western Nagano Prefecture, offering a rich mix of history and art. Highlights include Matsumoto Castle, the Former Kaichi School, and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, known for its Yayoi Kusama exhibits.

The city still exudes castle town charm, with traditional storehouses and white-walled homes along Nakamachi Street. Nearby, unwind at Asama, Migahara, or Shirahone Onsen, or venture a bit further to explore the stunning natural beauty of Kamikochi and Norikura Kogen.

Matsumoto Castle is a must-see, one of just 12 castles in Japan with an original tower predating the Edo period. Alongside Himeji, it’s one of only two five-story castles—and the oldest of its kind still standing.

Nicknamed the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, it offers beautiful reflections in the surrounding moat with the Alps in the background. Explore both inside and out to fully appreciate its unique design.

Kamikochi is a popular mountain resort in Japan, where car access is sometimes restricted to preserve the natural beauty. The trekking courses, open from April 27 to November 15, are well-maintained and range from easy one-hour walks to longer hikes and full-scale climbs. This allows visitors to enjoy the magnificent outdoors according to their preferences.

Takayama City, in northern Gifu Prefecture, is known as "Hida Takayama" due to its location in Japan’s Hida region. Surrounded by the Northern Alps, it offers stunning natural views and well-preserved castle and merchant towns from the Edo period. About 50 minutes by bus from Hida Takayama is Shirakawa-go, a famous tourist spot and World Heritage Site since 1995.

One of the main sightseeing spots in this area is the old town, particularly "Sannomachi Street," which feels like a step back into the Edo period. Enjoy local cuisine such as skewered dishes, nigiri sushi, croquettes, Hida Beef gourmet, and mitarashi dango dumplings. You can also experience the fun of sake tasting.

You’ve probably seen photos of those beautiful traditional thatched-roof houses called gassho. Many of these houses are preserved in Shirakawa-go. The historic villages of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture are World Heritage Sites.

Shirakawa-go offers inns where you can stay and hosts annual events from January to February where the village is lit up in the evening. You can enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, autumn foliage, and snow scenes.

This area is home to Okuhida Onsenkyo, which includes five hot spring areas: Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka, boasting over 110 open-air baths with views of the Northern Alps. In Shin-Hotaka, the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, Japan's only double-decker cable car, ascends to 2,156 meters, offering a "world above the clouds." Refurbished in July 2020, it now features wider windows for enhanced views.

Kanazawa, in central Ishikawa Prefecture, is steeped in samurai history and charm as a former castle town. Its three well-known Chaya Districts, especially Higashi Chaya, feature traditional wooden teahouses and preserve the flower district culture of the Edo period.

Don’t miss Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s lively “kitchen,” where you’ll find fresh Hokuriku seafood, produce, and plenty of dining spots. Art lovers should also stop by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.

Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens, is a must-see in Kanazawa for its classic Japanese design. With ponds, teahouses, and scenic seasonal views, it offers a tranquil space for a peaceful walk.

The garden is especially famous in winter for yukitsuri—bamboo poles and ropes used to protect tree branches from heavy snow, adding to its serene beauty.

Nagamachi was once home to middle-class samurai of the Kaga clan and still retains its historic charm. At the Nomura Samurai Family Residence, visitors can explore a restored samurai home and admire its elegant interior and garden.

Toyama is known for the towering Tateyama Mountain Range, with peaks soaring over 3,000 meters. Near Toyama Station, you’ll find Toyama Castle and scenic Kansui Park, which features a world-famous coffee shop.

Top nearby attractions include the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam, Toyama Bay, and the Kurobe Valley trolley train. Don’t miss Gokayama’s World Heritage gassho-style village or the Toyama Glass Art Museum, a striking 2015 creation by Kengo Kuma that's a favorite for photos.

The Snow Wall (Yuki-no-Otani) is the star attraction of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. From mid-April to mid-June, visitors can stroll between towering snow walls that reach up to 20 meters high.

The area also features a snow promenade with views of the Tateyama Mountain Range and a snow park perfect for some snowy fun.

Toyama Castle is just a 10-minute walk from Toyama Station, set within Toyama Castle Ruins Park. Rebuilt after the war for the 1954 Toyama Sangyo Expo, it now functions as a museum highlighting the area’s history and culture.

Traveling by bus is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach three-star destinations like Matsumoto, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go. These routes provide direct access to scenic spots that are often hard to reach by train.

There are two main ticket options for exploring the Three-Star Route:

1. Three-Star Route Shinjuku Ticket: A one-way ticket from Shinjuku to Kanazawa or Toyama, passing through Matsumoto, Hirayu Onsen, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go.

2. Three-Star Alps Unlimited Ride Shinjuku Pass: A set of four-day open tickets ideal for round-trip travel from Shinjuku, covering sightseeing in Matsumoto, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go.

Additionally, the World Heritage Bus 1-Day Pass is convenient for visiting the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama World Heritage sites.

The Three-Star Route Shinjuku Ticket is perfect for travelers heading from Shinjuku to Kanazawa or Toyama, with scenic stops in Matsumoto, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go. As a one-way ticket, it’s ideal for those continuing into the Hokuriku region. Valid for seven days, it provides plenty of time to explore the Chubu area, making it one of the best options for reaching Shirakawa-go from Tokyo.

The Three-Star Alps Unlimited Ride Shinjuku Pass offers round-trip travel from Shinjuku to the Chubu region, making it perfect for Tokyo-based travelers. It includes a four-day open ticket to thoroughly explore Matsumoto, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go, along with access to renowned hot springs like Shirahone Onsen, Gero Onsen, and Asama Onsen. Trekking enthusiasts will also appreciate its coverage of Kamikochi, Mount Norikura, and Mount Hotaka in the Northern Alps.

The World Heritage Bus 1-Day Pass is ideal for travelers planning to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go. It offers unlimited rides for one day along the route connecting Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture to Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture.

You can also receive a discount when purchasing this pass together with the Three-Star Route Shinjuku Ticket or Three-Star Alps Unlimited Ride Shinjuku Pass, making it a smart choice for those exploring the region.

Traveling by bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto and Hokuriku via the Chuo Expressway is an excellent experience. Outside your window, you’ll be able to enjoy the mountains of the Japanese Alps and reach the destination in comfort.

Get the most out of your journey to the World Heritage sites with these incredible bus tickets that pair with the three-star sightseeing spots in the Chubu region!

Written by Hiroshi & Risa Hasegawa