castle
Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan's premier historic castles, known as the Crow Castle for its striking black exterior, dating to the 16th century.
14 km · about 25 min drive
AsiaJapanNagano
Hotaka
Nagano, Japan · Asia
About Hotaka
Hotaka is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Toyoshina, 25km from Kamikōchi.
Hotaka is in Nagano, Japan, with about 33,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Toyoshina, about 5 km away.
Hotaka Station (穂高駅, Hotaka-eki) is a train station in the city of Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East).
Where to Stay in Hotaka
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Hotaka?
Within an hour or so of Hotaka: Matsumoto Castle (14 km), Kamikōchi (25 km), Bessho Onsen (25 km), Shirahone Onsen (31 km).
Are there any good drives near Hotaka?
The nearest famous roads are Norikura Skyline, Venus Line and Shibu Pass.
Where is Hotaka?
Hotaka is in Nagano, Japan, about 5 km from Toyoshina.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 33,195
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Nagano
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 36.3396, 137.8825
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Hotaka
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
national park
Kamikōchi
A high alpine valley beneath the Hotaka range, with the Azusa River running clear beneath Kappa Bridge. Private vehicles are banned; drivers leave cars at Sawando or Hirayu and take the bus in.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Bessho Onsen
A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Shirahone Onsen
A hot-spring hamlet high in the Norikura foothills where the sulphurous water turns milky white on contact with air. It sits on the mountain road between Matsumoto and Kamikochi.
31 km · about 35 min drive
mountain pass
Norikura Skyline
A toll mountain road climbing to 2,702 m at Tatamidaira, the highest paved road in Japan. Private cars are barred, so drivers park at Hirayu and transfer to the shuttle bus for the final ascent.
38 km · about 45 min drive
famous road
Venus Line
A 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.
39 km · about 45 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A spectacular mountain traversal through the Japanese Alps using cable cars, buses, and ropeways past towering snow walls and dams.
48 km · about 55 min drive
photogenic
Mishaka Pond
A small irrigation reservoir whose acidic, iron-rich water holds a still green surface mirroring the birch and larch on its bank. It became famous as the subject of a Higashiyama Kaii painting.
50 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near Hotaka
- 38 kmNorikura SkylineA toll mountain road climbing to 2,702 m at Tatamidaira, the highest paved road in Japan. Private cars are barred, so drivers park at Hirayu and transfer to the shuttle bus for the final ascent.
- 39 kmVenus LineA 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.
- 48 kmTateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteA spectacular mountain traversal through the Japanese Alps using cable cars, buses, and ropeways past towering snow walls and dams.
- 69 kmUsui PassHistoric pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
- 69 kmShibu PassAt 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
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