Hey everybody!

Long time reader, first time poster. Love the iteneraries posted and got a few good ideas from them!

This April, my wife and I will be embarking on our third trip to Japan. After visiting the major cities south of Tokyo and exploring Kyushu, we're moving on up - literally this time. After a couple of days in Tokyo we'll be heading up into the Japanese Alps. And there's where we find the biggest gap in our planning...
After staying in Utsonomya we have a 4 night gap until we arrive in Toyama. The idea was to go to Matsumoto - but to spend 4 nights there may be a little bit too much... is it?

Do any of you experienced Japanites have good alternatives? A thing to remember is that we've already been to Nagano (city) and could do without a second time .

Would be great to get your opinions!

cheers,
Marde

Takayama. Shirakawa-go.

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...u-in-takayama/

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...gassho-zukuri/

Utsunomiya? So you will have visited Nikko by then?

When in April?

What thursdaysd said. Also Kamikochi, the Nakasendo or elsewhere in the Kiso Valley.

There is a festival in Takayama on the 14th and 15th that you might want to go to or avoid.

Welcome to Fodor's, Marde.

I agree with Thursday's suggestion of Takayama with a day trip to Shirakawa-go. It's a cool city.

I'm curious about Utsonomya, and why you're going there. Our sister high school is located there, and my sons were exchange students there. Other than the wonderful people who hosted them, I don't think there was any sightseeing there. Is there a specific reason that you are going there?

Utsunomiya is the start of the Romantic Road
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7450.html
I've been as far as the Fukiwara Falls, which are very good.

It is also the gyoza capital of Japan, and is noted for cocktails.

Have you already been to Karuizawa?

Thanks for the response everyone !

@mrwunfrl: we've planned Takayama in during the spring festival - so we've got that covered . Thanks for the suggestion though! We're staying in Utsonomya to visit Nikko from there.
@someotherguy: Thanks for the tip! Didn't realize the Romantic Road started there. And the Gyoza capital... you couldn't have made me happier .
@Kavey: i'm going to check it out - haven't heard of it yet. Any good?

It's a beautiful place, popular Japanese resort area, and some interesting architecture to explore.

On of my favorite castles located here and its a great place to chill and explore a great little Japanese castle town and the Japan Alps if you want.

We stay here when we go to Matsumoto. Ask for a castle view room. This hotel is located within the old castle district with lots of history around. A bakery owned by the same family for over 400 years and dating back to the original castle town is located around the block. Free onsen in the basement of this hotel is a plus after a long day of sightseeing, hiking, etc.

http://matsumotohotel-kagetsu.com/english/

Aloha!

If you have such a block of time, how about visiting Sado Island? Several events will be held this April.
https://www.visitsado.com/en/
https://www.visitsado.com/event/en/