TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Venus Line is a highland tourist road (scenic highway) centered around Chino City in Nagano Prefecture, connecting the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, Tateshina Plateau, and the area around Lake Shirakaba. Its appeal lies in the vast panoramic views and seasonal changes that only a highland road can offer, and on clear days you can even see the Yatsugatake mountain range, the Southern Alps, and even Mount Fuji in the distance. The road is popular as a popular destination for driving, touring, cycling, and hiking, as it offers a variety of scenery throughout the year, including the grasslands of Kurumayama Plateau and Kirigamine, the colorful flower fields of the highlands, the autumn foliage, and the snowy landscapes of winter.
Highlights
- Kurumayama Plateau (Kurumayama): A plateau with grasslands and flower fields against the backdrop of the Alps. Take the lift up to the top and enjoy a 360-degree view.
- Kirigamine: A plateau with expansive marshes and grasslands, it is also famous as a spot to see the Japanese lily in summer, Japanese silver grass in autumn, and sea of clouds.
- Lake Shirakaba and Lake Megami: A quiet resort area where you can stroll along the lakeside and enjoy boating. The mountain ranges seen across the lake are beautiful.
- Viewpoints: Views from observation decks and panoramic points dotted along the road. The morning and evening lights and the sea of clouds are especially popular.
- Cycling/Touring Course: This is a popular route for bicycle and motorbike enthusiasts, as it features a series of winding ups and downs, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you ride.
- Seasonal flowers and nature: Highland flowers in spring and summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. You can also enjoy observing wild birds and highland plants.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest train station: In many cases, the starting point is Chino Station or Kami-Suwa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line or Chuo East Line. Chino Station is the base for heading to the Venus Line.
- Bus: Local buses run from Chino Station and Kami-Suwa Station to Lake Shirakaba and Kurumayama Highlands (tourist buses also operate during mid-season and peak seasons). Please check in advance as the number of buses varies depending on the season and schedule.
- By car: Take the Chuo Expressway from Suwa IC or Suwa Minami IC via local roads. From Tokyo, the travel time will vary depending on the route and traffic congestion, but it will generally take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Rental Cars and Tours: Renting a car is convenient if you want to get around the area in a short space of time. There are also many day-trip sightseeing bus tours and locally-based activity tours available.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- If you are driving around only the main observation spots: 2 to 4 hours (including breaks and photo opportunities).
- If you want to enjoy hiking and the surrounding attractions: half a day to a full day.
- If you want to relax and enjoy the hot springs and accommodation: 1 to 2 nights (we recommend staying near Tateshina Onsen or Lake Shirakaba).
Nearby spots
- Lake Shirakaba (a resort lake that both adults and children can enjoy)
- Tateshina Plateau (a base for hot springs, art museums, and nature walks)
- Kurumayama Plateau (lift and plateau flower fields)
- Kirigamine Plateau (wetlands, silver grass, and sea of clouds)
- Lake Suwa (Suwa Taisha Shrine, hot spring town, and lakeside sightseeing boats)
- Utsukushigahara Highland Museum (a collaboration of outdoor sculpture and highland scenery)
- Hot springs and leisure facilities around Tateshina and Lake Shirakaba (suitable for families)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Roads and parking lots will be congested during Golden Week, the summer tourist season, Obon, and the autumn foliage season (mid- to late October). Please consider leaving early in the morning, traveling on weekdays, and using public transportation.
- Driving and Road Conditions: Highland roads have many curves and ups and downs, and there are also sections with poor visibility. Please drive safely and be aware of bicycles, pedestrians, and wild animals that may suddenly appear.
- Winter travel: Higher elevations are susceptible to snow and ice, and road chain restrictions and closures may occur. If you are visiting in winter, be sure to check road information and bring appropriate equipment (studless tires and chains).
- Nature conservation and etiquette: Do not pick flowers or plants on the plateau, take your trash home with you, and be considerate of other users in parking lots and observation decks. There are some areas where drone flying is prohibited or restricted, so please check in advance.
- Weather changes: The weather on the plateau is changeable, and visibility may be reduced due to sudden drops in temperature or fog. Please bring warm clothing and rain gear.
The Venus Line is an attractive route that allows you to enjoy the magnificent highland scenery in a short amount of time. The scenery changes dramatically depending on the season and time of day, so you can enjoy it even more by planning it according to your purpose.
