This is a free sightseeing mountain road that offers spectacular views of the plateau. It is especially ideal for driving in summer, when the scenery is filled with beautiful alpine flora.
The 76-kilometer drive route runs from Chino City in Nagano Prefecture to Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau in Ueda City. Driving along the Venus Line, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Utsukushi-ga-hara Kogen.
Along the way, there are many places of interest, including scenic overlooks, walking trails, museums, and roadside stations.
The name “Venus Line” is derived from the shape of Mount Tateshina along the route, which is likened to a goddess. Venus Line is the nickname given to both the Tateshina Toll Road and the Kirigamine Toll Road, which continue to be used even after the toll road is opened free of charge.
Large-scale tourist road
Originally part of a large-scale tourist road planned as the Chushin Kogen Skyline connecting Karuizawa and Kamikochi, the Venus Line was constructed and operated as a toll road, and was opened to the public free of charge in 1986, followed by the entire line in 2002.
The Venus Line connects the Suwa IC of the Chuo Expressway and Chino Station on the Chuo Main Line with Route 152 and Route 142 as a road connecting the Tateshina Highlands, Yatsugatake Mountains, Shirakaba Lake, Kurumayama Plateau, Kirigamine Plateau, Utsukushigahara and other highland tourist spots.
However, the section between the Yatsushimagahara Marshland parking lot and Utsukushigahara is closed in winter from late November to late April.
Four Segments
The Venus Line can be divided into four major sections.
The Tateshina Plateau area from Chino City to Shirakaba Lake, an area dotted with hot spring resorts and tourist facilities.
The Shirakaba Kogen and Kirigamine Plateau area from Lake Shirakaba to Kirigamine Plateau via Kurumayama Plateau, where you can see the Yatsugatake mountain range, the Southern Alps, Norikura-dake, the Northern Alps and other mountains.
From Kirigamine Plateau to Ochiai Bridge, you can enjoy a variety of curves on the winding road section that passes by Washigamine and Chausudake.
The steep and highest section from Ochiai Bridge to Utsukushigahara Plateau is characterized by a winding road with a series of hairpin curves.
Geography
The Venus Line runs through the highland areas of the Yatsugatake Chushin Highland National Park and offers a spectacular driving route with tourist attractions such as Tateshina Highland, Shirakaba Lake, Kurumayama Highland, Kirigamine, Yashima-gahara Marsh, and Utsushigahara Highland along the way.
The scenery along the winding road through forests and highlands is one of the most beautiful in Japan.
In particular, along the Nagano Prefectural Road No. 40 Suwa-Shirakaba-ko Komoro Route, there are Lake Shirakaba and Kurumayama, and on a clear day, you can even see Mt.
Lake Shirakaba has a circumference of approximately 4 kilometers and has hotels, souvenir stores, museums, amusement parks, and other facilities along its shores. It is also a good place to spend time relaxing by the lake. There is also a hot spring on the lakeside, where you can enjoy a luxurious moment while admiring the scenery.
Around July, the alpine plant Nikkoukisuge (Rhododendron argentea) is in full bloom at Kirigamine, and Yashimagahara Marsh is located along Nagano Prefectural Road No. 194, Kirigamine-Higashi Mochiya Line.
Around Kirigamine, a sea of clouds can sometimes be seen in the early morning from spring to autumn.
The section from Wada Pass to Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau is a coniferous forest area with winding roads with ups and downs.
At Utsukushigahara Plateau, visitors can enjoy giant modern sculptures at a museum. Utsukushigahara Plateau is the goal point and the final highlight of the drive.
From the Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau Roadside Station, located at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Ueda Basin and the Northern Alps.
The Venus Line is a recommended driving route, especially in summer. With beautiful highland scenery, alpine flora, and spectacular views, there is much to enjoy. Please take the time to visit and enjoy the Venus Line!
If you wish to stay overnight, Matsumoto City is convenient from Utsukushi-ga-hara Kogen, and Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen and Asama Onsen are recommended hot spring resorts. The illuminated Matsumoto Castle at night is also worth seeing!