I have few questions. Hope someone can throw in your 2 cents.

I will be driving from north of Gujo (郡上) to Nozawa Onsen (野沢温泉) in mid winter, late January or early February. There are two main routes which take me approximately the same time 4 1/2 hrs to get to Nozawa Onsen:


1. via inland mountains 国道158号線 (Japan National route 158) - will pass through Takayama, Matsumoto and Iiyama

2. via seashore 北陸自動車道 and 東海北陸自動車道 (Hokuriku Expressway and Tokai Hokuriku Expressway) - will pass through Shirakawago, Toyama, Kurobe, Joetsu, Myoko)

Did any flytalkers try both routes in mid winter? Which one is more reliable and safe to drive even during snowing? Which one is more scenic? I had been to Shirakawago, Takayama and Myoko but no yet Toyama or Matsumoto.

Thanks for your advice in advance !