CHŪBU
This vast Central Japan region spans from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan, containing Mount Fuji and the majestic Japan Alps. Explore historic post towns, samurai cities like Kanazawa, and mountain retreats famous for soothing onsen (hot springs), all while enjoying a diverse and rich culinary scene.
Why Visit Chūbu?
The Japan Alps: Home to stunning mountain scenery, perfect for hiking in summer and incredible skiing in winter.
Iconic Mt. Fuji: Get breathtaking views of Japan’s most famous peak from the peaceful Fuji Five Lakes area.
Rich History & Crafts: Wander through the preserved old towns of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed thatched-roof villages of Shirakawa-go.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October): The ideal time for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Catch the cherry blossoms in spring or the brilliant autumn foliage in the mountains (mid-October is peak).
Deep Off-Season (December–March): A great time for winter sports in Nagano and Niigata. Many high-altitude areas like Kamikochi and the Alpine Route are closed, but you’ll find great deals and the magical Shirakawa-go light-up event.
Peak Season (June–August): Warm weather is great for exploring cities like Nagoya, but expect high humidity and rain, especially during the June/July rainy season. Mount Fuji climbing season is typically July to early September.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Japanese Alps (Nagano & Gifu)
This mountainous heartland is where you’ll find stunning natural beauty, high-altitude resorts, and traditional culture. Key destinations include Kamikochi (hiking paradise) and the preserved Edo-period town of Takayama.
Your Smart Tip: Kamikochi is a must-see, but it’s closed from mid-November to mid-April. Plan your trip for late spring or autumn for the best access and views.
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
These UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gifu and Toyama prefectures are famous for their unique gasshō-zukuri (thatched-roof farmhouses). The villages look like a fairy tale, especially under a blanket of snow.
Your Smart Tip: These villages get very crowded. For a more peaceful visit, stay overnight at one of the houses or visit the smaller, less-frequented Gokayama village.
Mount Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes
The region surrounding the iconic mountain, including the five lakes (Fujigoko), offers the most classic views. You’ll find lakes, hot springs, theme parks, and hiking trails.
Your Smart Tip: Clouds often obscure Mt. Fuji. The best viewing times are typically early morning or late afternoon during the colder, drier months of autumn and winter.
Kanazawa & The Hokuriku Coast
Kanazawa is a refined city known for its beautiful Kenroku-en Garden (one of Japan’s top three) and its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. The Hokuriku region offers scenic coastlines and rich seafood.
Your Smart Tip: Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf. Take a workshop to create your own gold-leaf souvenir, like applying it to lacquerware or a small art piece.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Chūbu’s climate is highly varied. The Pacific coast (Tōkai) and cities like Nagoya have hot, humid summers and mild winters. The mountainous regions (Japan Alps) have cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The Sea of Japan coast (Hokuriku) experiences heavy snowfall in winter.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Onsen Etiquette: Hot springs (onsen) are central to the culture. Always wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Be aware that people with tattoos may be prohibited from public baths, so check rules beforehand.
Craft Culture: The region prides itself on its craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics (Seto ware, Tokoname ware) and gold leaf (Kanazawa). Showing appreciation for these local products is well-received.
Nagoya “Meshi”: In Nagoya, the local cuisine (Nagoya Meshi) is a point of regional pride. Dining on these specialties is a great way to engage with the local culture.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$45), mid-range hotels/business hotels ($80–$150), traditional ryokan ($150–$300+). Prices are higher in tourist hot spots like the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Food: Cheap lunch sets/ramen ($8–$15), mid-range dinner at an izakaya or local restaurant ($30–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Local train/bus ticket ($2–$5), Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya ($85–$120 one-way), regional rail passes can save money.
Activities: Museum entry ($5–$15), onsen entry ($5–$15), ski lift pass ($40–$60).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$110 (hostels, convenience store food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (hotels, local restaurants, main attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (luxury ryokan with meals, gourmet dining, private transfers).
Getting Around
By Rail: The Shinkansen (bullet train) links Nagoya quickly to Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka. Local and express trains are excellent for inter-city travel within the region.
By Bus: Highway buses are an economical and efficient way to connect major tourist areas, such as Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa.
Self-Driving: A car is the most flexible way to explore the mountain and remote areas like the Noto Peninsula and the Kiso Valley post towns, as train coverage can be sparse.
Must-Try Food
Hitsumabushi (Nagoya): Grilled eel (unagi) over rice, which you eat in three ways: plain, with condiments, and mixed with broth (ochazuke).
Miso Katsu (Nagoya): A thick, crispy pork cutlet (tonkatsu) drenched in a rich, dark hatcho red miso sauce.
Hamamatsu Gyoza: Dumplings typically arranged in a circle and served with a boiled bean sprout garnish.
Goheimochi (Gifu/Nagano): Skewered, flattened rice cakes, brushed with a sweet and savory glaze (often miso, walnut, or sesame) and grilled.
Hōtō (Yamanashi): Thick, flat wheat noodles stewed in a miso-based soup with plenty of vegetables, similar to a hearty hot pot.
Takayama Ramen: A lighter, shoyu (soy sauce) based broth with thin, curly noodles.
Oyaki (Nagano): Steamed or grilled dumplings made from a buckwheat flour dough, typically stuffed with vegetables like nozawana leaves or anko (sweet bean paste).
Tebasaki (Nagoya): Nagoya-style crispy chicken wings, fried and seasoned with a slightly sweet, peppery sauce.
Uirō (Aichi): A traditional Japanese steamed cake made from rice flour and sugar, similar to mochi but chewier.
Habutae Mochi (Fukui): A very soft and smooth type of mochi, named after silk fabric, often sold in thin sheets.
Must-Try Drinks
Local Sake (Niigata, Nagano): The prefectures in the Chūbu region, especially Niigata, are famous for their cold climates, pure water, and high-quality rice, making them a top source of exceptional sake.
Koshu Wine (Yamanashi): Yamanashi is Japan’s premier wine region, known for producing crisp white wines from the indigenous Koshu grape.
Jizake (Local Craft Beer): Numerous microbreweries throughout the region produce local craft beers, often reflecting the mountain water quality.
Matcha (Green Tea): Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of high-quality green tea. You can enjoy local sencha or matcha in various forms.
Hatcho Miso Soup: While a food, the soup made from the local Hatcho Miso (a dark, reddish soybean paste) is a distinctive, savory, and rich local beverage often served with meals in Aichi.
Shinshu Apple Juice (Nagano): Nagano is known for its excellent fruit. Freshly squeezed or bottled apple juice is a popular and high-quality non-alcoholic option.