Chubu is the central region of Honshu, Japan's main island. From geographic perspective, there are many attractive places to enjoy nature, such as hiking, skiing, and hot springs (Onsen).
Attractions
Overview: Kamikochi is a popular mountain resort in the Japanese Alps. It is known for its stunning natural scenery and hiking trails.
Highlights:
Taisho Pond: Offers spectacular reflections of the nearby mountains.
Kappa Bridge: A wooden suspension bridge that provides great views and serves as Kamikochi's central point.
Hotaka Mountains: A range that dominates the skyline of Kamikochi.
Myojin Pond: A tranquil spot surrounded by nature, near the Hotaka Shrine.
Hiking Trails: Various trails that cater to both beginners and advanced hikers, offering views of the Japanese Alps.
2. Fuji-goko ; Fuji Five Lake and Oshino Hakkai(Yamanashi, Shizuoka):
Overview:
Fuji-goko refers to the five picturesque lakes that sit at the northern base of Mt. Fuji. These five lakes are famous, but most famous one are Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. They provide some of the best views of the mountain and are a popular base for climbing it during the summer season.
Highlights:
Lake Kawaguchi: The most accessible and developed of the five lakes, Lake Kawaguchi offers various leisure facilities, such as boat tours and hot spring baths.”
Fuji-Q Highland: A famous amusement park near Lake Kawaguchi, known for its thrilling roller coasters and attractions.
Chureito Pagoda: Located near Lake Kawaguchi, it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Yamanaka: The largest of the five, it offers a variety of water sports activities.
Oshino Hakkai: Eight scenic ponds with crystal clear water, which is derived from the snowmelt of Mt Fuji.
Overview:
A coastal town renowned for its onsen (hot springs),These three area has been a popular retreat place from Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, beautiful coastlines, and historical place.
Highlights:
Beach: Atami Sand Beach is one of the famous places in Atami. Of course, in summer, you can enjoy swimming here, but during other seasons, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach. Additionally, Shimoda is another renowned beach in the area, known for its white sand and clear waters, referred to as Shirahama Beach.
Onsen: Numerous hot spring facilities, from public baths to luxurious ryokan.
Jogasaki Coast: Features a scenic coastal walking trail with views of rugged cliffs and the ocean.
Mount Omuro: A dormant volcano that visitors can ascend to enjoy panoramic views.
Perry Road: A historic road named after Commodore Matthew Perry, lined with traditional buildings and willow trees.
4. Shirakawago (Gifu):
Overview:
Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is known for traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
Highlights:
Ogimachi Village: The largest village in Shirakawago, featuring several farmhouses that are open to the public as museums.
Shiroyama Viewpoint: Provides a panoramic view of the Ogimachi village.
Wada House: There are many gassho- zukuri house you can visit. Wada House is the largest gassho-zukuri in the village and serves as a museum.
5. Ise & Shima(Mie)
Overview:
Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's holiest and most important Shinto shrines. Shima is renowned for its picturesque bays, fresh seafood, and pearl cultivation.
Highlights:
Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu): A spiritual center for the Japanese, with the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and Outer Shrine (Geku) being the main attractions.
Okage Yokocho: A nostalgic shopping street near the Inner Ise Grand Shrine that replicates the townscape of the Edo and Meiji periods.
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks): Two sacred rocks in the sea representing a husband and wife, connected by a sacred rope.
Toba Aquarium: One of Japan's top aquariums, home to a variety of marine life.
Ago Bay: Famous for its pearl cultivation and ria coast scenery. In 2016, G7 summit is held in ise shima area.
6. Kanazawa & Noto Peninsula (Ishikawa):
Overview: Kanazawa, a historic city in Ishikawa Prefecture, is known for its districts, museums, and regional handicrafts. Noto Peninsula offers a mix of scenic coastlines, rural landscapes, and traditional culture. Highlights:
Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's top three gardens. Each season you can enjoy the different style of Japanese garden.
Higashi-Chaya District: A geisha area with wooden buildings and tea houses. It keeps historical building You can eat street food here too.
Omicho market: Omicho Market is largest fresh food market in Kanazawa since the Edo era(1603-1868). Most shops specialize in the excellent local seafood and produce, you can also find flowers, fresh fruits and flowers.
Noto Peninsula: Features coastal scenery, terraced rice fields, and traditional events like the Abare Festival.
Wajima Morning Market: A vibrant market in the Noto region, famous for its fresh seafood and crafts.
Overview:
Tateyama is renowned for its spectacular mountain range and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which offers scenic views and hiking opportunities.
Highlights:
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Known as the "Roof of Japan," it features dramatic scenery and the famous Kurobe Dam.
Murodo Plateau: Offers hiking trails and hot springs. It's also the highest point on the Alpine Route.
Snow Walls: These walls can reach heights of up to 20 meters and are a highlight during spring.
Mikurigaike Pond: A crater lake that's especially beautiful during autumn when it is surrounded by colorful foliage.
Shomyo Falls: Japan's tallest waterfall with a 350-meter drop.
Each of these areas encapsulates a unique facet of Japan's natural and cultural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for travelers.
Cuisine
Chubu's culinary offerings are as diverse as its landscape. Some must-try dishes include:
Hida Beef and Matsusaka Beef: A high-quality beef variety from the Hida region and Matsusaka region, known for its marbling and rich flavor.
Miso Katsu: A Nagoya variation of the famous Tonkatsu, where the pork cutlet is served with a rich red miso sauce.
Hitsumabushi: Grilled eel served over rice, which can be eaten in three different ways. It is diced cut Unagi, so it is easy to eat.
Soba: The mountainous areas of Chubu, especially Nagano, are known for their buckwheat noodles.
Beneficial Tickets for Traveling Around Chubu
Traveling around the Chubu area can be more convenient and cost-effective with special tourist passes. If you would like to travel many region not only chubu area, you should choose Japan RAIL PASS.
1. Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini
It offers unlimited access to JR trains in the designated Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka areas. An excellent choice for travelers wishing to visit Mt. Fuji and the surrounding spots. This pass is not available to take Tokaido Shinkansen.
2. Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
Provides unlimited rides on JR trains, buses, and some private railways within the area. Ideal for exploring Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama.
3. Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass
Unlimited rides on JR trains and buses in the Ise, Kumano, and Wakayama areas. It's perfect for those looking to explore the Ise Grand Shrine and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
4. Hokuriku-arch-pass
This pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen and other JR lines, allowing travelers to explore key areas of the Hokuriku region, such as Kanazawa, Toyama, and Fukui. This pass can only be used by foreign tourists visiting Japan from abroad under “Temporary Visitor".
In conclusion
Chubu region of Japan offers a harmonious blend of nature, history, and modernity. With the right passes and a bit of planning, one can enjoy the best of what this fascinating region has to offer.
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