Chubu & Hokuriku Area
The Chubu and Hokuriku regions, located in central Japan, offer a rich blend of nature, history, and traditional culture. From majestic mountains and UNESCO sites to charming old towns and hot springs, this area is ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty and authentic Japanese experiences.
Recommended Destinations
Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route (Toyama & Nagano)
A spectacular mountain route through the Northern Alps, featuring snow corridors, ropeways, and scenic views. Open seasonally and loved by nature enthusiasts.
Shirakawago (Gifu)
A UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-style thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.
Hida Takayama (Gifu)
Known for its beautifully preserved old town, morning markets, and traditional festivals, this town exudes Edo-period charm and warm hospitality.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
A city rich in samurai history, tea culture, and arts. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, and explore geisha districts and gold-leaf crafts.
Sado Island (Niigata)
An island of cultural heritage and scenic coastlines, Sado is known for taiko drumming, gold mines, and the endangered Japanese crested ibis.
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano)
Famous for wild snow monkeys that bathe in natural hot springs, this park offers a rare and delightful winter sight in the mountains of Nagano.
Nagoya (Aichi)
A major industrial hub and historical center with highlights such as Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, and famous local dishes like miso katsu and hitsumabushi.
Mt. Fuji (Shizuoka & Yamanashi)
Japan’s tallest and most iconic peak, Mt. Fuji attracts climbers, photographers, and spiritual seekers. Its beauty is best enjoyed from surrounding lakes or the 5th station trails.
Recommended Foods and Souvenir
Hitsumabushi
“Hitsumabushi,” a beloved local specialty of Nagoya, is a dish consisting of grilled eel (kabayaki) glazed repeatedly with a rich, sweet-savory sauce, served over finely chopped rice. Its most distinctive feature is the unique four-step way of enjoying it, which allows you to experience different flavors in one meal. By changing the flavors with condiments and broth, you can savor the dish to the very last bite without ever getting bored.
Hōtō – Hearty Noodle Stew from Yamanashi
Hōtō is a traditional noodle dish from Yamanashi Prefecture, located near Mount Fuji. It features thick, flat wheat noodles simmered in a miso-based soup with a generous variety of seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, mushrooms, and leafy greens.
Kanazawa-haku – The Art of Gold Leaf
Kanazawa-haku refers to the exquisite gold leaf produced in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, a city responsible for over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf production. This traditional craft involves hammering pure gold into extremely thin sheets—just one ten-thousandth of a millimeter thick—so delicate they can flutter with the slightest breath.