region of japan

Chubu中部

The Japanese Alps, old towns and the Sea of Japan coast.

Chubu is the wide middle of Honshu. It holds the Japanese Alps, Mt. Fuji's northern side, the old mountain towns of Takayama and Matsumoto, and the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go. On the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa has gardens, teahouse streets and excellent seafood. Nagoya is the big industrial city and transport hub on the Pacific side. A good route links Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa by train and bus.

Places to go

KanazawaGardens, teahouses and gold leaf by the Sea of Japan.TakayamaOld merchant lanes in the mountains.NagoyaA practical hub with a palace, shrines and big flavors.Matsumoto local favoriteA black castle under the Alps.Shirakawa-go local favoriteThatched farmhouses in a snowy mountain valley.

Through the year

springNagoya's cherry trees usually reach full bloom around April 2, Kanazawa's around April 8; Takayama's spring festival is April 14–15.
summerThe mountain towns stay cooler, with Matsumoto averaging about 25°C in August against Nagoya's 28°C.
autumnKanazawa's maples typically peak around November 24, and Takayama's autumn festival is October 9–10.
winterDeep snow covers Shirakawa-go and the Alps, while Kanazawa is wet and snowy.

Don’t miss

  • KanazawaKenrokuen garden, teahouse streets and Omicho Market.
  • TakayamaOld merchant lanes and morning markets in the mountains.
  • Shirakawa-goSteep thatched farmhouses in a lived-in village.
  • MatsumotoAn original black castle with the Alps behind it.
  • NagoyaCastle palace, shrine, railway museum and hearty food.

What to eat

  • Hida beefRich, marbled beef from the Takayama area.
  • HitsumabushiNagoya's grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways.
  • Kanazawa seafoodFresh fish and crab from the Sea of Japan.
  • Shinshu sobaBuckwheat noodles from the Nagano mountains.
  • Miso katsuPork cutlet in Nagoya's dark, sweet miso sauce.

Getting there

Tokyo → Nagoya: about 1h30 by Nozomi shinkansen. Tokyo → Kanazawa: about 2h30 by Kagayaki shinkansen.

Good for: Travelers who like old towns, Nature and mountain lovers, Second-time visitors

psst — Takayama–Shirakawa-go–Kanazawa buses can sell out in busy seasons. Reserve seats once your dates are fixed.