9 prefectures
Chūbu
The Japan Alps, artisan craft towns, and coast-to-mountain contrasts in the country’s center.
Best seasons · Summer hiking; winter skiing; spring alpine flowers.Hubs · Nagoya · Takayama
Overview
Chūbu stitches together buzzing Nagoya, heritage Hokuriku cities, and dramatic peaks—perfect for slow trains and mountain vistas.
Best seasons
Summer hiking; winter skiing; spring alpine flowers.
Transportation
Centrair near Nagoya for flights; JR Pass works well for Hokuriku loops; cars help rural Gifu detours.
Prefectures
Tap through for itineraries, food, transport, and FAQs.
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Travel map
Hokuriku and Tokaido Shinkansen lines meet regional rails; Alpine Route is seasonal.
Interactive map embed placeholder — wire Mapbox / Google Maps later with prefecture pins.
Best things to do
- ●Alpine hiking between Tateyama and Kamikōchi
- ●Edo-era streets in Takayama and Kanazawa gardens
- ●Fuji viewpoints from Yamanashi lakes
- ●Seafood on the Sea of Japan coast
Food highlights
Hitsumabushi eelHida beefKoshihikari rice bowlsSnow crab
Seasonal recommendations
Spring
Castle town walks and lower-elevation blossoms before alpine thaw.
Summer
Kamikōchi trekking; cool highland escapes from Nagoya.
Autumn
Alpine maple corridors; photography along rural gorges.
Winter
World-class ski areas in Nagano; illuminations in Shirakawa-go.
Featured itineraries
Hokuriku art cities (5 days)
Kanazawa → Toyama Bay → alpine villages.
Mount Fuji circuit
Fujigoko lakes, caves, and onsen with skyline views.
Transportation: Centrair near Nagoya for flights; JR Pass works well for Hokuriku loops; cars help rural Gifu detours.