Chubu trip planner

Chubu Holiday Planning Guide

In the middle of Japan's largest island, the region of Chubu remains best known for its picturesque natural scenery and numerous hot springs. The region contains the rugged Japanese Alps, which separate the country's sunny Pacific from the snowy Sea of Japan side. Thanks to this high mountain range, most vacations in Chubu include skiing in the cold months and hiking in the warmer part of the year. Don't miss a tour of Mount Fuji, Japan's enduring symbol and a hugely popular attraction, both for climbing and viewing. When you need to add some urban flair to your Chubu itinerary, the large city of Nagoya holds plenty of appeal with museums, shrines, and parks.

Places to Visit in Chubu

Cities in Chubu

Nagoya: Including Nagoya on a Chubu itinerary allows for a wide variety of activities, from visiting historical and cultural areas, to exploring modern parks and shopping sites.

Kanazawa: A historically important town, Kanazawa appeals to tourists with its interesting architecture and scenic gardens--some of its trademark products include sake and jumbo shrimp.

Takayama: The town's remote, almost isolated location largely influenced the development of the local culture and crafts, most notably carpentry, seen in the architecture of both residential houses and temples.

Fujikawaguchiko-machi: Offering one of the best views of the famous Fuji Mountain, this resort town makes a wonderful place to start a Chubu tour, relax and enjoy the nature, or explore the area's excellent cuisine.

Matsumoto: A town known for its well-preserved feudal buildings, some of which are now museums, Matsumoto also boasts traditional spas ideal for recreation and taking a break from sightseeing in Chubu.

Popular Chubu Tourist Attractions

Kenrokuen Garden: At this historic garden you can see the oldest fountain in Japan or have a traditional tea experience with an unforgettable view.

Nagoya Castle: In the middle of lush gardens, this 17th-century architectural jewel features an onsite museum.

Matsumoto Castle: Also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its dark exterior, Matsumoto Castle showcases an interesting architectural design complemented by wooden decorative pieces, and a viewing platform on the main keep.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: Discover local wildlife during your Chubu tour at in this remote area, particularly beautiful under snow.

Higashichaya Old Town: The fortified maze of streets at this Chubu attraction features many examples of Edo architecture, as well as a variety of cafes and souvenir shops.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: Dedicated to works created after 1980, this museum also features a swimming pool display with an interesting optical illusion.

Zenkō-ji Temple: Famous for a Buddha statue even high priests are forbidden from seeing, Zenko-ji Temple represents one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Japan.

Omicho Market: Dating back to the 18th century, Omicho Market offers a variety of fresh seafood you can purchase and have prepared on site.

Lake Kawaguchiko: Ideal for relaxed walks with the view of Mount Fuji, or discovering the local culture at one of the museums around the lake's perimeter, this Chubu tourist attraction also offers a range of places to stay.

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Traditional Houses in the Gassho Style: See a traditional architectural style called "gassho-zukuri" by entering houses with steep roofs, built for large families and for easier handling of heavy snows.

Planning a Chubu Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Chubu with Kids

Chubu is well known for its history and culture, technology, and breathtaking natural sights. Precisely because of all these reasons, including children of all ages on a Chubu trip is a great idea, and highly recommended.

Hiking or mountaineering on Mount Fuji is a very popular activity in the region, offering amazing views, peace, and fresh, crisp air.

For those who prefer spending their vacation learning about new cultures, exploring Chubu's numerous cities and smaller towns offers a suitable alternative.

Nagoya is a place of modern technology, architecture, and shopping, while Takayama remains largely isolated from the rest of the country and allows you to explore centuries-old temples and shrines.

Things to Do in Chubu with Kids

If your kids are interested in having a full-filled adventure during your Chubu vacation, take them to Fuji-Q Highland, an enormous amusement park with anime-themed rides.

Nature and adrenaline lovers will surely enjoy Shinhotaka Ropeway, which enables views of the woods and the mountainside while sliding through the air.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum showcases the evolution and extinction of dinosaurs, while Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium houses trained killer whales.

History and science enthusiasts are guaranteed to have a blast at Nagoya City Science Museum and Nagoya Castle.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Chubu

If you think you'll need some help during your Chubu holiday, look for hotels and resorts which offer babysitting services. Most will also offer additional amenities and may provide a crib for you room.

If you plan a tour of Chubu with the youngest members of your family, organize transportation in advance. Carry essential baby items with the rest of your luggage if you intend to visit small villages, where you may not be able to find necessities like diapers and baby formula.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Chubu

Cuisine of Chubu

Due to the region's climatic conditions, Chubu is a place abundant with fruit and vegetables. Naturally, the cuisine is based on available ingredients, and therefore, most of the local dishes contain various locally grown products, as well as meat.

During your Chubu vacation, be sure to try some yaki dumplings, fried and filled with meat or vegetables. Not surprisingly, ramen noodles with pork, scallions, onions, and soy sauce are another must-try in the area.

Known as the traditional festival food, noppe is a stew made with vegetables and mushrooms, and usually complemented by salmon. For those with a sweet tooth, Chubu cuisine offers an unusual dessert--goheimochi are baked rice skewers, usually eaten with soy sauce.

Shopping in Chubu

As a rapidly developing area, Chubu offers some of the finest shopping experiences you'll find in Japan. Nagoya, as the main city, boasts innumerable malls, stores, and markets.

If you're looking for some high-end shopping in Nagoya on your Chubu vacation, head to Oasis 21, an enormous mall with shops stocking all the well-known international brands.

Tokoname is home to Aeon Mall, filled with numerous stores selling clothing, jewelry, and gadgets.

Most of Chubu's urban areas host open-air markets during the week. There, the locals sell a variety of food items, as well as clothes, textiles, and interesting handmade souvenirs.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Chubu

Interesting Facts About Chubu

● Rice farms developed in Chubu in spite of the area's mountainous terrain, and are extremely prosperous

● On your Chubu holiday, you'll see some of the world's most recognizable corporate logos, since camera and other electronics companies are headquartered in this region

● Chubu is home to over 23 million people, almost a fifth of Japan's total population

Holidays & Festivals in Chubu

Throughout Japan, and in Chubu especially, celebrations to honor blossoming cherries remain important events. Some of the most famous you can visit during this period (April-June) are Fuji Shibazakua Festival and Minamino Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival.

If you visit Takayama during your Chubu trip, you can attend Takayama Festival (Autumn), a magical event with floating lampions, music, and a variety of local food vendors.

Useful Chubu Travel Tips

Climate of Chubu

In the Japanese Alps, the weather is chilly throughout the year because of the constant winds. In January, temperatures rarely go over 8 C (46 F), but from April to November, it's usually around 20 C (68 F).

Summers are very warm in the whole region, and the hottest month is August with the average 31 C (88 F). June and September are usually rainy, while July and August remain dry, so keep that in mind when planning your Chubu vacation.

Transportation in Chubu

Throughout the region you can use the well-developed railway system, offering safe and affordable rides.

In most of towns, you can also use public buses or rent-a-car services.