Chubu Guide: Japanese Alps, Takayama, and Kanazawa
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Central Japan — dramatic mountain landscapes, preserved historic towns, and some of the best skiing in Asia.
Central Japan — dramatic mountain landscapes, preserved historic towns, and some of the best skiing in Asia.
Why Chubu?
- Japanese Alps — stunning mountain scenery
- Historic towns — Takayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go
- Skiing — world-class resorts (Hakuba, Nozawa)
- Art museums — 21st Century Museum, Toyota
- Mt. Fuji — closest views
The Nine Prefectures
Nagano
Known for: Skiing, hot springs, snow monkeys
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Hakuba | Olympic ski resort |
| Nozawa Onsen | Hot spring ski village |
| Jigokudani | Snow monkeys in hot springs |
| Matsumoto Castle | One of Japan's finest original castles |
| Kamikochi | Alpine hiking paradise |
Niigata
Known for: Rice, sake, skiing
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Echigo-Yuzawa | Hot spring ski town (Snow Country) |
| Sado Island | Gold mines, Earth Celebration |
| Nagaoka Fireworks | Japan's largest fireworks festival |
| Rice fields | Best rice in Japan |
Ishikawa
Known for: Kanazawa, gold leaf, crafts
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Kanazawa | "Little Kyoto" without crowds |
| Kenroku-en | One of Japan's three great gardens |
| 21st Century Museum | Contemporary art |
| Higashi Chaya | Geisha district |
Gifu
Known for: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, puppet theater
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Takayama | Preserved old town, sake breweries |
| Shirakawa-go | UNESCO thatched-roof villages |
| Gujo Hachiman | Water town, dance festival |
| Gifu Castle | Panoramic views |
Yamanashi
Known for: Mt. Fuji, wine, hot springs
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Mt. Fuji views | Best from Lake Kawaguchi |
| Fuji Five Lakes | Hot springs, hiking |
| Kai winery region | Japanese wine |
| Hot springs | Yamanashi has many |
Other Prefectures
| Prefecture | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Toyama | Alpine views, glass art, firefly squid |
| Fukui | Dinosaur museum, Eiheiji Temple |
| Shizuoka | Mt. Fuji, green tea, surf |
| Aichi | Nagoya, Ghibli Park, Toyota |
Getting There
| From | To | Transport | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Nagano | Shinkansen | 1.5 hours |
| Tokyo | Kanazawa | Shinkansen | 2.5 hours |
| Osaka | Kanazawa | Shinkansen | 2 hours |
| Nagoya | Takayama | Train | 2.5 hours |
Tips
- Get a JR Pass — covers all Shinkansen in Chubu
- Visit Takayama + Shirakawa-go — perfect combination
- Ski in winter — Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen
- Hike in summer — Kamikochi is spectacular
- See snow monkeys — Jigokudani in winter
- Visit Kanazawa — Kyoto alternative with fewer crowds
- Budget 7–10 days — for a proper Chubu tour
📱Get a Japan eSIM
Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.