A pivotal region of Japan, the Chubu (中) literally means “middle region”. Located in the heart of Honshu, it houses the Japanese Alps, Mount Fuji, UNESCO-listed mountain villages and historic cities such as Kofu or Matsumoto. From the shores of the Japanese Sea to the Pacific coast, the Chubu offers a rare diversity between wild nature, feudal heritage and craftsmanship. This guide centralizes our detailed articles—sub-regions by subregion, site by site—to help you understand the region, plan a coherent itinerary and explore the three Chubu at your own pace.
How to use this guide:Start with the section “Understanding the Chubu” to understand the geography and identity of the region, then choose your sub-regions according to your wishes. The Villages, Vineyards and Crafts sections help you structure a coherent itinerary. At the bottom of the page, the FAQ answers concrete questions of duration, budget and ideal period.
Understanding Chubu: Geography and Identity
The Chubu consists of nine prefectures in central Honshu, traditionally divided into three sub-regions: Kōshin’etsu to the east (Nagano, Niigata, Yamanashi), Hokuriku to the northwest along the Japanese Sea (Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui) and Tōkai to the south along the Pacific (Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka). Crossing the Japanese Alps, the region is home to some of the country’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, but also to historical cities such as Kofu, Matsumoto or Kanazawa. The Chubu is also the cradle of Japanese wine production and a high place of traditional craftsmanship.
Kōshin’etsu: mountains, vineyards and villages preserved
To the east of Chubu, this mountainous area includes Nagano, Niigata and Yamanashi prefectures. It is the kingdom of the Japanese Alps, ski resorts, preserved villages of the Kiso Valley and wine-growing landscapes around Kofu. The region of Kofu, capital of Yamanashi, enjoys an exceptional sunshine that has made it the cradle of Japanese wine, with nearly 80 domains open to the public.
Around Kofu: vineyards, temples and gorges
Kofu: mountains, wine and cultural sites
Kiso Valley: route over the Nakasendo
Magome: historic village of Nakasendo
Hokuriku: Japan Sea and UNESCO Heritage
In the northwest, along the Japanese Sea, the prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama and Fukui offer a more authentic Japan, between samurai cities, traditional craftsmanship and coastal landscapes. The region is home to Shirakawa-go, one of Japan’s most iconic World Heritage sites since 1995 for its gasshozukuri-style houses. These mountain villages, nestled in the Shokawa Valley, preserve a rare architectural and cultural heritage, with houses with steep roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow.
Shirakawa-go: immersion in historic villages
Kaga Onsen: museums and heritage of Ishikawa
Hakusan Folk Museum: Traditional Rural Life
Maruoka Castle (Fukui)
Tōkai: Pacific, Crafts and Culture
To the south, along the Pacific coast, the prefectures of Aichi, Gifu and Shizuoka blend great metropolis (Nagoya), historic places and artisanal culture. The city of Tokoname, in Aichi Prefecture, is one of the six former kilns in Japan. Renowned for its iron-rich clay, it offers an immersive path on the traces of a secular craft, with its sloping alleyways, walls covered with terracotta pipes and its famous Pottery Footpath. Hamana Lake in Hamamatsu offers another side of the region: cruises, cable car over the lake, hot springs and local gastronomy.
Tokoname: the Pottery Tour, an ancestral know-how
Lake Hamana: activities, gastronomy and nature
Okazaki: cradle of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Inuyama and its wooden castle
Historic villages and UNESCO heritage
The Chubu is home to some of the most authentic villages in Japan. Shirakawa-go and its UNESCO-listed gasshozukuri houses are a must to understand rural life in the Japanese Alps. The Kiso valley, with Magome and Tsumago, offers an immersion in the Edo era on the old Nakasendo road. These villages preserve a unique atmosphere, between paved streets, wooden houses and mountain landscapes.
Vineyards and gastronomy in Chubu
The Kofu region of Yamanashi Prefecture is the cradle of Japanese wine production. The techniques were imported from France 140 years ago, and the region now has almost 80 fields. The local Koshu grape variety gives wines that match perfectly with Japanese cuisine. The Daizenji temple, nicknamed “the grape temple”, preserves a unique image of Yakushi Nyorai holding grapes in his hand, vestige of a centuries-old winemaking history.
Crafts and crafts
The Chubu is a land of craftsmanship. Tokoname, in Aichi Prefecture, is one of the six former Japanese kilns. Its ceramic, Tokoname-yaki, is renowned for its robustness and refined teapots. The Pottery Footpath, a walking loop of 1.6 to 4 km, allows you to discover the alleyways, the old ovens (noborigama) and the multiple statues of maneki-neko that mark the city.
When to go to Chubu
The Chubu is visited all year round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring (April-May) is ideal for cherry blossoms and green vineyards. The summer (June-August) is conducive to hiking in the mountains, especially in the Japanese Alps and the Shosenkyo Gorges. Autumn (October-November) is probably the most beautiful season, with colourful foliage and villages of Shirakawa-go taking on a particular atmosphere. Winter (December-March) is rigorous but magical, especially in Shirakawa-go under the snow, with its roofs of which are illuminated during winter events.
Suggested routes
For a short stay (5 to 7 days), choose a Nagoya → Kiso Valley axis (Magome/Tsumago) → Matsumoto → Kofu, combining heritage and vineyards. For a stay of 10 days or more, add Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa and the coast of the Japanese Sea. Hiking enthusiasts can spend several days in the Japanese Alps, with bases in Kofu or Matsumoto. In winter, a “snow and onsen villages” route can combine Shirakawa-go, Okuhida and the spas of the Alps.
Practical tips: preparing your trip to Chubu
The Chubu is well served by the railway network, with the Chuo Shinkansen (under construction) and the conventional JR lines. The rental car remains recommended for rural areas (Shirakawa-go, Kiso Valley, vineyards). Regional JR Passes, such as the JR East Pass (Nagano/Niigata) or the JR Central Pass, can be profitable depending on the route. Accommodation varies between mountain ryokan, minshuku in villages and business hotels in cities. Remember to book early for Shirakawa-go and high season periods (spring and autumn).
Travelling by train in Japan: a unique immersion
Driving in Japan: permits, rental, rules
Regional train passes in Japan
Free Internet in Japan: where to connect
Luggage storage in Japan: light travel
Vegetarian or vegan travel guide
The Chubu is for curious travellers, ready to alternate heritage, nature and gastronomy. Less frequented than Kansai or Kantō, this region rewards for its authenticity, mountainous landscapes and rich know-how. A trip to the Chubu allows us to discover a Japan deeply rooted in its territories.
If this article has brought you useful information and can help other travellers prepare for their stay, a Google review will always be appreciated.
Practical FAQ: preparing your trip in the Chubu
How many days does it take to visit the Chubu?
It takes 5 to 7 days to discover most of the Chubu (Kofu, Kiso Valley, Shirakawa-go), and 10 to 14 days to add the Alps, the coast of the Japanese Sea and the Nagoya region.A short route can focus on the Nagoya → Kiso → Kofu axis. To combine villages, vineyards and crafts, plan at least 10 days. Travellers in a hurry can make a base in Nagoya or Kofu and radiate.
What is the best time to visit the Chubu?
Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are the best seasons.Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. Autumn is beautiful with colourful foliage, especially in Shirakawa-go and in the gorges. Winter is harsh but magical for villages under the snow. Summer is ideal for hiking in the mountains.
What daily budget will be provided in the Chubu?
Count 8 000 to 15 000 yen (50-90 €) per day in backpacker budget and 18 000 to 30 000 yen (110-185) in mid-range.In backpacker: inn or business hotel (4,000-7,000 ¥), single meals (1,000-1,500 ¥), transportation (1,000-2,000 ¥), tours (500-1,500 ¥). Mid-range: rural ryokan (12 000-20 000 ¥), local restaurants, some onsen. Chubu is slightly cheaper than Tokyo.
How to get around the Chubu?
The train is ideal for cities, but the car is recommended for rural areas.The national JR Pass or regional passes (JR East Pass for Nagano/Niigata) cover the main connections. For Shirakawa-go, Kiso Valley and vineyards, a rental car offers more flexibility. Local buses serve isolated sites but with limited schedules.
What culinary specialties to taste in the Chubu?
Chubu is a rich gastronomic region.In Kofu: Koshu wines and fruits (raisins, peaches). In Nagoya: miso katsu, tebasaki (chicken wings) and Hitsumabushi (eel). In Gifu: Hida meat and soba. In Shizuoka: green tea and seafood. Toyama: Seafood from Japan and local sake.
What to do in the Chubu when it rains?
Museums, covered villages and onsen are the best options.In Kofu: Takeda Shingen Museum, Kai-Zenkoji Temple, Indian Museum. In Tokoname: Pottery Tour under covered passages, ceramic museums. In Shirakawa-go: museum houses (Wada, Tajima) and Miyozenji temple. Ryokans with onsen remain a safe value in rainy weather.
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