An Expert Guide to Chūbu

Discover the mountainous heart of Japan...

“Chubu is a hidden gem in the heart of Japan, famous for its mountains, outdoor activities, and historic, rural villages. This underrated region brings together iconic landmarks with spectacular alpine scenery and some of the most authentic, off-the-beaten path activities that Japan has to offer.”  

Go hiking through the alpine valleys of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and feel reborn. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and travellers along the ancient trails of Nakasendo and rediscover an inner calm and serenity. Lower your body into the hot springs in Okuhida and feel the stresses and strains of home melt away. Gaze at Mount Fuji and feel your heart soar. A stay in the beautiful region of Chubu can help you feel like a new person, rejuvenated and energised, living your best life. 

This is what travel, at its very best, is all about. And Japan is the very best of travel.

Expand your horizons, connect with the landscape and people, learn about the culture and history, eat like a local, and feel yourself transported and transformed by this special place. A journey to Japan is more than a holiday, it's a life-changing experience.

Welcome to Chūbu.

Overview

The mountainous heart of Japan, Chubu is best known for its winter ski resorts, outdoor activities, traditional rural villages, historic castles, and rustic charm. Literally translated as ‘central part’ (中部地方, Chūbu Chihō), the region is located in the middle of Japan’s main island, Honshu, and encompasses nine prefectures - Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui - and an area approximate to 72,580 ㎢, which is roughly 20% of all of Japan. As the home of the Japanese Alps and many of the country’s highest peaks, including several active volcanoes such as the iconic Mount Fuji, Chubu is often referred to as ‘the rooftop of Japan’. 

Chubu is a celebration of diversity. While arguably best known for its mountainous landscape and natural wonders, you’ll also find vibrant, less-travelled cities alongside traditional, rural villages, snow-covered peaks and sun-kissed coastlines, contemporary culture and ancient history. From the beautifully-preserved samurai and geisha districts of Kanazawa and the historic and unique UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, to the lush forested ravines of Kurobe Gorge and the geothermal hot springs of Nagano, Chubu offers a huge amount of variation across its nine prefectures. Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, you’ll find it in Chubu. 

“Hit the slopes of Hakuba in the Northern Japanese Alps for adrenaline-fuelled thrills before soaking your muscles in a mountain onsen heated by geothermal vents. Watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan from the beautiful coastlines of Fukui and Ishikawa and leave your worries behind. Rediscover a childlike wonder for nature as firefly squid dance and illuminate the waters of Toyama Bay. Unforgettable moments like these could be yours in Chūbu. It’s a region filled with opportunities to explore like a local and make memories to last a lifetime.”

Prefectures

A region as large as Chubu, unsurprisingly, has a great deal to offer. Here is a short description of each prefecture to inspire further reading:   

1. Aichi 

A prefecture steeped in history, Aichi was the birthplace of the last three samurai warlords who unified the country and remains home to many ancient temples and historic castles. There’s also contemporary culture too. Japan’s fourth largest city, Nagoya, can be found here as well as new attractions like Ghibli Park. The prefecture is accessible from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train). 

2. Fukui

Known affectionately as Japan’s dinosaur country, Fukui on the west coast also boasts a rich history of historic excavated ruins in Ichijodani Asakura as well as fossilised prehistoric remains preserved in the Fukui Dinosaur Museum - one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. Hidden away in the mountains, you’ll also find Eihenji Temple where you can witness monks training in Soto Zen Buddhism. The newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen can connect you to Fukui in just three hours from Tokyo. 

3. Ishikawa

On the west coast, facing the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa is best known for its capital city, Kanazawa, a popular city thanks to its well-preserved geisha districts and teahouses and history of artisanship, from gold leaf production to Kutani porcelain. Kanazawa is also home to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three traditional gardens. Further afield in Ishikawa, there are also stunning coastlines and traditional fishing villages to discover. 

4. Gifu

Located in the mountainous centre of Japan, Gifu is one of Japan’s few landlocked prefectures. It’s home to the UNESCO World Heritage recognised villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama and traditional wooden lodgings (more on those shortly) as well as the picturesque mountain city of Takayama at the foot of the Japanese Alps. 

5. Nagano 

Home to the Japanese Alps, world-leading winter resorts like Hakuba, and the lush, alpine wonderland of Kamikochi, plus geothermal hot springs (with bathing snow monkeys) and feudal-era villages, Nagano is a leading destination for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers, which is well known for having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. The prefecture is also home to the stunning Matsumoto Castle.

6. Niigata

With its heavy snowfall, Niigata is another winter wonderland. It’s also famous for its traditional Sake brewing, historic geisha district, the remote Sado Island (known for its traditional tub boats and puppetry) and its Edo Period gold mine.   

7. Shizuoka

Best known for the beautiful Izu Peninsula and its gorgeously rugged coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Shizuoka is also the location of the famous hot spring onsen towns of Atami and Ito, pine tree forests, lakes and waterfalls, and shares ownership of Mount Fuji with neighbouring Yamanashi, which means it also offers views of the iconic mountain. 

8. Toyama

Rugged and mountains with spectacular scenery, Toyama is home to the Tateyama Mountain Range and the famous 20-metre high snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The prefecture is also home to Chubu Sangaku National Park (which continues into Nagano prefecture) and Kurobe Gorge - the deepest in Japan - and a wonderland for walkers, hikers, and nature lovers. Toyama Bay, meanwhile, is famous for its seafood, particularly yellowtail and firefly squid. 

9. Yamanashi

Arguably the most visited prefecture in Chubu due to the presence of Mount Fuji and the lakeside resorts of Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi is also renowned for its local produce, particularly peaches and grapes, as well as its beautiful national parks.

Landmarks and Attractions

“The sight of Mount Fuji is guaranteed to take your breath away. Rising 3,776 metres above sea level, it’s a majestic and spectacular sight that attracts millions of people to Japan every year just to see this national symbol with their own eyes - it’s to Japan what the Eiffel Tower is to France and the Statue of Liberty is to the USA - and impressively, it’s just one of Chubu’s many wonders.” 

Chubu is home to some of Japan’s most famous attractions despite its reputation as being a generally less-visited region. The legendary Mount Fuji is arguably its biggest landmark (in more ways than one) and the lakeside resorts of the Fuji Five Lakes are popular all year round. Chubu has its share of leading contemporary attractions too. The recently opened Ghibli Park is the world’s only immersive theme park dedicated to the imaginative worlds created by legendary Japanese animators Studio Ghibli, whose award-winning films include My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo, and Spirited Away. It fully opened in 2024 and is already one of Japan’s most in-demand visitor attractions, especially for families and those young at heart. While the winter resorts and alpine valleys of the Japanese Alps are rightly famous, there’s much more to Chubu than outdoor activities. Here is a small selection to help you plan a visit to the region:

- Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes

The iconic mountain and the beautiful lakes surrounding its northern slopes are one of Japan’s best loved destinations. Seeing Mount Fuji with your own eyes is a bucket list experience.

- Chureito Pagoda

The famous, three-storey pagoda has been the star of countless photographs of Japan thanks to its position looking towards Mount Fuji. It’s practically the definition of Instagrammable. 

- Hakuba Valley

Chubu’s snow country and a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. Hakuba Valley is home to more than 10 winter resorts offering world-class skiing and snowboarding, Hakuba offers thrills and relaxation. Also for winter sports, Yuzawa Skiing Village in Niigata is a good alternative suggestion and arguably lesser known. 

- Ghibli Park

A unique immersive theme park experience in Aichi prefecture that brings to life the films of legendary Japanese animators, Studio Ghibli. Perfect for families and the young at heart.

- Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the mountains of Gifu and Toyama, these historic villages are famous for their homes with thatched roofs (known as gassho-zukuri), which were designed in a ‘hands in prayer’ shape to bear the weight of the region's heavy snowfall. Some of the buildings are 300 years old so it truly feels like stepping back in time to a bygone era. During winter, the villages transform into a genuine wonderland.   

- Jigokudani Monkey Park

Watching the snow monkeys bathe in the bubbling hot waters of the geothermal hot springs at Jigokudani has become a major tourist attraction. We could all learn a thing or two about relaxing from the Japanese macaques!   

- Fukui Dinosaur Museum

One of the world’s premier dinosaur museums, Fukui Dinosaur Museum is an interactive and immersive family-friendly attraction, renowned for its exhibits and research. Amazingly, about 80% of all the dinosaur fossils found in Japan come from Fukui prefecture. 

- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A spectacular and unique route through the Northern Japanese Alps and Tateyama Mountain Range, which requires multiple forms of transport to traverse including cable cars, ropeways, trains, and buses, the area is arguably most famous for its snow corridor, which is open between April and June each year. 

- Kurobe Gorge

Japan’s deepest gorge, Kurobe Gorge’s beautiful, forested valleys and outdoor hot springs, make it a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s also a picturesque sightseeing train with stunning views. 

- Atami Hot Springs

The preferred onsen of legendary Japanese ruler, Shogun Tokugawa leyasu, Atami in Shizuoka prefecture remains a favourite hot spring destination to this day. It’s only 50 minutes away from Tokyo by train, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway. Just imagine lying back in those warm, healing waters, letting your muscles ease and your worries drift away. Another famous onsen resort elsewhere in Chubu is Gero Onsen, which is south of Takayama. 

Toyama Bay

Officially one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Toyama Bay has an abundance of sea life and has become especially famous for its bioluminescent squid, which light up the waters between March and June each year. Take a sightseeing boat at 3am from Namerikawa fishing port for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.   

History and Culture

“Walk the old roads and feel the history all around you along ancient pilgrim trails. Take a trip back to the Edo Period while exploring rural villages and post towns like Narai-juku. Follow in the footsteps of samurai warriors at castles like Matsumoto and Inuyama, and explore the origins of the Japanese people at ancient sites in Fukui.”

History and heritage are at the heart of Chubu. If the castles and post towns of the Edo Period have captured your imagination, then you’ll love stepping back in time in this rustic region. Chubu has retained and preserved a rural way of life from previous centuries. If you’re seeking the quiet serenity of a bygone era and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Chubu could be the region for you. History lovers will feel right at home too thanks to historic castles such as Matsumoto, Inuyama, and Nagoya, well-preserved samurai and geisha districts such as Higashi Chaya geisha district in Kanazawa, and ancient pilgrim trails connecting former post towns. There’s the opportunity to travel even further back in time in Fukui too, from the evacuated ruins of Ichijodani Asakura to the prehistoric era of the dinosaurs. Here are a few extra suggestions: 

- The Nakasendo Trail

The best preserved section of the Nakasendo Trail can be found in Chubu,  between Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture to Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture. This is known as the Kiso Road. The Nakasendo Trail connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during the age of the samurai (specifically 1603-1868) and featured 69 post towns along its 540-kilometre route for weary travellers to stop and rest. 

- Tsumago Post Town

Explore one of the best preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Trail in Nagano. In Tsumago, cars are banned and phone lines and cables are cleverly concealed to preserve the sense of stepping back in time. This is a great place to stay in a traditional ryokan or minshuku to add to the experience. You can find a carefully curated selection on our Hotels page. Narai-juku is another recommended post town, especially if you’re planning to visit the city of Matsumoto. 

- Matsumoto Castle

A national treasure of Japan and a historic medieval fortress dating back to the feudal era, this black, moated castle, is one of the greatest in Japan as well as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

- Sekigahara

A historic battlefield which changed the course of Japan’s history. The battle of Sekigahara - reportedly the largest and bloodiest in samurai history - was fought in 1600 at a crossroads in Gifu, in a clash which unified the country under the Tokugawa family for more than 250 years. 

- Nagamachi

A samurai district located at the base of Kanazawa Castle featuring preserved samurai houses to explore.  

- Sanmachi Suji

These narrow streets in Takayama are lined with 400-year-old merchant houses, sake breweries, restaurants, and galleries. Try the rice cakes, rent a yukata or kimono, and take a ride in a rickshaw, for an authentic experience of Edo period Japan.       

Places To Stay

“From mountain retreats like Hida-Takayama to coastal cities like Kanazawa, winter resorts in Hakuba to authentic stays in the region’s picturesque rural villages, you’re guaranteed to find your ideal home away from home in Chubu.”

Where are the best places to stay in Chubu? From cities to countryside to coastlines, Chubu has it all. If the Chubu region is your dream destination then we can help you find your perfect place to stay. The region’s lesser-known cities have a huge amount to offer and can feel more authentic and less-touristy than the likes of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find an extensive range of hotels, resorts, and ryokan to choose from across the region. We have more than 4,500 available across the whole of Japan on our Hotels page, including a large number in Chubu, and we’ve gone to extra lengths to feature the very best accommodation, including ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), which offers a more unique and authentic experience.    

• Kanazawa

Famous for the ancient art of gold leaf production, and often referred to as ‘the golden city’ for this very reason, Kanazawa is located on the west coast facing the Sea of Japan. Once an off the beaten track gem, this small city has become better known to travellers looking for an alternative to the crowds of Kyoto. It remains a beautiful and historic destination thanks to attractions like the Kenrokuen garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Edo Period Higashi Chaya district, with its teahouses and geisha. 

• Hida-Takayama

This popular city in the Hida area of Gifu prefecture, often referred to as Hida-Takayama is located at the base of the Japanese Alps and is known for having one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved old towns. You’ll find Takayama’s on the east side of the city by the Miyagawa River. It’s a great place for those looking for a more authentic experience, with morning markets, sake breweries, and street vendors, and also acts as a gateway to other destinations in the area such as the historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama, the mountain resort of Kamikochi, and hot spring resort, Gero Onsen. Hida-Takayama is also famous for the quality and authenticity of its traditional ryokans (Japanese inns and guesthouses).

• Nagano

The capital of Nagano prefecture, the city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 and is known for its welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Zenkoji Temple, one of the best in Japan. The winter sports mecca that is Hakuba is also just outside the city, with 10 resorts, including Happo-one, a thriving apres-ski scene, and hot springs, making it a hugely popular place to stay. 

• Fujikawaguchiko

One of the Fuji Five Lakes and a very popular destination to stay thanks to its epic views of Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko resort town known for its hot springs, museum, panoramic ropeway, and natural beauty. During spring, it's a popular destination for cherry blossom gazing and for gold and red momiji foliage during the autumn months. 

• Nagoya

Japan’s fourth largest city, Nagoya is the bustling economic centre of the region. A vibrant city in its own right with attractions including Nagoya Castle and Meijo Park, with a thriving culinary scene and many local specialities (such as hatcho miso), Nagoya is also an ideal gateway for popular destinations in Hokuriku such as Takayama and Kanazawa.  

• Izu Peninsula

On the east coast of Chubu, facing the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the stunning Izu Peninsula, a mountainous resort area known for its beautiful beaches, hot springs, mild weather, and stunning scenery. Only 100 kilometres from Tokyo, it’s accessibility makes it a popular getaway destination. It’s also the closest diving site in Japan to Tokyo and its waters are a great spot for beginner divers.  

Off The Beaten Path

“Discover hidden onsens in the Okuhida area. Watch the sunset from the Tojinbo cliffs in Fukui. Explore mountain trails leading to sacred monasteries and ancient temples. Wander towns and villages, connected by historic trails, where life remains as it was centuries ago and the quaint wooden buildings have been lovingly preserved. If you’re longing for peace and tranquillity and a chance to disconnect from city life then rural Chubu should be high on your list of places to stay. As a less visited, sometimes overlooked region, it’s the ideal place for off the beaten path adventures and authentic experiences.”    

Several years ago, cities in Chubu like Kanazawa were completely off the radar of most tourists. While this has changed somewhat as more people have become aware of their charms, the region is still home to many hidden gems as well as unique, authentic experiences, which will have a special place in your heart long after you’ve returned home from Japan.  

- Nata-dera & Komatsu

The home of the sacred Nata-dera Temple complex with its trails leading to Mount Haku, Komatsu is a lesser-visited coastal city in Ishikawa prefecture with a rich cultural heritage. Known for its artisanship, from fabric dyeing to Kutani porcelain and gold leaf production, Komatsu is just 30 minutes from the more popular Kanazawa and offers the same history and beauty with dramatically fewer crowds. It has one of the world’s oldest hotels in Hoshi Ryokan (officially recognised in the Guinness World Records) and many other traditional attractions, such as the historic Hokkuku Street.

- Noto Peninsula

This secluded, rural peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture extends 100 kilometres into the Sea of Japan and its remoteness makes it an alluring road less travelled for many visitors eager to see a different side of Japan. The Kongo coast and Okunoto coast are known for their rugged beauty and picturesque scenery

- Okunoto Salt Farm Village

While exploring Okunoto, why not visit the salt farm and witness the traditional, centuries old salt harvesting techniques used to produce sea salt. It is the only site in Japan using this ancient technique called agehama. 

- Sado Island

This remote island off the coast of Niigata was once used for political exile. Today it’s a great destination for those looking to go off the beaten path. For an authentic experience, take a ride in an historic wooden tarai-bune (Japan bath-tub boat) in the waters around the island. Be sure to check out the former Sado Kinzan gold mine which is open to the public and was designated a World Heritage Site in 2024.

- Tokamachi 

Located in southern Niigata, Japan’s ‘snow country’, Tokamachi sees four metres of snow each winter and makes for a beautiful, lesser-known place to stay. Known for its production of kaengata doki (flame style pottery), it also boasts one of Japan’s most stunning gorges, Kiyotsu, formed by past volcanic eruptions.

- Ueda

A hidden gem in Nagano, Ueda city has traditional architecture and castle ruins, samurai history, and hot springs, with attractions such as Joseki Park and the picturesque banks of Chikuma River, without the crowds found elsewhere in the prefecture.

- Nagara River

Watch the 1,000 year-old tradition of fishing using trained cormorant birds on the Nagara River in Gifu City.

- Dogashima Kaigan Coast

A more rugged and less travelled area of Izu Peninsula, on the west coast of the peninsula, known for its caves and rare rock formations. 

- Hamamatsu

This coastal city in western Shizuoka prefecture is relatively unknown to most tourists but it's full of energy and history. Its attractions include Hamamatsu Castle, the former residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hamamatsu flower and fruit parks, Lake Hamana, and the Nakatajima Sand Dunes. 

Regional Food and Drink

“Sit shoulder to shoulder with the locals in Nagano and enjoy a bowl of Shinshu soba noodles made from the region’s buckwheat. In Toyama, you can try a signature bowl of black ramen or eel grilled kabayaki-style over rice. Pick seasonal fruit with your family in Gamagori Orange Park in Aichi and sample the local produce. Go shopping on Sanmachi Street in the mountain town of Hida Takayama and purchase hand-baked rice cakes. If you love trying local delicacies and regional specialities, you’ll be right at home in Chubu.”

Like the rest of Japan, Chubu is famous for the quality of its food and drink, delicious local produce, and regional specialities. These can vary even from village to village and we highly recommend trying local delicacies whenever you can. As a more rural region, Chubu is known for its agriculture and farming, Famous regional dishes from Chubu include:

• Shinshu Soba

Nagano is famous for its fine quality buckwheat, used to make soba noodles, and shinshu soba is arguably the Chubu region’s most famous dish. It is usually served in a hot broth with side dishes of seasonal vegetables and a cold dipping sauce. Also look out for Toji Soba from nearby Matsumoto, served in a traditional bamboo basket. 

• Grilled Hoba Miso

A local dish of the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture made with miso, shiitake mushrooms and spring onions. 

• Miso Katsu

Aichi prefecture is also famous for its love of miso, so much so it features in a lot of different dishes. Miso Katsu features a fried pork cutlet served with a red hatcho, all-soybean miso, which can take years to produce.

• Ayu Sweetfish

For more than 1,000 years, Japanese fishermen from Gifu have used cormorant birds to help catch Ayu. A small sweetfish native to Japan, Ayu is usually eaten salted and skewered.

• Misokuni Udon

A specialty of Aichi and Nagoya, udon noodles with a red miso broth and vegetables.

• Hida Beef

Hailing from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, this beef is said to rival Japan’s famous Kobe beef for its texture and flavour. 

• Oyaki Dumplings

From Nagano, these hearty dumplings made from buckwheat flour are stuffed with vegetables and sweet bean paste, roasted and boiled.

• Houtou

A hotpot style dish, popular in winter, consisting of flat udon noodles and kabocha pumpkin cooked in a miso broth. It can also include different seasonal vegetables, such as Sansai mountain vegetables in spring.  

• Goheimochi

Grilled or toasted rice cakes served on a stick and coated in a sweet and sticky soy or miso sauce. 

• Tatami iwashi

Often used as a soup garnish or eaten as a snack, this wafer-thin cracker is made from baby sardines. Its name comes from its resemblance to tatami floor mats. This snack is popular along the pacific coast. 

• Noppe

A traditional stew from Niigata, often made with a combination of lotus root, konnyaku yam, taro root, shiitake and nameko mushrooms, carrots, and ginkgo nuts. Usually vegetarian, but can also be made with salted salmon.

• Hitsumabushi

Originating from Nagoya, this dish features grilled eel over a bed of Japanese steamed rice.  

Climate and Landscape

“Rugged and varied, Chubu’s cooler climate is dominated by the presence of the majestic Japanese Alps.”

Chubu’s sheer size and diverse geography means that its climate can vary depending on where you’re visiting as well as the time of year. The region is often divided into three areas, Tokai, facing the Pacific Ocean towards the east, Koshinetsu, landlocked in the centre of Chubu, and Hokuriku overlooking the Sea of Japan. Each experiences different weather. Tokai in the east has mild winters and wet summers, Koshinetsu’s mountainous peaks see high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night due to the altitude, while Hokuriku is humid during summer and sees some of Japan’s highest levels of snowfall in winter. The towering presence of the Japanese Alps in the region is a good indication of the climate and landscape to expect, lush, green alpine mountains in the spring, summer, and autumn, with snow-capped peaks in the winter months, with weather that’s generally cooler than the majority of Japan. This is a rugged region by nature that’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its beauty and diversity, so we’d recommend being prepared for varying weather conditions and packing appropriately based on the season and forecast.     

Travel and transport

“Japan’s famous bullet trains pass through Chubu, connecting the region to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and you can even get a picture perfect view of the famous Mount Fuji from the window of the Tokaido Shinkansen if you choose the right carriage and seat (psst - look for a window-side seat F or D in green cars).”

If you ever find yourself waiting for the train at Kanazawa Station, Ishikawa, gazing up at the beautiful, 14m high Tsuzumi-mon Gate, designed to look like traditional Japanese noh drums, then you’ll have the privilege of looking at one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. Alongside beauty, you’ll also find speed, comfort, and efficiency - something Japanese trains are famous for. If you’re planning to visit Chubu, you’ll be pleased to know that the region is as well-connected as the rest of Japan. 

Chubu has an international airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, which is located in Ise Bay, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, south of Nagoya. If you’re an international visitor planning a stay in Chubu then this may be your initial gateway to the region. Alternatively, Chubu is very accessible from major Japanese cities. For example, it’s just one hour and 40 mins, from Tokyo to Nagoya by train. It’s around two hours and 30 mins from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Once you’ve arrived in Chubu, the best way to get around is using public transport. Japan’s public transportation is second to none, particularly its world-leading domestic rail network and this ensures Chubu is well-connected to the neighbouring regions of Kanto, Tohoku, and Kansai, as well as the rest of Japan. 

Famous for its speed, efficiency, comfort, and safety, Japan’s railways connect the length and breadth of the country’s main islands. It’s also the most cost effective and flexible means of transport too, especially when combined with a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel, allowing you to hop on and off trains at your leisure. A number of major train lines, including the high-speed shinkansen bullet trains, pass through Chubu. These include: 

• Tokaido Shinkansen

• Joetsu Shinkansen

• Hokuriku Shinkansen

• Tokaido Main Line

• Wide View Hida Limited Express

Recently, an extension to the Hokuriku Shinkansen was launched, extending the shinkansen line from Kanazawa to Tsuruga for the first time, and shortening the travel time from Tokyo to Fukui Prefecture to just three hours. This has opened up new travel and tourist opportunities in the region to visitors. It’s also fully covered by the JRPass. The Chubu region is also served by local trains, subways (such as the Nagoya City Subway), trams (such as those in Toyama City), buses, taxis, and more. For more on public transportation in Chubu, read our Basic Guide to Transport in Japan. 

Further Recommendations 

• Ready to book accommodation in the Chubu region? Visit our Hotels page for a hand-picked selection of more than 4,500 hotels and traditional ryokan. 

• Chubu is just one of Japan’s eight regions. You can read about the other seven on our Destinations page. 

• Want to learn more about Japan from our team of travel experts and their unique, local knowledge? Our Stories page brings together carefully curated articles and in-depth guides on almost every subject, from travel and transport to food and drink, history and culture, with recommendations for the most interesting and authentic activities.  

• Join our blossoming community here at JapanDen to connect with like-minded fellow travellers, share ideas and inspiration, ask questions, and more. You can sign up to our community here.