Travel guides and hidden gems in the Chubu region of Japan
Central Japan · Alpine Spine
Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka — the prefectures with the highest concentration of HJG fieldwork.
Chubu is the geographical and emotional center of HJG. It contains Mt. Fuji, the Japan Alps, the Kiso Valley post towns, Kamikochi, and the Yamanashi lakes. Many of the most-read articles on this site live in Chubu prefectures.
April for cherry blossom along Mt. Fuji. July to early September for the climbing season (Mt. Fuji, Northern Alps). October for autumn at Kamikochi and Naraijuku. December for Mt. Fuji visibility at its annual peak.
JR Tokaido Shinkansen passes through Shizuoka/Nagoya; Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Nagano, Kanazawa and on to Tsuruga. Mt. Fuji area: Kawaguchiko via Otsuki, then Fujikyuko Line. Kiso Valley: JR Chuo Main Line — Narai has its own station; Magome and Tsumago need a short bus link.
Plan a trip to Chubu
All Chubu articles
The Kumano Kodo is not a single path, but a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Peninsula. For over a thousand years, emperors and commoners alike have walked these trails, seeking spiritual purification in the sacred heartland…
Shirakawa-go is one of those places that feels suspended in time. Seeing the iconic Gassho-style farmhouses with their steep, thatched roofs, you understand why it’s often described as a fairytale village. Set in a remote mountain valley in Gifu Prefecture,…
Current as of: 2025-12-17 JST Part of my Calmcation in Japan guide to the country’s quietest escapes. Route Overview The Emerald Route immerses you in the verdant landscapes of the Japanese Alps, guiding you through UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic…
Current as of: 2025-12-14 JST The Kawazu Cherry Blossoms offer a unique and rewarding experience for travelers seeking to witness the beauty of sakura without the peak-season crowds of major cities. It is particularly well-suited for repeat visitors to Japan,…
About Kinseiken Standing gracefully in Daigahara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, “Kinseiken” is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop with over 120 years of history, established in 1902 (Meiji 35). This shop began when a former inn (ryokan) from the 41st…
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