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Chubu, which literally means “central part”, is Japan’s central region. It has a population of approximately 21.7 million and consists of nine prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. Chubu itself is also divided into three sub-regions called Hokuriku (Northern), Tokai (Southern), and Koshinetsu (Eastern). Hokuriku consists of Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama. Niigata is sometimes considered part of this region. The Hokuriku region lies on the coastline of the Sea of Japan. The region is known for its heavy snow in the winter. The Tokai region consists of Aichi, Gifu, and Shizuoka.
One of its highlights is Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka. With the Pacific Ocean as its border, the Tokai region is crucial in connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nagano, Niigata, and Yamanashi comprise the Koshinetsu region. Koshinetsu region is famous for its mountains and terrains, including the Japan Alps.
Niigata Prefecture
Niigata is best known for its production of high quality rice. Uonuma City of Niigata produces Koshihikari rice, which is believed to be the best rice in Japan.
Where To Go In Niigata
- Echigo Yuzawa
- Niigata City
- Niigata Furusato Village
- Sado Gold Mine
- Sado Island
- Tsukioka Onsen
Toyama Prefecture
Toyama with Ishikawa Prefecture borders Toyama Bay, one of Japan’s three largest bays, which is famous for its firefly squids that emit blue light on its shores.
Where To Go In Toyama
- Gokayama
- Japan Alps
- Kurobe Dam
- Kurobedaira
- Murodo
- Selene Museum of Art
- Takaoka Big Buddha
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
- Tonami Tulip Park
- Toyama Bay
Ishikawa Prefecture
Ishikawa’s most visited site is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. “Kaga yuzen”, a form of dyeing that produces colorful dyed silk fabric for kimono, developed in Ishikawa.
Where To Go In Ishikawa
- Higashi Chaya Machi
- Kanazawa Castle
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Myoryuji Temple
- Nagamachi
- Ninjadera
- Nomura Samurai Family Residence
- Noto Peninsula
- Ohmicho Ichiba
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Fukui Prefecture
Fukui’s two most popular tourist destinations are Eiheiji Temple and Fukui Dinosaur Museum. Fukui Dinosaur Museum is the largest dinosaur museum in Japan and recognized as one of the top three in the world.
Where To Go In Fukui
- Asuwayama Park
- Echizen Daffodil Village Park
- Eiheiji Temple
- Fukui Dinosaur Museum
- Ichijo Fall
- Kitagata Lakeside Iris Garden
- Maruoka Castle
- Nishiyama Park
- Sotomo
- Tojinbo
Gifu Prefecture
Gifu is fairly rural with several hot springs and rural towns being the town’s highlights. One of these popular traditional towns is Takayama, a town of old wooden houses standing side-by side.
Where To Go In Gifu
- Gero Onsen
- Gokayama
- Gujo Hachiman
- Hida Folk Village
- Shinhotaka Ropeway
- Shirakawago
- Takayama Jinya
- Takayama Morning Market
- Takayama Old Town
Aichi Prefecture
Nagoya Castle in Aichi, built in the beginning of the Edo Period, was one of the largest castles in Japan. Having developed as a castle town, Nagoya has several historically significant buildings.
Where To Go In Aichi
- Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Inuyama Castle
- Meiji Mura
- Nagoya
- Nagoya Aquarium
- Nagoya Castle
- Nagoya City Science Museum
- Nagoya TV Tower
- Toyota Techno Museum
Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka is most known for its green tea production, accounting for approximately half of the country’s green tea. Visitors can witness the impressive green tea plantations that run miles when traveling across Shizuoka on the bullet trains.Where To Go In Shizuoka
- Fuji Safari Park
- Gotemba Premium Outlets
- Ito Marine Town
- Izu Cactus Park
- Izu Granpal Park
- Kawazu
- Koibito Misaki - Lover's Cape
- Lake Ashi
- Lake Hamana
- Mt. Fuji
- Ryugashido
- Teddy Bear Museum
- World Tea Museum (Ochanosato)
Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is located in the Chubu region and is best known for its many large mountains, including the famous Mt. Fuji. A popular way to view the beautiful Mt. Fuji is from Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.
Where To Go In Yamanashi
- Aokigahara Suicide Forest
- Atae Yuki Museum (Kawaguchiko Muse Museum)
- Fuji Five Lakes
- Fuji Q Highland
- Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
- Kawaguchiko Music Forest
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Lake Yamanaka
- Mt. Fuji
- Mt. Kachikachi
- Shosenkyo
- Yamanashi Fuefukigawa Fruits Park
Nagano Prefecture
Its mountain resorts and hot springs make Nagano a popular tourist destination for those seeking to appreciate nature. The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi is one of the many unique sights that attracts tourists.
Where To Go In Nagano
- Azumino Wasabi Farm
- Hakuba
- Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park
- Kamikochi
- Karuizawa Picturebook Forest Museum
- Kids Ninja Village
- Matsumoto Castle
- Obuse Hokusai Museum
- Shibu Onsen
- Shiga-Kogen Highlands
- Tsumago
- Yudanaka
- Zenkoji Temple
