WONDER AROUNDCENTRAL JAPAN

With towering peaks and pristine waters, the diverse landscapes in Japan are nature’s playground for adventure travelers. Throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Kyushu and Central Japan, drawn by the opportunity to trek through the breathtaking, ever-changing terrain, paddle the crystal-clear oceans and rivers, and delve into the lesser-known pages of Japanese history. Whether you’re an experienced thrill seeker or a newbie enthusiast, these four destinations offer a wide variety of activities—from kayaking to cycling—that will get your heart pumping.

Some of Japan’s most extraordinary natural landscapes and world cultural heritage sites can be found right outside its popular major cities. Thanks to an efficient and tourist-friendly system of bullet trains, known as shinkansen, visitors can access once-distant locations on an unforgettable day trip or weekend getaway. Embarking from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, explore a deeper side of Japanese culture and immerse yourself in nature with these six captivating weekend getaways.

Central Japan is Japan’s geographic heart, hemmed in by the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan, with Greater Tokyo to the east and the nation’s historic core of Kansai to the west. Within this region, the mighty Japan Alps loom over thatched-roof villages, tea farms flourish, hikers unwind in hidden onsen (hot spring pools), and devotees walk pilgrimage routes to temples and shrines cloaked in mist.

Known as the heart of Japan, Aichi Prefecture and its capital, Nagoya City, are best known as industrial and transport hubs connecting western and eastern Japan. However, the region’s rich history boasts decisive battles, fascinating castle towns and even the beginnings of Japan’s robotics industry.