Skirt the coast and scale the slopes in Central Japan
From its dizzying mountains and the tallest in the country, to UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant festivals, Central Japan is a bountiful destination for tourists. Go off the beaten track on a wilderness and alpine adventure, or take in some of the country's most important cultural monuments on a visit to this sprawling region.
Nature
Wind your way through Central Japan on a journey of discovery
Rugged nature defines the interior of Central Japan, including the highest peak in the country, Mt. Fuji, and the majestic Japanese Alps. Follow the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and get a view of the Alps using buses, ropeways and hiking trails. Discover traditional Chanosato Village in the heart of tea country and learn the ways of the Ama female divers during a coastal stay at Hachiman Kamado.
Culture
Authentic cultural experiences abound in Central Japan
Cultural traditions thrive in Central Japan. One of the most memorable is the annual summer dance of Gujo Odori, which takes place in the historical village of Gujo Hachiman, a place much unchanged since the Edo era (1603–1868). Other highlights include the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori tie-dyeing characterized by its exquisite patterns and unique texture, and a chance to discover a traditional way of living on a rural life experience tour in Shiga Prefecture.
Activity
Get outdoors on a memorable adventure in Central Japan
Not all adventures require exertion. At Hakujukan, a woodland hotel built with local Eiheiji cedar, guests can experience Zen Buddhism firsthand and relax in open-air baths surrounded by nature. Those with a yearning for a more active experience can explore the remote post towns of Narai-juku and Tsumago-juku, or cycle along the Noto peninsula, taking in unspoiled views and crisp sea air.
Recommended Itineraries
in Central Japan
Central Japan in the News
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Mountains, tea fields and hot-spring baths: A pilgrimage into Japan’s heartland
BBC
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.
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Discover Japan: Where Art Meets Nature
CNN
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.
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Reconnect with Healing Nature in the Stunning Mountains of Japan
Travel + Leisure
While nature-loving visitors are spoiled for choice in Japan, one of the best places to enjoy all things mountain-related is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This exquisitely scenic 23-mile pathway cuts across the snowy peaks of the Northern Alps in Toyama and Nagano Prefectures in Central Japan. Choose from a range of transport options — cable cars, trolley buses, ropeways, or simply hiking by foot — to explore colorful mountain landscapes that change with the seasons.
Central Japan
From its dizzying mountains and the tallest in the country, to UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant festivals, Central Japan is a bountiful destination for tourists. Go off the beaten track on a wilderness and alpine adventure, or take in some of the country's most important cultural monuments on a visit to this sprawling region.
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Greater Tokyo
Central Japan
Kansai
San'in
Setouchi
Shikoku
Kyushu
Okinawa
