In 2016, I had a trip to Kanazawa area, still in Chubu area as well. Play to the 21st Century Museum. It was a one day trip, so unfortunately didn’t have time to explore. Even though there are so many exciting things to visit in this region! Even better, this area is also less crowded.
Isn’t it hard to visit the Chubu area? Transportation in Japan doesn’t need to be doubted, it’s really okay with the system, both trains and buses. Here I summarize the destinations that can be visited in the Chubu area!
MARUOKA CASTLE
One of Japan’s most important heritage buildings, the only castle in the Hokuriku region. Built before the Edo period, it was called Maruoka Castle. It’s really beautiful in spring because it will be full of sakura. It was even crowned as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. In April, the Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held on the castle grounds.
How to Get Here:
JR Kansai > Awara Onsen Station (by train) > Maruoka Castle (by bus)
ECHIZEN CRAB
Don’t miss out on Fukui prefecture’s specialty, Echizen Crab! The flesh is plentiful and the taste tends to be sweet.
How to Get Here:
Maruoka Castle > Fukui (by bus)
TREE PICNIC ADVENTURE IKEDA
Want to try nature activities in Japan? Try Tree Picnic Adventure Ikeda! Fun activities like Mega Zipline and jungle gym are here. Camping facilities are also available, of course.
How to Get Here:
JR Kansai > Takefu Station (by train) > Tree Picnic Adventure Ikeda (by taxi)
YOKOKAN GARDEN
One of the prettiest gardens in Japan. It’s beautiful to visit in any season, but the best time to visit is in autumn!
How to Get Here:
15 Minutes from Fukui Station
YAMANAKA ONSEN YUGE KAIDO (HOT SPRING TOWN)
Playing here feels like teleporting to a historical Japanese movie! Also called hot spring town. Along Yuge-Kaido street are galleries, ceramic shops, cafes, restaurants, in typical Japanese style.
How to Get Here:
Kaga Onsen Station > Yamanaka Onsen (by bus)
KAKUSENKEI GORGE
A popular spot to enjoy autumn when the leaves begin to change color from green to reddish. Don’t forget to visit the café “Kakusenkei Kawadoko Riverside Cafe” near Ayatori Bridge to try Japanese sweets while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
How to Get Here: still within Yamanaka Onsen area
OMICHO MARKET
Located not far from Kanazawa Station, there are more than 170 shops offering a variety of seafood, vegetables, and processed fruits from the Kanazawa area. This is a market where locals shop, but it is also a favorite of tourists to enjoy sushi and other seafood preparations.
How to Get Here:
Yamanaka Onsen > Kaga Onsen Station (by bus) > Limited TB Express to Kanazawa Station
ETCHU YATSUO (Suwamachi Main Street)
It is famous as a city with its unique “Owara Kaze no Bon” festival. Don’t forget to take pictures in the old Japanese-style residential area.
How to Get Here:
Hokuriku Shinkansen Kanazawa > Toyama Station > JR Toyama Station > JR Etchu Yao Station
ZUIRYUJI TEMPLE
If you go to Takaoka area, you must visit Zuiryu-ji Temple, which is a national treasure for Japan.
How to Get Here:
JR Etchu Yatsuo Station > Toyama > Hokuriku Shinkansen Toyama > Shin-Takaoka Station
GOKAYAMA
Gokayama is a beautiful village with typical Gassho-zukuri houses. Like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beautiful to visit every season, especially in autumn.
How to Get Here:
Shin-Takaoka Station > Gokayama (by bus)
SHIRAKAWA-GO
Like Gokayama, Shirakawa-go is also popular for its traditional Gassho-zukuri houses. Shirakawa-go is a great location if you’re looking for an authentic Japanese countryside feel, as well as mingling with the locals. Located only about 20 KM from Gokayama, visit these two places that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
How to Get Here:
Gokayama > Shirakawa-go (by bus)
HIDA BEEF FOR DINNER
If you’re already in Takayama, don’t miss out on trying Hida beef or Hida beef. Hida beef is believed to have a special taste because it is a blessing from Takayama’s green nature, the water is clear. Hida’s meat is savory, tender, melts in the mouth, and has a rich fragrance.
How to Get Here:
Shirakawa-go > Takayama (by bus)
HIDA FURUKAWA
Non-stop old Japan vibe in Chubu area. One of the locations where you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Japan is in Hida Furukawa. With views of the 500-meter-long Seto Canal that divides the city along Shirakabe Dozogai street. Find rows of sake shops, souvenirs, restaurants, and more in the area.
How to Get Here:
JR Takayama > Hida Furukawa Station (by train)
SATOYAMA CYCLING
Bicycle hobby? Let’s ride in Japan! Join the tour at Hida Satoyama Cycling. There will be a guide who accompanies, so not only bicycles but also increase knowledge about the lives of local residents. Exciting, right? Enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, unlike any other!
How to Get Here:
Approximately 650 m from Hida Furukawa Station
SEKI TERRACE
Opened in March 2021, here you can feel the beauty of Seki city. Seeing local industries, cutlery techniques typical of Seki city, as well as chatting with local residents you can do here.
How to Get Here:
JR Hida Furukawa > Mino Ota Station (by train) > Seki Station (by train)
NAGOYA GATE TOWER HOTEL
Last day in Japan? For easy access, try staying at Nagoya Gate Tower Hotel which is directly connected to Nagoya Station. Only 5 minutes from the Shinkansen train ticket gate.
How to Get Here:
Seki Station > Mino Ota Station > JR Mino Ota > Nagoya Station (by train)
TRANSPORTATION
One easy (and affordable) way to explore the Takayama area is to purchase a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass.
There are several advantages to using this Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, besides being able to be used on all JR train lines covered by the route pass, you can also reserve seats 4 times.
With the Takayama-Hokuriku Pass, you can also take certain trains including the Shinkansen from Toyama to Shin-Takaoka, which is quick and convenient for traveling around central Japan!
For more information, please check the following website:
ITINERARY RECOMMENDATION
Want to visit all the destinations above? You can try the itinerary for the following 5 days!
