{"id":667,"date":"2025-12-13T07:54:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T22:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/?p=667"},"modified":"2025-12-13T07:54:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T22:54:29","slug":"travel-central-japan-the-chubu-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/travel-central-japan-the-chubu-region\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Central Japan: The Chubu Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">The Ch\u016bbu (Central) region of Japan sits like a spine down the middle of Honsh\u016b (Japan&#8217;s main island), where the sea and Japan\u2019s mountains meet: snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps, Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts, historic towns and big urban centers such as Nagoya. From Niigata\u2019s rice plains to Shizuoka\u2019s views of Mt. Fuji and Toyama\u2019s crystal waters, Ch\u016bbu is incredibly varied \u2014 a perfect playground for a self-drive roadtrip that mixes alpine passes, coastal panoramas, castle towns and coastal seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong>Culture &amp; History<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Ch\u016bbu\u2019s history sits between the political and cultural poles of Tokyo\/Kant\u014d and Kansai: samurai towns, Edo-era trade routes and silk and tea production shaped inland valleys while coastal ports traded rice, salt and crafts. The region contains well-preserved historical cores (for example Kanazawa and Takayama), UNESCO-recognized rural architecture in places like Shirakawa-go, and long-standing island cultures such as Sado Island off Niigata. These layers of history\u2014agricultural, mercantile and feudal\u2014are visible in festivals, museums and traditional industries across Ch\u016bbu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-natsuko-aoyama-53087545-29208963.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-669\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500167414451215;width:228px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-natsuko-aoyama-53087545-29208963.jpg 960w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-natsuko-aoyama-53087545-29208963-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-natsuko-aoyama-53087545-29208963-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tateyama Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong>What the Chubu Region Is Known For<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>The Japanese Alps<\/strong> \u2014 dramatic mountains for hiking, skiing and the famous Tateyama-Kurobe snow corridor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Mount Fuji &amp; foothills<\/strong> (Shizuoka\/Yamanashi) \u2014 iconic views and classic climbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hokuriku coast<\/strong> (Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama) \u2014 seafood, Kanazawa\u2019s gardens and coastal drives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Nagoya &amp; Aichi<\/strong> \u2014 industrial and culinary center (Nagoya-meshi).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Rice and sake culture<\/strong> \u2014 especially in Niigata, one of Japan\u2019s most celebrated rice-growing prefectures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><strong>Gassho-zukuri-style houses<\/strong> \u2014 in Shirakawa-go, these iconic traditional houses have steep roofs to withstand the heavy snowfall in the region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jeremy-wong-122443920-31224488.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-670\" style=\"width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jeremy-wong-122443920-31224488.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jeremy-wong-122443920-31224488-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-jeremy-wong-122443920-31224488-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kanazawa&#8217;s Higashi Chaya District<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pitipat-usanakornkul-542797332-16592317.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-671\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3329522720777365;object-fit:cover;width:320px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pitipat-usanakornkul-542797332-16592317.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pitipat-usanakornkul-542797332-16592317-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pitipat-usanakornkul-542797332-16592317-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Traditional houses in Shirakawa-go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Top Attractions<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route<\/strong> \u2014 the alpine corridor with ropeways, trolleybuses and spring snow walls. A dramatic mountain crossing that feels like a journey through Japan\u2019s high country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shirakawa-go &amp; Gokayama<\/strong> (Gifu\/Toyama) \u2014 UNESCO gassh\u014d-zukuri villages with steep thatched roofs, magical in winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kanazawa (Ishikawa)<\/strong> \u2014 Kenrokuen garden, samurai and geisha districts, contemporary art museums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)<\/strong> \u2014 one of Japan\u2019s premier original castles set against alpine views. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Nagoya &amp; Toyota areas (Aichi)<\/strong> \u2014 urban culture, castle, and the food scene of Nagoya (hitsumabushi, miso katsu).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><strong>Sado Island (Niigata)<\/strong> \u2014 remote island history, taiko drumming heritage and coastal scenery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-takako-13638557-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-673\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3330066160254839;object-fit:cover;width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-takako-13638557-edited.jpg 960w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-takako-13638557-edited-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-takako-13638557-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nagoya Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-shihy-h-2157528264-34787574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.36;object-fit:cover;width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-shihy-h-2157528264-34787574.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-shihy-h-2157528264-34787574-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-shihy-h-2157528264-34787574-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tateyama, Toyama, Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Areas of <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>the Chubu Region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Ch\u016bbu is often described in subregions that help plan a route:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hokuriku (Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama)<\/strong> \u2014 Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa, coastal drives and seafood. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>K\u014dshin-etsu (Nagano, Niigata, Yamanashi)<\/strong> \u2014 alpine valleys, ski resorts, rice plains, and access to Mt Fuji.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><strong>T\u014dkai \/ Tokai (Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka)<\/strong> \u2014 Nagoya, Mount Fuji\u2019s southern approaches, and coastal plains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"854\" height=\"1139\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-19810895-edited-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-678\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7497910102244228;width:286px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-19810895-edited-1.jpg 854w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-19810895-edited-1-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-auspiciousajay-19810895-edited-1-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ski resort in Yuzawa, Niigata<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Food, Agriculture &amp; Local Specialties<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Ch\u016bbu\u2019s cuisine is shaped by mountains and sea, which each area offering its own specialty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Niigata<\/strong>: premium rice and sake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Toyama and Ishikawa<\/strong>: excellent winter seafood from the Sea of Japan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Nagoya<\/strong>: comfort-food, such as miso katsu, tebasaki, and hitsumabushi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Gifu<\/strong>: hida beef<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shizuoka<\/strong>: green tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Yamanashi<\/strong>: peaches &amp; grapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nagano<\/strong>: wasabi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Daio-Wasabi-Farm.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-679\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Daio-Wasabi-Farm.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Daio-Wasabi-Farm-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Daio-Wasabi-Farm-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Daio Wasabi Farm in Nagano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Best Seasons to Visit<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Spring (March\u2013May)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lower elevations bloom with cherry trees; alpine snow corridors (Tateyama) open in late spring.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"838\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-marek-piwnicki-3907296-29537937-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-680\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-marek-piwnicki-3907296-29537937-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-marek-piwnicki-3907296-29537937-1-480x314.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-marek-piwnicki-3907296-29537937-1-768x503.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cherry blossoms (sakura) in Kanazawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Summer (June\u2013August)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool mountain escapes in Nagano\/Toyama; festivals in towns like Takayama.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_44828812_M-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-683\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_44828812_M-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_44828812_M-\u5927-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_44828812_M-\u5927-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lake Suwa Observatory in Nagano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Autumn (September\u2013November)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spectacular alpine and valley colors; one of the greatest seasons for drives through the mountains.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-spdel-7438923-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-685\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-spdel-7438923-edited.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-spdel-7438923-edited-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-spdel-7438923-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Autumn leaves in Shirakawa-go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Winter (December\u2013February)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>World-class snow in the Japanese Alps and Hokuriku coasts; Shirakawa-go in snow is a postcard scene. If you want winter scenery and snow festivals, plan for mountainous prefectures (Nagano, Gifu, Toyama).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-alankrantas-11997087.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-686\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-alankrantas-11997087.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-alankrantas-11997087-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-alankrantas-11997087-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snow-capped houses in Shirakawa-go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Scenic Roads (Perfect for a Self-Drive Roadtrip)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ch\u016bbu rewards drivers with a wide range of routes \u2014 coastal boulevards, mountaintop passes and coastal peninsulas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hietsukyo Gassho Line (Route 156)<\/strong> \u2014 Gorge road through traditional gassh\u014d-zukuri villages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shiga Kusatsu Road (Route 292)<\/strong> \u2014 Japan\u2019s highest national highway over alpine terrain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Izu Skyline &amp; Izu coastal roads (Shizuoka)<\/strong> \u2014 dramatic coastal views and Fuji panoramas on clear days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Ishikawa)<\/strong> \u2014 a rare seaside stretch you can actually drive on along the Sea of Japan coast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_6795-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-751\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_6795-2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_6795-2-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_6795-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shiga Kusatsu Road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1137\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_59946418_M-\u5927-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-689\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_59946418_M-\u5927-edited.jpg 1137w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_59946418_M-\u5927-edited-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_59946418_M-\u5927-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1137px) 100vw, 1137px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Ishikawa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How to Get to Chubu\/Central Japan<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">From Tokyo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Ch\u016bbu is easily reached by shinkansen, express train or by car; Tokai highways and national routes link Tokyo to Yamanashi\/Shizuoka and Nagano. Many roadtrips begin in Tokyo and head west into the Alps or southwest toward Nagoya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Regional airports (e.g., Toyama, Niigata, Chubu Centrair near Nagoya) give access for drivers who want to pick up a rental car and start exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Shinkansen\/JR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\">Popular approach: train to a gateway city (Nagoya, Kanazawa, Toyama, Matsumoto, Niigata), then rent a car for scenic legs where public transport is thin. This hybrid approach keeps long transfers efficient while freeing you to explore national parks, alpine passes and coastal roads at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/how-to-get\/kansai\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\">How to Get to Chubu\/Central Japan<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Recommended Itineraries<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skip the complicated trip planning and instead explore Chubu (Central Japan) with one of Drive Japan\u2019s curated driving routes! These routes are all road-tested and are mapped out so you visit each destination at the right time of day, in the most efficient order, and make sure you don\u2019t miss the hidden gems along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/120\"><strong>4-Day Chubu Sprint<\/strong><\/a>: Nagoya \u2192 Takayama \u2192 Matsumoto \u2192 Nagoya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/137\">A Week of Chubu in the Fast Lane<\/a><\/strong>: Nagoya \u2192 Takayama \u2192 Kanazawa \u2192 Toyama \u2192 Nagano \u2192 Matsumoto \u2192 Nagoya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/154\"><strong>13 Days of Chubu Culture<\/strong><\/a>: Nagoya \u2192 Gero \u2192 Takayama \u2192 Kanazawa \u2192 Wakura \u2192 Toyama \u2192 Nagano \u2192 Kusatsu \u2192 Karuizawa \u2192 Matsumoto \u2192 Nagoya<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>View all 29 of Drive Japan&#8217;s Central Japan road trip itineraries here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/explore-itineraries\">Chubu\/Central Japan Itineraries<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-xs\">(filter by &#8216;Central Japan&#8217; under &#8216;Areas&#8217;)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ch\u016bbu (Central) region of Japan sits like a spine down the middle of Honsh\u016b (Japan&#8217;s main island), where the sea and Japan\u2019s mountains meet: snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps, Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts, historic towns and big urban centers such as Nagoya. From Niigata\u2019s rice plains to Shizuoka\u2019s views of Mt. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[86,88,91,94,109,115,116,118,119,120,121,122,123,124,71,81],"class_list":["post-667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan-regional-travel","tag-japans","tag-trip","tag-discover","tag-island","tag-region","tag-central","tag-ide","tag-area","tag-cities","tag-fuji","tag-japanese","tag-nagoya","tag-niigata","tag-prefectures","tag-guide","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=667"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":752,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667\/revisions\/752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}