Chūbu Region

Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi

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The Ultimate 14-Day Central Japan Alps Autumn Itinerary

While many travelers flock to the “Golden Route” of Tokyo and Kyoto, the true soul of Japanese autumn lies in the Chūbu region, the rugged, cultural heart of Central Japan. Spanning from the towering peaks of the Japanese Alps to the spiritual hubs of the Nagano highlands, Chūbu offers a dramatic landscape of fiery maples

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Nagano Donabe Ramen Takesan’s Most Delicious Vegan Ramen

While finding a vegan-friendly restaurant in the big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto isn’t hard, it is challenging once you step into Japan’s rural region. But don’t worry when you visit Nagano. Nagano Donabe Ramen Takesan (長野土鍋ラーメンたけさん) in Obuse serves delicious vegan ramen and dumplings! You can also make risotto from your ramen at the

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Toraya Kōbō: Where You Source the Best Japanese Sweets

Are you a sweet tooth? If yes, then you can’t miss out on the famous sweets maker in Japan, Toraya! Toraya’s history goes way back to the early 16th century Kyoto. It was chosen as a purveyor to the imperial court from the late 1500s. When Japan’s capital transferred to Tokyo, it also successfully established

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Minō – A City Great for Onsen & Nature Getaways from Osaka

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka City and get back to nature, consider coming to Minō / Minoo / Minoh city (箕面市). It is in Osaka prefecture, less than 30 minutes by the Hankyū Train from Umeda Station (梅田駅)! Right next door to Minō is Ikeda city (池田市) which

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Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road: Stunning Stops & Tips

The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road (白山白川郷ホワイトロード) is the ultimate scenic drive between Kanazawa and the historic village of Shirakawa-gō, but it is far from a standard highway. It is a specialized, automobile-only tourist route packed with sheer cliff drop-offs, free open-air footbaths, and iconic spots like the 86-meter Fukube Falls. Because the 33.3 km toll road

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Norikura Kōgen Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Hikes & Tips

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is a stunning, hidden destination known for its dramatic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the soaring peaks of Mt. Norikura. It is the best off-the-beaten-path destination in Central Japan that isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport! Whether you are

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The Best Guide to Chūbu Japan’s Discounted Transport Deals

The Chūbu Region (中部地方), located in the center of Japan’s main island – Honshu (本州), is one of the most scenic parts of Japan. The best thing about the Chūbu Region is that many of its stunning destinations are located quite near each other. And there are multiple discounted transportation tickets and passes for you

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