Travel guides for the Chubu region including Nagoya, Kanazawa, Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps
Sado Island is one of Japan’s most overlooked destinations: a UNESCO-listed gold mine, famous taiko drumming, wooden tub boats, sake breweries, and one of the most dramatic coastlines on the Sea of Japan. This complete guide covers how to reach Sado from Tokyo, the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan a 2- or 3-day Sado itinerary as a first-time visitor to Japan.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is Japan’s most dramatic mountain crossing, a 37-km journey through the Northern Alps using eight different forms of transport including a trolleybus, ropeway, and cable cars. From spring’s towering snow walls to summer wildflowers and autumn foliage, this complete guide covers everything first-time visitors need to know about tickets, timing, accommodation, and how to plan an unforgettable two-day adventure through one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.
Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s most breathtaking alpine valley — a car-free wilderness of crystal rivers, snow-capped peaks, and ancient forest. This complete guide covers how to get there, the best trails for all levels, top attractions including Kappabashi Bridge and Taisho Pond, where to stay from the Imperial Hotel to mountain huts, what to eat, and practical tips for every season. Whether you’re a day-tripper or a serious alpinist, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s unmissable natural wonders.
Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most extraordinary destinations — a UNESCO World Heritage village of centuries-old gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. This comprehensive guide covers how to get there, the best time to visit (including the famous winter light-up events), top attractions in Ogimachi village, the hidden Gokayama sister villages, where to stay in traditional farmhouse guesthouses, what to eat, and practical tips for first-time visitors making the most of this unforgettable destination.
Hakuba is the heart of the Northern Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture and one of Asia’s premier mountain destinations. This first-timer guide covers the ten major ski resorts, summer hiking, onsen, accommodation, food, transport from Tokyo, and the best season to visit.
Gujo Hachiman is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved Edo-era castle towns, hidden in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Famous for the 400-year-old Gujo Odori summer dance festival, crystalline rivers that locals swim in beneath historic bridges, and a remarkably intact historic streetscape, this guide covers everything first-time visitors need: how to get there, what to see and eat, where to stay, when to visit the festival, and practical tips for making the most of this extraordinary hidden gem in central Japan.
The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets: a rugged coastal peninsula of fishing villages, traditional lacquerware, spectacular rice terraces, and extraordinary seafood. From the Wajima morning market to the Senmaida terraced paddies and the dramatic Noto Kongo coastline, this complete guide covers everything first-time visitors need to know about this remarkable corner of Japan.
Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best food destinations. This complete guide covers Omicho Market, Kaga Cuisine, seasonal specialties, prices, etiquette, and where to eat for first-time visitors.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel, tour, eSIM, or rail pass through some of
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel, tour, eSIM, or rail pass through some of
