We shall now turn our attention to the Chubu region, the vast and geographically diverse heartland of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Situated centrally between the Kanto and Kansai regions, Chubu serves as a crucial bridge connecting the country’s major centers. The region is characterized by its remarkable contrasts, containing the commanding Japanese Alps—often called the 日本の屋根 (にほんのやね, Nihon no Yane) or “Roof of Japan”—as well as the major industrial hub of Nagoya, the fertile Nobi Plain, and beautifully preserved historical towns that offer a window into Japan’s past.

This guide will provide an overview of Chubu’s significant history, its culture of artisanship, its most prominent destinations, and its distinctive regional cuisine. The content is designed to be informative while also presenting relevant Japanese terminology. We will now proceed to explore the central corridor of Japan.

 
 

A Glimpse into Chubu’s History

The Chubu region was the crucible of the Sengoku period, or the Age of Warring States. It was the birthplace of the three great unifiers of Japan: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Their campaigns to consolidate power under a single authority originated from and were largely contested within this central territory. Following unification, the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo enhanced Chubu’s strategic importance. The two most vital highways of the era, the Tokaido and the Nakasendo, traversed the region, connecting the new political capital of Edo with the imperial court in Kyoto. This led to the development and prosperity of numerous 宿場町 (しゅくばまち, shukubamachi), or post towns, many of which remain exquisitely preserved today.

 
 

Chubu’s Culture

A defining characteristic of Chubu’s culture is its deep-seated tradition of artisanship and manufacturing, a concept known as ものづくり (monozukuri). This commitment to high-quality production is evident in both the modern industrial prowess of companies like Toyota, headquartered in Aichi Prefecture, and in the exquisite traditional crafts found throughout the region. Cities such as Kanazawa are celebrated for gold leaf application and lacquerware, while Takayama is known for its skilled carpentry and woodworking.

The imposing mountain ranges have also shaped a culture of resilience and a profound connection to nature. This is reflected in the numerous mountain festivals and the popularity of outdoor pursuits. The region’s cultural identity is further diversified by its distinct sub-regions: the Hokuriku coast, with its refined artistic traditions; the mountainous Koshin’etsu area, known for its winter sports; and the industrial Tokai coast. Among its most celebrated cultural events is the Takayama Festival, considered one of Japan’s finest for its spectacular, ornate floats.

 
 

Must-See Sights in Chubu

The Chubu region contains some of Japan’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks:

  • Mount Fuji (富士山): Japan’s tallest peak and an enduring national symbol, located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Its symmetrical cone is an unparalleled sight.
  • Kanazawa (金沢): Home to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, as well as well-preserved samurai and geisha districts that evoke the elegance of the Edo period.
  • Takayama & Shirakawa-go (高山・白川郷): Takayama offers a historic townscape of wooden merchants’ houses, while the nearby UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional 合掌造り (がっしょうづくり, gasshō-zukuri) farmhouses.
  • The Japanese Alps (日本アルプス): A vast mountain range offering exceptional hiking and nature appreciation, with premier destinations such as the Kamikochi valley and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
  • Nagoya Castle (名古屋城): A faithful reconstruction of one of Japan’s most important castles, originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is a symbol of the city’s power and history.
 
 

Unique Experiences & Things to Do

Chubu offers a range of unique activities for discerning travelers:

  • Walk the Nakasendo Trail: Traverse a segment of the historic highway between the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley.
  • Visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: Observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs, a unique spectacle particularly in the snowy winter months.
  • Traverse the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Cross the Northern Japan Alps via a series of coordinated transports, witnessing dramatic mountain scenery and the famous towering snow walls in spring.
  • Explore the Daio Wasabi Farm: Located in Azumino, this is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, where one can see how the plant is cultivated in pristine river water and sample various wasabi products.
 
 

Chubu’s Food Scene

The region’s diverse environment produces a wealth of distinctive culinary specialties:

  • Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし): A signature dish of Nagoya. Grilled eel is served over rice and enjoyed in three stages: as is, with condiments, and finally with broth poured over it like a soup.
  • Miso Katsu (味噌カツ): Another Nagoya specialty, this dish consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) smothered in a rich, savory red miso sauce.
  • Hoto Noodles (ほうとう): A rustic, comforting dish from Yamanashi Prefecture. It features wide, flat udon noodles simmered with pumpkin and other vegetables in a hearty miso stew.
  • Hida Beef (飛騨牛, Hida-gyū): A premium brand of wagyu beef from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, celebrated for its fine marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor.

— Useful Phrase in Chubu —
一番おすすめのハイキングコースはどこですか。
いちばんおすすめのハイキングコースはどこですか。
Ichiban osusume no haikingu kōsu wa doko desu ka?
Where is the most recommended hiking course?

一番 (いちばん, ichiban) = number one / most
おすすめ (osusume) = recommendation

— Language Corner Chubu —
日本の屋根 (にほんのやね, Nihon no Yane) – The Roof of Japan
ものづくり (monozukuri) – Craftsmanship; manufacturing
宿場町 (しゅくばまち, shukubamachi) – Post town
温泉 (おんせん, onsen) – Hot spring

 

Japanese for Your Chubu Adventures

— In the Mountains (山にて) —
景色 (けしき, keshiki) – Scenery
天気予報 (てんきよほう, tenki yohō) – Weather forecast
登山 (とざん, tozan) – Mountain climbing

Useful phrase
天気予報はどうですか。
てんきよほうはどうですか。
Tenki yohō wa dō desu ka?
What is the weather forecast?

— At a Ryokan (旅館にて) —
露天風呂 (ろてんぶろ, rotenburo) – Open-air bath
夕食 (ゆうしょく, yūshoku) – Dinner
朝食 (ちょうしょく, chōshoku) – Breakfast

Useful phrase
夕食は何時ですか。
ゆうしょくはなんじですか。
Yūshoku wa nanji desu ka?
What time is dinner?

— In a Historic Town (古い町並みにて) —
伝統的 (でんとうてき, dentōteki) – Traditional
建物 (たてもの, tatemono) – Building
工芸品 (こうげいひん, kōgeihin) – Handicrafts

Useful phrase
これは手作りですか。
これはてづくりですか。
Kore wa tezukuri desu ka?
Is this handmade?

 

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