Chubu – Discover the Heart of Japan Between Tokyo and Kyoto
The Chubu region is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets—an area where you can experience the country’s authentic essence away from the major tourist crowds.
If you’ve already explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and want a deeper, more diverse journey, Chubu offers the perfect next step.
Overview of the Chubu Region
Located in the center of Japan’s main island, Chubu is made up of nine prefectures: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, and Aichi.
The region strikes a beautiful balance between mountains, coastlines, history, and traditional culture.
Conveniently positioned between Tokyo and the Kansai area (Kyoto/Osaka), Chubu is easy to travel through thanks to excellent transportation links. Here, you can enjoy both untouched landscapes and vibrant urban attractions.
Each season is distinct—cherry blossoms in spring, mountain adventures in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and world-class skiing in winter.
Recommended Destinations by Prefecture
Niigata
Character: Facing the Sea of Japan and known for its rice, sake, and ski resorts.
Top destinations:
- Echigo-Yuzawa: Hot springs and winter sports
- Sado Island: Remote island rich in nature and tradition
- Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel: A stunning blend of art and natural scenery
Toyama
Character: Dramatic mountain ranges and preserved traditional towns.
Top destinations:
- Kurobe Gorge Railway: Scenic train journey through nature
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Famous for the towering “Snow Walls”
- Fugan Canal Kansui Park: Home to one of the world’s most beautiful Starbucks locations
Ishikawa
Character: A region shaped by samurai heritage, craftsmanship, and elegant culture.
Top destinations:
- Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
- Higashi Chaya District: Atmospheric streets of old tea houses
- Noto Peninsula: Rugged nature and exceptional seafood
Fukui
Character: Known for dinosaur fossils, coastal cliffs, and historic temples.
Top destinations:
- Tojinbo Cliffs: Impressive columnar rock formations
- Eiheiji Temple: A renowned Zen training monastery
- Fukui Dinosaur Museum: One of the world’s leading dinosaur museums
Yamanashi
Character: Famous for Mt. Fuji views, wineries, and hot springs.
Top destinations:
- Fuji Five Lakes (e.g., Lake Kawaguchi): Iconic Mt. Fuji scenery
- Shosenkyo Gorge: Spectacular rock formations and autumn colors
- Koshu Wine Region: Japan’s oldest wine-producing area
Nagano
Character: The Japanese Alps, pristine nature, and rich spirituality.
Top destinations:
- Matsumoto Castle: Japan’s oldest surviving five-story castle
- Kamikochi: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers
- Zenkoji Temple: One of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites
Gifu
Character: Steeped in mountain culture and Edo-period history.
Top destinations:
- Shirakawa-go: UNESCO World Heritage thatched-roof village
- Takayama: Beautifully preserved old town
- Gero Onsen: One of Japan’s top three hot springs
Shizuoka
Character: South of Mt. Fuji, known for green tea, seafood, and a mild climate.
Top destinations:
- Miho no Matsubara: Pine grove with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji
- Izu Peninsula: Hot springs, beaches, and natural landscapes
- Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Scenic views and historic architecture
Aichi
Character: The region’s commercial hub centered around Nagoya, rich in history and cuisine.
Top destinations:
- Nagoya Castle: Famous for its golden “shachihoko” ornaments
- Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan’s most important ancient shrines
- Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: Learn about Japan’s industrial evolution
How Your Trip Comes Together
When you begin discussing a private trip with your family or friends, feel free to contact MaximTravelers at any time. We are happy to assist you.
Tell us about your preferred destination, dates, trip length, number of travelers, budget, and any other requests by filling out the travel preference questionnaire on our inquiry page.
We will make a follow-up consultations as needed via email or online meeting such as Zoom.
We will prepare an initial trip proposal for you. Using this as a starting point, we will gather
additional requests and make revisions as needed until the final version is completed.
Once you agree to the proposal, please fill out the travel application form (we will send you
the link) and return it together with the required deposit.
| Trip Price per Person | Deposit Required (per person) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥150,000- | ¥20,000- |
| ¥150,000–¥299,999 | ¥30,000- |
| ¥300,000 or more | ¥50,000- |
If your application is made within 1 month of departure, the full trip price is due at the time
of booking.
Your contract is considered confirmed once we receive your deposit.
We will then send you a written contract detailing your trip.
Please pay the remaining balance by bank transfer by the due date stated in the contract.
(For security reasons, we do not accept cash payments or credit cards. Thank you for your understanding.)
If you must cancel your trip, the following cancellation fees will apply:
| Cancellation Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days to 1 day before departure | 20% of the trip price |
| 2 days before departure | 50% of the trip price |
| After departure or no-show | 100% of the trip price |
Please note: If flights, hotels, tickets, or other arrangements have already been booked at the time of cancellation, any fees required to cancel those reservations will be charged separately.
We will send your final travel itinerary (“Travel Guidebook”) approximately one week before departure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.
On the day before departure, we will send an e-mail to the group representative for final confirmation.
On your departure day, please arrive at the meeting point on time.
We wish you a wonderful and safe journey!
Explore Other Regions of Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kansai
Chugoku
Shikoku
Kyushu & Okinawa