The Perfect Chubu Regional Trip Guide

Welcome to the Chubu region! Located in the very heart of Japan's mainland, Chubu Japan is where the majestic Japan Alps—often called the roof of Japan—divide the region into two distinct coastal halves. This Chubu regional page is your ultimate guide to exploring the calmer, greener, and more authentic side of the country.

Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of megacities. The region offers exhilarating hikes through Chubu Sangaku National Park, well-preserved historic towns, relaxing hot springs, and rich culinary traditions ranging from fresh seafood to soothing Chubu matcha. With easy access via the Shinkansen, regular trains, and quick domestic flights, building your dream Chubu itinerary is a breeze.

Whether you need to arrange airport transfers upon arrival or book your entire route in advance, Omio makes your Japan travel seamless. Use the free Omio Japan Trip Planner to automatically build a custom itinerary.

Essential Travel Guides

Before you ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen, make sure you travel like a local! Watch our quick guides to navigating the railways smoothly:

Top Destinations: Kanazawa, Takayama & Mt. Fuji

Whether you are planning a deep dive into the Hokuriku region or just a quick side trip, here are the top places you simply cannot miss in Hokuriku Japan.

Best Central Japan Itineraries

Get inspired with these popular regional routes. Be it a quick getaway or a grand tour, plan your perfect Kanazawa itinerary today!

3-Day Chubu Itinerary: Japan Alps Nature Escape

Tokyo → Nagoya → Takayama | Kyoto → Kanazawa → Toyama To get from Tokyo to Takayama, stop at Nagoya Station and change to the Limited Express Hida. Nagoya gathers incredible local cuisine and Kissa-ten (Japanese-style cafes). Alternatively, if traveling from the Kansai region, the journey from Kyoto or Osaka takes about 2 hours. Kanazawa is an incredibly well-preserved samurai town. After arriving at Kanazawa station, explore the deep samurai culture and take a quick 25-minute Shinkansen to Toyama.

5-Day Chubu Itinerary: Classic Chubu Route

Tokyo → Matsumoto → Kanazawa Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture is your gateway to the Alps. The Tokyo to Nagano route is incredibly scenic. Take the Limited Express Azusa from Tokyo to Matsumoto (2.5 hours). Spend time hiking the crystal-clear Azusa River in Kamikochi. Afterward, take a scenic 4-hour highway bus directly to Kanazawa to end your trip soaking in a Kanazawa onsen or staying at a famous hotel like Onyado Nono Kanazawa.

7-Day Chubu Itinerary: Complete Mt. Fuji to the Japanese Alps

Tokyo → Mt. Fuji → Matsumoto → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa → Kyoto Dive deep into Japanese mountain culture. After enjoying the lakes around Mt. Fuji (which pairs wonderfully with a side trip to Hakone), take a highway bus to Matsumoto, then travel onward to Takayama. From there, take the iconic bus route to the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go. Continue from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (or vice-versa), and conclude your grand tour by taking the Kanazawa to Kyoto Shinkansen back south!

Navigating Chubu: Hokuriku Shinkansen & Rail Passes

Getting around Central Japan is highly efficient thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the region:

• From Tokyo: The Tokyo to Kanazawa Hokuriku Shinkansen travel time is a remarkably fast 2.5 hours! The Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen (and the return Kanazawa to Tokyo route) is fully covered by select passes. You can also easily book trains to Tokyo or Nagano to Tokyo tickets directly on Omio. Check the live Hokuriku Shinkansen timetable and secure your Hokuriku Shinkansen tickets in advance!
• From Kansai: Looking for the Kanazawa to Osaka or Kanazawa to Kyoto routes? The Limited Express Thunderbird combined with the newest Shinkansen extension makes this journey seamless. With Omio, finding trains to Osaka or trains to Kyoto takes just a few clicks.
• Regional Transit: When figuring out what to do in Kanazawa, grab a day pass for the Kanazawa loop bus directly outside Kanazawa Station to easily reach all major sites. For inter-city mountain travel, highway buses—including comfortable, affordable Willer buses—easily connect Kanazawa to Takayama.
• Alternative Routes: Exploring the surrounding islands or broader coasts? You can even book tickets for scenic ferries right here on our platform.

Money-Saving Japan Rail Passes

If you plan on making multiple long-distance journeys, you need a pass! Depending on your exact route, consider these fantastic options:

• JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (also known as the Hokuriku Arch Pass): Ideal for travelers creating an arch from Tokyo to Nagano, Kanazawa, and down to Kyoto/Osaka. The Hokuriku Shinkansen JR Pass coverage here is excellent.
• Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (also searched as the Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass or Takayama Hokuriku Pass): Perfect for connecting Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Osaka.
• Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass: Great if you are heavily focusing on the Kansai region but want to extend your trip up into Kanazawa and Toyama.

…Extend your adventure: After finishing up in Chubu, why not head further west to explore Hiroshima, or take the Shinkansen north to discover the untouched beauty of the Tohoku region! If you are flying in directly, Chubu Centrair International Airport (Chubu Airport) in Nagoya is the perfect starting point for your trip.

Chubu Travel FAQs