The Chubu region features the Japanese Alps, historic towns, the Sea of Japan, Mt. Fuji, and Yamanashi’s famed fruits and wine. Feel tradition in Kanazawa and Takayama, learn history in Shirakawa-go and Matsumoto Castle, and enjoy nature at the Fuji Five Lakes, Shosenkyo Gorge, and the Yatsugatake Highlands.
This model course uses public transport (Shinkansen, JR, buses) with a relaxed 9:00–18:00 pace each day.
Overview (2 nights, 3 days)
- Transport: Shinkansen, JR, buses
- Suggested stays: Night 1 = Kanazawa or Kaga Onsen / Night 2 = Kofu or Fuji Five Lakes
- Sightseeing hours: depart 9:00 / arrive accommodation 18:00
- Budget estimate:
- Transport: approx. ¥6,000–12,000/day
- Meals: approx. ¥3,000–6,000/day
- Lodging: approx. ¥9,000–16,000/night
- Total (2 nights, 3 days): approx. ¥55,000–95,000/person
Itinerary
- Day 1: Kanazawa & Kaga
- Morning: Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park
- Lunch: Kanazawa oden, seafood bowl (Omicho Market)
- Afternoon: Higashi Chaya District → transfer to Kaga Onsen
- 18:00: Stay in Kanazawa or Kaga Onsen
- Day 2: Shirakawa-go & Takayama → Yamanashi
- Morning: Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village (UNESCO)
- Lunch: Hida beef, hoba miso
- Afternoon: Takayama old town & Takayama Jinya → transfer via JR to Kofu or Fuji Five Lakes
- 18:00: Stay in Kofu / Fuji Five Lakes area
- Day 3: Yamanashi (Shosenkyo, Fuji Five Lakes, Yatsugatake)
- Morning: Shosenkyo Gorge hike (scenic ravine, shadow art museum)
- Lunch: Houtou noodle hotpot; winery visit with Koshu wine tasting
- Afternoon: Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, etc.) or Yatsugatake Highlands (e.g., Kiyosato Terrace)
- Dessert: seasonal peaches (summer) & Shine Muscat grapes (autumn)
- 18:00: Return to Shinjuku or Nagoya
Seasonal Highlights (months)
- Spring (Mar–May): Kenrokuen cherry blossoms; fresh greenery at Shosenkyo; Fuji Five Lakes sakura views
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Kamikochi & Yatsugatake trekking; Nagaoka fireworks; Yamanashi peach picking
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Foliage in Shirakawa-go, Shosenkyo & Tateyama Kurobe; Koshu Wine Festival; Shine Muscat picking
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow-clad Shirakawa-go; Hakuba & Yatsugatake skiing; snow-capped Mt. Fuji
Food & Souvenirs
- Food: Kanazawa oden, Kaga cuisine, Hida beef, Shinshu soba, houtou, Fujinomiya yakisoba, miso-katsu, eel (Hamamatsu)
- Souvenirs: Kanazawa gold leaf crafts, Wajima lacquerware, Hida woodwork, Shinshu apples, Hatcho miso, Shizuoka tea, Koshu wine, peaches & Shine Muscat