Central Japan is the widest part of ‘Honshu’, the main Island of Japan. The area features the vast Japanese Alps, which contain some of the highest mountains in all of Japan and separates the region into a North and South side with different climates. The Pacific Ocean brings a soft breeze and sunny winters while the Sea of Japan brings a cooler climate and snowy winters. Mt. Fuji, the icon of Japan, towers over the Pacific Ocean side that stretches from the corner of the Kanto region to the city of Nagoya near Kanto.
Crossing through Central Japan is the ancient Nakasendo trail, the old mountainous route between Kyoto and ‘Edo’ (now Tokyo). Connecting small Juku villages, such as Tsumago, Magome and Narai to the larger towns in the area, such as Matsumoto and Kanazawa. The region is rich with unique areas such as the Noto Peninsula and Kamikochi, popular with more adventurous travelers who like exploring the vast wilderness of Japan.
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Matsumoto Castle with the Northern Alps in the background
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Apprentice geisha walking down a traditional street in Kanazawa
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Seaside village on the Noto Peninsula
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Kamikochi
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Kanazawa's Kenroku-en Garden
.jpg?ni=images%2Fno-image.png)
Follow in the footsteps of Samurai who fought major battles here during the Sengoku (feudal) era of Japan. Central Japan has always been a key to victory for dominance over Japan because of its strategic value, located between Kyoto and Edo (old Tokyo). Many famous warlords were born here as was the culture associated with them, giving the region a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture
A scenic journey through Japan's cultural highlights
Trail walking in the mountains of West Shiga and Fukui prefectures, with four hikes of 1-6 hours