It’s no secret that we adore Japan! To this day, it stays our many went to country. In fact, when the pandemic first reared its unsightly head in 2020, we were arranged to complete setting foot in ALL its prefectures. It was one of our big trips that got cancelled. but you know what, it’s the new year! Our really hopes were down when 2021 started, but this time around around, we’re selecting to be optimistic. So as early as now, we’re declaring it! This year, we’ll be returning to Japan as soon as the country reopens to tourists.
But where to go when it happens? We’ve been to almost all the regions but there’s one that lives in our heads rent-free. It’s always the setting in our daydreams and the first to appear when the Land of the Rising sun is discussed – Chubu Region.
Also understood as central Japan, it is often thought about the heart of the country, thanks to its location and a strong clinging to tradition. We’ve been here five times and we don’t mind returning again and again because (1) it’s a huge area covering spectacular highlands, throwback towns, and heritage sites; (2) there’s just so much to see and do; and (3) you can find many remarkable hidden areas in central Japan.
Hopefully, when Japan opens its doors again, it’ll be in time for spring because it’s the most delightful season! The temperature is comfortable, food aplenty, flowers abloom, and oh, cherry blossoms!
We’re utilizing this downtime to plan our trip so we messaged our contacts at central Japan tourism for the very best attractions to enjoy in spring, presuming Japan is open by then. based on their recommendations, here’s our list so far!
WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?
1. Cherry blossom areas in Nagoya
2. Cormorant fishing at Kawaramachi, Gifu City
3. Udatsu wall historical District, Mino City
4. Takayama Old Town
5. spring in Shirakawa-go
6. Iwasehama Beach, Toyama
7. Seasonal seafood in Toyama
8. Tonami Tulip Park
9. Cherry blossom areas in Kanazawa
10. Kanazawa’s Gold leaf Ice Cream
11. Rojo Park in Komatsu City
12. Asuwa River Cherry Blossoms, Fukui City
13. Awara Onsen
Hokuriku area traveler Pass Takayama
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1. Cherry blossom areas in Nagoya
Nagoya is the largest city in central Japan, so let’s begin from there. and within the city center, a good area to inspect out is Nagoya Castle, especially the Hommaru Palace. The original palace and castle were completely destroyed in 1945 but in 2018, its full restoration was finally completed.
But in spring, you’ll be even more energized to stroll around because around the castle grounds are 1,000+ cherry blossom trees painting the site pink!
Another incredible site is along the Yamazaki River, 2.5 kilometers of which are flanked by over 600 Yoshino cherry trees. also inspect out the many parks that shade Nagoya’s map including Tsuruma Park, Meijo Park, Arakogawa Park, and Togokusan Fruits Park.
2. Cormorant fishing at Kawaramachi, Gifu City
Kawaramachi is one of Gifu City’s many idyllic neighborhoods. Lodged on the banks of Nagara River, its residents relied on fishing for many of history. but tourists can also get to experience it, too!
Kawaramachi is finest understood for cormorant fishing. Cormorants are aquatic birds that can skillfully catch fish and keep them whole in its mouth and throat. For centuries, locals have been using them to catch ayu (sweetfish), which is a essential protein in the city. It is typically served at restaurants including Kawaramachi Izumiya.
While ayu is generally regarded a summertime delicacy, it starts to appear in late spring. So if you’re showing up after late May, you may be in for a treat!
Kawaramachi also harbors several bygone-era warehouses that have been transformed into shops and townhouses.
3. Udatsu wall historical District, Mino City
Speaking of bygone-era houses, another place where you could be transported to the olden times is the Udatsu wall historical district in Mino City, also in Gifu Prefecture. “Udatsu” refers to the firewall used on the ends of the roofs of the buildings to prevent fires. It’s the common denominator of the structures in the area, thus the name.
Mino City is also understood for creating washi, conventional Japanese paper. As a craft, washi is embedded in Japanese culture, which is why it’s thought about an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Mino City is stated to embrace washi wholeheartedly that it showcases washi art throughout the city! That makes us really excited!
4. Takayama Old Town
From Mino Ota, we plan on taking the limited express Hida to Takayama! The old town is extremely available from Takayama Train Station, about 10 minutes on foot.
We’ve went to Takayama a few times, mostly as a stop on the method to or from Shirakawa-go. but Takayama has its own charms. From its well-preserved wooden vendor homes that took us to the Edo period to its morning market where we sampled local delicacies. At its shops, we were also able to have a taste of hida beef and Takayama ramen, which were both delish! We can’t wait to be back!
5. spring in Shirakawa-go
Cradled in the highlands of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go in Ono district appeals tourists year-round but it’s extra-special in spring. A UNESCO world Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s cultural treasures. It is finest understood for its renowned centuries-old Gassho-style thatched roof farmhouses, many of which have been converted into museums, inns, or guesthouses.
Yes, we’ve been here multiple times before but I definitely am always looking forward to run back to its arms!
6. Iwasehama Beach, Toyama
Back in the day, the coastal town of Iwase flourished, powered largely by its Kitamaebune-ship sea trading industry. many of its early-development buildings have been preserved, producing historic streets that visitors can still enjoy today.
Iwase-hama Beach, understood as Etchu Maiko, provides a stunning view of the Tateyama mountain range and attracts many tourists in the summer. but there are lots of locations to see and go to in other seasons as well, especially spring.
The finest method to go around Toyama is by taking the tram that runs with the city, linking many key attractions.
7. Seasonal seafood in Toyama
“Don’t leave Toyama without sampling its seafood,” they say. and among the rich ocean bounty that it offers, the white shrimp is perhaps on top of the list. Locally called shiroi ebi, it is stated to have gentle sweetness and strong sea taste.
Where to try this delicacy? one of the most suggested is the easily available Shiroebitei, which is found at Toyama Station. It typically serves shiroi ebi together with Toyama koshihikari rice.
Can’t get enough of Japanese food? another place in Toyama to stuff our deal with with fresh seafood is Shinminato Kittokito Ichiba, which provides a diverse range of seafoods. aside from the white shrimp, other must-try delicacies are the benizuwai crab and firefly squid! All these are seasonal but are available in spring!
8. Tonami Tulip Park
We’ve been to a lot of flower parks in Japan – from the lavender fields in Hokkaido to the vibrant rows of Kyushu – but we’re still thrilled to go to Tonami’s own! Why? One word: tulips! many prefectures in Japan have selected an official flower and for Toyama Prefecture, it’s the tulip! After all, it is the top producer of this bulbous blooms in the country.
In spring, Tonami City explodes in color when the Tulip fair happens. At this time, you’ll find over 3 million of these flowers scattered around the city! everywhere you look you’ll find tulips! Tourists are also drawn to the Tulip Marche, a flower market near the tulip park.
9. Cherry blossom areas in Kanazawa
After a day of shrimps and tulips, it’s time to head for the city of Kanazawa. The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is another city that has done a great job in preserving and/or restoring is historical and cultural assets. We’ve been here a few times before and we can’t get enough of this city!
But its like for custom is many apparent at the atmospheric Kazue-machi Chaya District, finest understood for its old-school teahouses and restaurants sitting on the banks of Asano River. At sunset, the noise of shamisen and taiko drums fill the air as geisha perform. We were told that if we arrive in spring, our experience would be more wonderful because of the cherry blossom trees adorning the banks and hanging over the river.
Another sakura area is the park surrounding Kanazawa Castle. because April 2021, you can enjoy more than 400 sakura trees that are illuminated rom early to mid-April.
Nearby Kenrokuen garden is also a site to admire cherry blossoms. It was originally the outer garden of the castle but eventually established independently. This 11-hectare garden has 400+ cherry trees of different types. Kenrokuen illuminate is held aligning with the cherry blossom period every year. typically only about seven days between late March and mid-April, a spectacular sight that can only be seen in spring.
Other sakura areas include the Saigawa River Terrace and Mt. Okuutatsu Park.
10. Kanazawa’s Gold leaf Ice Cream
After admiring the flowers, let’s stroll around this area and eat gold! but no, don’t shove fashion jewelry down your throat. I’m speaking about gold leaf ice cream!
Kanazawa creates around 99% of all gold leaf that comes out of Japan. Unsurprisingly – er, actually, it’s still pretty unexpected to me – gold leaf also shows up in its cuisine, not just as part of the plate or utensils but also as part of the actual food. and there is no better method to try edible gold leaf than a soft-serve ice cream wrapped in a elegant gold leaf. one of the most suggested locations to try it is Hakuichi “Gold leaf Kagayaki Soft Ice Cream”.
It’s available year-round but because spring is when it starts to get warmer, ice creamis a quick fix! Besides, when I first went to Kanazawa a few years ago, I failed to have a taste of it because I believed it was as well expensive. but my teammates have because sunk their teeth into it. I’ve been so envious for a while now so I’m adding it to this itinerary. LOL.
11. Rojo Park in Komatsu City
Since we’ve been on the topic of cherry blossoms…
Just outside Kanazawa is the city of Komatsu, where you’ll find Rojo Park, another famous site for admiring sakura.
In spring, the cherry trees here are illuminated with over 600 bonbori (traditional paper lamps) adding another layer of appeal to the blossoms, especially in full bloom. The park is also embellished with numerous wisteria flowers. but it’s all about the timing because these flowers are seasonal.
12. Asuwa River Cherry Blossoms, Fukui City
Nope, we’re still refrained from doing with cherry blossoms! Fukui City also has its fair share of sakura spots, many notably along Asuwa River, which features a 2.2-kilometer sakura tunnel n spring! In fact, it has been included in the top 100 cherry blossom seeing sites in Japan. just look at these pictures they sent us!
Fukui is also understood for conventional wakasa-nuri chopsticks! At Wakasa-koubou Store, you can learn how to make a pair or just purchase as souvenirs! inspect for more information about making your chopsticks here!
13. Awara Onsen
Also in Fukui Prefecture lies Awara Onsen, where you can take a unwinding dip in one of their famous hot springs!
Onsen is one of the very best things about Japan so if you find yourself in Chubu, get any opportunity to go to a hot springs site and let it laundry your tension away! Or at the extremely least, just soak your feet in any of the public foot bath that you may enjoy free of charge!
Hokuriku area traveler Pass Takayama
If you plan on checking out multiple destinations in Chubu Region, consider getting a Takayama-Hokuriku area traveler Pass Takayama to enjoy limitless rides on JR local and limited express trains, Hokuriku Shinkansen and buses along the route. This includes the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Shin-Takaoka to Kanazawa.
This pass can give you massive cost savings and keep your transportation budget low so you could enjoy more of what central Japan has to offer! inspect rates & more information HERE! ✅
This post is given you by central Japan Tourism.
2022 • 02 • 14
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