July 21st, 2023 at 04:51 am
13 Best Places to Visit in Central Japan 2023
There is no doubt that visitors like Japan! It still ranks as our most visited nation. Chubu Region is the location of daydreams and the first place that comes to mind when the Land of the Rising Sun is mentioned.
Due to its location and steadfast adherence to tradition, it is often referred to as Central Japan and is frequently called the center of the nation.
Based on their recommendations, here is a list of the top things to do in Central Japan in the spring.
Cherry Blossom Spots in Nagoya
The largest city in Central Japan is Nagoya. Additionally, Nagoya Castle in the city’s heart is worth visiting, particularly the Hommaru Palace. Although the ancient palace and castle were destroyed in 1945, their entire reconstruction was ultimately finished in 2018.
But in spring, you’ll be even more inspired to take a stroll because the castle grounds are surrounded by more than 1,000 cherry trees, which turn the area pink!
Cormorant Fishing at Kawaramachi, Gifu City
One of Gifu City’s most idyllic districts is Kawaramachi. Located along the banks of the Nagara River, the majority of its inhabitants have relied on fishing. However, visitors can also take part in it!
The primary industry in Kawaramachi is cormorant fishing. Cormorants are water birds with the ability to grab fish with finesse and maintain them intact in their mouth and throat. They have been used by people to catch ayu (sweetfish), a staple protein in the city, for decades. It is typically offered at dining establishments like Kawaramachi Izumiya.
Udatsu Wall Historical District, Mino City
Speaking of old-fashioned homes, the Udatsu Wall Historical District in Mino City, also in Gifu Prefecture, is another location where you might be taken back in time. “Udatsu” refers to the fire-retardant firewall installed on the extremities of building roofs. The term comes from the fact that it unites all the local buildings.
Traditional Japanese paper known as washi is another product made in Mino City. Washi is a craft that is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure. Washi art is reported to be shown all across Mino City because the city embraces it passionately.
Takayama Old Town
Takayama possesses its unique allure. From the Edo Period to its well-preserved wooden merchant houses to its morning market where you may savor regional specialties. You can also try its shops’ delicious Takayama ramen and hida beef, both of which are delicious!
Spring in Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go in Ono District, nestled in the Gifu Prefecture mountains, enchants visitors all year long, but spring is especially lovely. Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gem of Japanese culture. It is well recognized for its recognizable, historically significant farmhouses with thatched roofs in the Gassho style, many of which have been transformed into museums, inns, or guesthouses.
Iwasehama Beach, Toyama
Iwase, a seaside town, thrived in the past thanks largely to its Kitamaebune-ship sea trading sector. Many of the city’s original structures have been conserved, resulting in charming old streets that tourists may still enjoy today.
Iwase-hama Beach, also known as Etchu Maiko, is a popular summer destination due to its stunning views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. However, there are many sites to view and explore all year round, particularly in the spring.
Seasonal seafood in Toyama
They advise, “Don’t leave Toyama without trying its seafood.” The white shrimp is arguably at the top of the list amid the abundant ocean treasure. Shiroi ebi, as it is known locally, is believed to have a mild sweetness and a powerful sea flavor.
Where can I test this specialty?
- The convenient Shiroebitei, which is situated at Toyama Station, is one of the most highly recommended. Shiroi ebi is typically served with Toyama koshihikari rice.
- Shinminato Kittokito Ichiba, offering a wide variety of seafood, is another location in Toyama where we may stuff our faces with fresh seafood.
- The benizuwai crab and firefly squid are two other delights you must try in addition to white shrimp!
Tonami Tulip Park
The tulip is the official flower of Toyama Prefecture, one of the many prefectures in Japan to have done so. After all, it is the nation’s top producer of these bulbous blooms. Tonami City is bathed in color each spring when the Tulip Fair takes place. Over 3 million of these blooms disperse throughout the city. There are tulips everywhere you look! The Tulip Marche, a flower market close to the tulip garden, attracts tourists as well.
Cherry Blossom Spots in Kanazawa
Another city that has done a fantastic job of preserving and/or repairing its historical and cultural assets is Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. However, its reverence for history is most palpable in the evocative Kazue-machi Chaya District, which is renowned for its classic eateries and teahouses along the Asano River’s banks.
Shamisen and taiko drums are heard filling the air as geisha dance at dusk. The park surrounding Kanazawa Castle is another location to see cherry blossoms. Since April 2021, more than 400 Sakura trees lighted from early to mid-April still exist for your enjoyment.
The Saigawa River Terrace and Mt. Okuutatsu Park are two additional Sakura locations.
Kanazawa’s Gold Leaf Ice Cream
Around 99% of the gold leaf that leaves Japan is produced in Kanazawa. Gold leaf also appears in its cuisine, not only as a component of the plate or serving utensils but also as a component of the actual food, which is shocking to me still. Soft-serve ice cream covered in opulent gold leaf is the ideal way to experience edible gold leaf. Hakuichi “Gold Leaf Kagayaki Soft Ice Cream” names as one of the places frequently suggested to try it.
Rojo Park in Komatsu City
The city of Komatsu, just outside of Kanazawa, is home to Rojo Park, another well-known location for seeing cherry blossoms. More than 600 bonbori (traditional paper lamps) illuminate the cherry trees here in the spring, which adds to the elegance of the blossoms, especially when they are in full bloom. Also adorning the grounds are innumerable wisteria blooms. Nevertheless, because these flowers are seasonal, timing is everything.
Asuwa River Cherry Blossoms, Fukui City
There are plenty of Sakura locations in Fukui City as well, but the Asuwa River’s 2.2-kilometer-long Sakura tunnel is the most notable. It is one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan. Check out the pictures they provided us!
Additionally, the traditional wakasa-nuri chopsticks are famous in Fukui! You can either purchase a pair or take a pair-making class at Wakasa-koubou Store.
Awara Onsen
Awara Onsen, located in Fukui Prefecture, is a popular hot spring resort where you may unwind with a soothing soak. If you find yourself in Chubu, take advantage of any chance to visit a hot springs site and let it wash your tension away because the onsen is one of the nicest things about Japan. Or, at the very least, simply bathe your feet in one of the many free public footbaths available!
Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass Takayama
Consider purchasing a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass Takayama if you want to use JR local and limited express trains, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and buses at no additional cost when you travel through the Chubu Region.
This pass can help you save a ton of money and keep your transportation expenses low so you can take full advantage of Central Japan’s attractions.
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