Things to do & places to visit in Chubu, Japan

Chubu #5 destination in Japan 2023. The average rating score is 4.27 based on 94.9k traveler reviews, of 91 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tokyo, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 23:25.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Kenrokuen Garden (5.815 reviews)
- Must Visit Day and Night
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks • Gardens

This beautiful park contains one of the top three celebrated gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all gardens should have: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views. See more..
4.5 Matsumoto Castle (3.623 reviews)
- Matsumoto Castle
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles • Scenic Walking Areas

My ancestors resided in Matsumoto Castle during the Tokugawa, Ieyasu era so it was a very person visit for my son and I. I appreciated that there are many docents inside the castle as it has steep stairways and they controlled the enter/exit way. I was bit anxious climbing down the stairs, but no one rushed me or told me to hurry. They provided plastic bags for our shoes and had benches to sit on to put them back on after the tour. Outside, we luckily saw a re-enactor with our family mon (crest) on his flag and we eagerly requested a photo with him (attached). I would highly recommend visiting this National Treasure of Japan (one of the few original standing castles in Japan). See more..
4.5 Ise Jingu (2.799 reviews)
- YIKES, Super Crowded on January 2
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

We were staying in Nagoya and took the 1 hour and 45 minute JR train to Ise. We visited on Thursday, January 2. Took the JR Rapid Mie and the cost was 2520 yen for the round trip. We actually bought the train tickets the day before. Once we arrived in Ise, we visited the Outer Shrine first since it is within walking distance. The Outer Shrine is believed to have been established 1500 years ago, 500 years after the Inner Shrine. Then we took a bus for 310 yen per person to get to the Inner Shrine. That ride took 20 minutes. The Inner Shrine is Japan's most sacred shrine and believed to have been established over 2000 years ago. Entrance is free for both shrines. The only problem we had with visiting on January 2 was that ALL the Japanese people were paying their respects and boy was it crowded. However, it was a Japanese type of crowded and everything was very orderly. I think had it been less crowded, it would have been more peaceful and enjoyable. See more..
4.5 Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (2.707 reviews)
- An incredible visit!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

This was such an incredible adventure. I came at the end of January during a heavy snowstorm, and the entire park was a magical winter wonderland. The trees were laden with snow. The snow monkeys were in full force, soaking in the hot springs and looking incredibly adorable. The walk from the road to the park is really straightforward. However, make sure you dress appropriately. The path can be slick, especially if it's sleeting or snowing. Also, make sure you bring plenty of layers in the winter. It gets very cold here. If you're coming from Nagano, definitely get the snow monkey 2-day pass. It costs 3600 JPY and you'll make your money back just with the round trip express bus transfer and park admission. In addition, you can then take the train to drop by other fun spots in the area, including Obuse and Zenko-ji Temple. See more..
4.5 Lake Kawaguchiko (2.312 reviews)
- Enjoyable a peaceful Kawaguchi lake
Bodies of Water • Scenic Walking Areas

Not too far from Tokyo, you can reach this lake by public transport such as bus or train. If you want to be more flexible, I recommend going there by bus from Shinjuku bus terminal (in front of Shinjuku station). It takes about 2 and half hours and costs around JPY 2,000. Several cafes can be found around the lake and you can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful scenery while enjoying a cup of coffee or a piece of cake. You can also enjoy the view of mount Fuji from certain part of this lake. However, it is not on the side you can see mount Fuji, it is still enjoyable. One day trip is enough if you only want to enjoy the lake, but seems too short if you want to enjoy Yamanashi prefecture. See more..
4.5 The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses (2.175 reviews)
- If you don't want to pay for the Open Air Museum, the town also has Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Shirakawa-Go is a UNESCO Heritage Site famous for their traditional Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses. Basically the roof is constructed like hands in prayer. We spent 2 hours here as part of a Day Tour with Yokoso Japan. It gave us plenty of time to go to the Open Air Museum, walk up to the Observatory and walk around the Historic Village. Inside the Village, you will see examples of these farmhouses. However, the town is pretty touristy. Large buses came on a daily basis. We came on January 4 and unfortunately there wasn't much snow. But I did enjoy walking around the town. See more..
4.5 Zenko-ji Temple (1.965 reviews)
- Zenkoji-temple visit
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM Religious Sites

We went to Nagano for a day and explored Zenkoji-temple with my child. It's a short around 15-20 min walking from Nagano station. You can walk on site free but if you want to go inside, you need to pay the entrance fee for a reasonable price. The place is still beautiful in all seasons. We went on December 7th and could enjoy some blooming trees in the park. See more..
4.5 Kanazawa Station (1.692 reviews)
- Kanazawa Station @ Tsuzumi-mon Gate
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

As we arrived at Kanazawa Station from Osaka, we're truly amazed at what greeted us. Standing tall, this amazing structure, an architectural marvel (Tsuzumi-mon Gate) fronts the JR Kanazawa Station. It's also a transportation hub for Shinkansen, local trains, bus interchange.....Do look at the fountain that tells time/artistic gems. Inside the Station can be found some of the best shopping, food/restaurants. See more..
4.5 Mount Fuji (1.659 reviews)
- Amazing
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Volcanos

Four routes, each divided into ten sections by stopping and refueling stations, lead up to Mt. Fuji's snow-covered tip. You don't have to be a die-hard mountaineer to climb Mt. Fuji; the slopes are full of children and adults of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The official climbing season only runs from the beginning of July to the end of August, but you can take the train from Toyko to the fifth station any season. See more..
4.5 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (1.525 reviews)
- One of my all Time Favorites!
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

This museum was so much fun! The entrance fee was small, ¥500. We spent over two hours here. I had no idea that Toyota started as an automatic loom factory. I learned so much here and the staff was great! As an English Speaker, they were very informative and willing to explain and show us exhibits. The interaction here was very nice. Half the museum was the history of Toyoda and the loom while the other half was on the son of the inventor and how the Toyota cars came about. There is even a violin playing robot at the entrance! See more..
4.5 Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato) (1.524 reviews)
- Very old village - beautiful in winter
Open now - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Natural History Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

Went here after a large drop of snow and the village looked stunning. Small cost to get in but we easily spent a couple of hours looking around the many old buildings - even took our shoes off in the freezing cold to walk through some of the old homes to see how these people lived hundreds of years ago. We went on the Monday that schools went back in Japan, and the place was empty which we loved. Kids got ring the giant bell and made a wish, while participating in the stamp hunt throughout the village. After also going to Shirakawago the following day, we felt this village was so much better than Shirakawago. See more..
4.5 Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (1.278 reviews)
- Cool Aquarium
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Aquariums

For summer it closes at 8pm See more..
4.5 SCMAGLEV and Railway Park (1.053 reviews)
- Awesome exhibits but...
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Awesome exhibits that will wow you how much train has evolved in a short span of time, and much of it due to Japan. Here's the BUT. The place is massive and there is so much to see. So if you plan to really learn more about everything, go first half of the day so you have the option to stay for the full day. I went late and had to rush through some of it before closing. Secondly, limited / lacking in English explanation is also a problem. See more..
4.5 Inuyama Castle (1.047 reviews)
- Volunteer tour guide made this trip amazing!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

We were pleasantly surprised to be offered a free tour - in English! - when we arrived at the castle entrance. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of insights to the castle's construction and history. The tour took about 45 minutes or so and really made the trip. Since most of the displays were only in Japanese, we would have had a very quick trip through the castle. I see some other reviewers commented on wearing socks and the steep stairs... I would recommend wearing less slippery socks if at all possible. My husband's socks were pretty slick compared to mine, so he had to be extra careful walking on the smooth wooden floors. This would not be a good place to visit if you have issues with stairs or heights, unless you just want to look around the gardens. See more..
4.5 Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (1.033 reviews)
- Check the weather!!!
Open now - 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

Based on my experience, i was freezing cold up there because there are snow and raining at the same time. We have to struggle with a raincoat and umbrella and the wind was sooo strong. And please if u ave checked the weather is not good but you still intend o go there please dont bring ur kids. it is soo not un for the kids in that kind of weather.But anyway it was a very good experience for me because i like the adventurous kinda thing.

But just a reminder, the ticket counter will open at 6:50 am. And i suggest you dont have to buy the ticket up till Kurobe Dam if you are from Toyama. Maybe just until Murodo is fine. Because the last bus from Murodo is at 5:15pm. So u dont want to missed that bus and actually it will take a long hour to Kurobe Dam. In my case ive waste 7000yen for the ticket because i didnt have enough time to go to Kurobe Dam See more..
4.5 Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (1.003 reviews)
- Great view of the Hida mountains
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Trams

The ropeway began to operate early in the morning. We were lucky enough and managed to pay a visit to this ropeway after checking out from the Hirayu Onsen in the morning, before leaving for Toyama. The ride was a short one but it quickly brought us all the way up to the hilltop for us to enjoy the most comprehensive view of the Hida mountains. The double decker cable car was spacious too! See more..
4.5 Nabana no Sato (975 reviews)
- Magical Illumination of Gardens
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

This place is situated outside of Nagoya. It takes approximately an hour from Nagoya. You can reach this place directly by taking a bus or take a train towards Kuwana/ Nagahsima then take a bus from there depending on the month of visit. Entrance might be quite expensive but it includes a 1000 yen consumable voucher which you can spend on food or other attractions. The illumination is just simply amazing. The place is filled with lights and there is a light show at the end of the park. Of course, the light tunnel is a must see if you do visit this park. Remember this is a botanical garden so try visiting when there is still sunlight. See more..
4.5 Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort (849 reviews)
- Good resort but weather prone
Ski & Snowboard Areas

This season was the worst but still decent runs on the top 2/3rds of the hill. Bottom section was closed but this is a rare season (ie never seen it like this before in 8yrs). Lots of variety of groomed runs particularly up higher with lifts in all directions off the gondy. On a POW day, go up the gondy, then take the chair up to Pilar restaurant and there is plenty of freshies of the sides of the grommers for at least a few hours. Then you can go exploring elsewhere if you want. Keep in mind this place shuts a lot of lifts quickly (incl the gondola) in even moderate wind, but you can get a quick shuttle to 47 or goryu which handles bad weather way better (although it is very busy if it’s both bad weather and a weekend). See more..
4.5 Toba Aquarium (818 reviews)
- Cute marine mammals and creatures at a top-notch environment!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

We stayed at an Onsen ryokan nearby, decide to explore the area in random. Drove along the main Pearl road and saw this aquarium adjacent to the large multi storey car park. Tickets reasonably charged with so many unexpected marine mammals inside, the animals are so lively and happy compare to those we have seen in other countries. Can touch and close encounter with, mainly locals with children, seldom have foreigners. We spent at least two hours in here. Worth visiting if you have small children and love sea creatures. See more..
4.5 Ise Shrine Geku (797 reviews)
- Geku is the Outer Shrine and much more accessible
Historic Walking Areas • Religious Sites

The Outer Shrine is usually visited before the Inner Shrine. If you are arriving by train, Geku, or the Outer Shrine is within walking distance. We actually had to take a bus for the 20 minute ride to get to the Inner Shrine. Like the Inner Shrine, the Outer Shrine is rebuilt every 20 years. It is believed to have been established over 1500 years ago, 500 years after the Inner Shrine. We came on January 2 and it was super crowded because all the Japanese people were paying their respects. See more..
4.5 Mount Omuro (792 reviews)
- A relaxing way to spend a morning
Mountains

There's a bus that goes right there, all of the signs have multiple languages, and the view from the top is stunning. It's also several degrees cooler on top of the mountain, so dress accordingly. The only reason it's not five stars is that there are only intermittent patches of railing on the top, leaving nothing between you and plunging down the mountain. Considering how much of a tourist area this is, and how many small children and dogs there were, I was a little surprised. Several of the food options appear to have been killed off by recent circumstances. See more..
4.5 Nakasendo Tsumagojuku (790 reviews)
- Nakasendo with Walk Japan
Hiking Trails

This historic footpath through the Kiso Valley connects the villages of Tsumago and Magome. The partially paved trail is approximately 8 kilometers in length and passes by several historic and natural wonders. See more..
4.5 Kurobe Dam (770 reviews)
- Enjoyed this place as part of crossing the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Pass
Saturday: 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Dams

This dam is pretty impressive, especially at the time from July when they open it partially and you can see tons of water flowing through the dam walls. We passed the dam as part of crossing the Alpine Pass and I guess that 95% or more of people visiting this attraction will do the same. They've also got some nice exhibitions showing with how much efforts the dam was built. Prepare to stay 1 to 2 hours. See more..
4.5 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort (747 reviews)
- Ski..ski..ski..Nozawa
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas

Another brilliant trip to Nozawa Onsen, my favourite refuge from Australian summer. Snow was dubious for the first day, but dumped 500cm of dry powder on the second, and continued to top up daily after that. Cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful resort See more..
4.5 Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (713 reviews)
- Still need to book online
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Still the same excellent dinosaur museum. They seem to change some exhibits slightly every now and then, as I always notice something new whenever I visit again. You need to book online to visit, either in the morning or afternoon. It can be still be crowded inside, depending on the time slot and day. Masks are required to enter the museum, and there is disinfectant located at various places. There is currently a special exhibit about dinosaur footprints, which was interesting. I suggest checking their website to find out what special exhibits they might have at the time when you visit. See more..
4.0 Nagoya Castle (3.542 reviews)
- New museum open!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai is comprised of 6 bushos (army generals) and 4 jingasa soldiers. The 6 bushos are; Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Ieyasu Tokugawa, Toshiie Maeda, Kiyomasa Kato, and Keiji Maeda. Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai members talk and act as the “real” historical figures. They are featured in various TV shows. They also entertain visitors at the Nagoya Castle. See more..
4.0 Omicho Market (3.132 reviews)
- Fun and Tasty
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Open: 8 am to 6 pm (varying with each store) - Closed: holidays; Jan. 1 to 4; and around Aug. 15 See more..
4.0 Higashichaya Old Town (2.622 reviews)
- A well-preserved tea district with numerous teahouses, restaurants, and shops
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A small neighborhood with old teahouses, quaint alleys, and countless restaurants and shops. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from Kenrokuen. You'll find everything from high-end sushi to Instagrammable gold flake-topped soft serve ice creams in Higashichaya. Most come to walk around and take photos in the picturesque alleys, walk along the river, or pop into the many cafes for a beverage. Many of the buildings look like homes, but don't be fooled, most of them are either a restaurant, a teahouse, or a shop. It's also a good area to buy unique souvenirs. Prepare for lots of tourist during busy seasons. See more..
4.0 Kanazawa Castle (2.197 reviews)
- Great looking structure and history with free guide
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

All that remain of this castle, once occupied by the powerful Maeda family, are the Ishikawa Gate, a moat and stone walls. See more..
4.0 Atsuta Jingu Shrine (1.758 reviews)
- New Kusanagi Sword Museum open!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

I went to Atsuta-jingu Shrine in December. Many people were there because of end of the year soon. Atsuta-jingu Shrine has a big news recently. New museum and another facility opened recently this year,2021. One of them is Kusanagi Square(Kusanagi Hiroba). There is a shop of famous Kishimen restaurant(noodle shop of famous Nagoya's noodle). And other of them is Kusanagi Museum(Legend Sword Museum) Kusanagi Sword is known for Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Kusanagi Sword is one of three kinds of sacred treasures. Atsuta-jingu Shrine is enshrined the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi (Sword). So the name of Kusanagi Museum comes from its story. See more..