Central Honshū

Central Honshū (本州中部; Honshū Chūbu) is Japan's heartland, stretching out between the sprawling metropolises of Greater Tokyo and Kansai. The awesome Japan Alps rise sharply near the border of Gifu and Nagano Prefectures before rolling north to the dramatic Sea of Japan coast.

World-class skiing, hiking and onsen can be found in the region's stunning alpine uplands. All but one of Japan's 30 highest peaks (Mt Fuji) are here. Kanazawa oozes culture: temples and tearooms that served lords and housed geisha are beautifully preserved. Takayama's quaint riverside streetscapes win admirers from Japan and abroad. Matsumoto's magnificent castle and alpine backdrop ensure its popularity.

Nagoya, Japan's dynamic and under-loved fourth-largest city, is the gateway to Central Honshū, packing its share of urban delights, plus excellent transport connections to just about everywhere.

Explore Central Honshū

Z
Zuiryū-ji
One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…
Kenroku-en
This Edo-period garden draws its name (kenroku means 'combined six') from a renowned Sung-dynasty garden in China that dictated six attributes for…
Z
Zenkō-ji
Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure Zenkō-ji is home to the revered statue Ikkō-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan …
M
Matsumoto-jō
Must-see Matsumoto-jō is Japan's oldest wooden castle and one of four castles designated National Treasures – the others are Hikone, Himeji and Inuyama…
T
Togakushi-jinja
Comprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m…
G
Gyokusen Inmaru Garden
Adjacent to the Kanazawa Castle Park, this feudal pleasure garden was first constructed in 1634 but abandoned in the Meiji era. Its five-year…
C
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino
This popular art museum showcases the work of Chihiro Iwasaki (1918–74), who became world-renowned while specialising in children's-book illustrations…
H
Haruna Jinja
Among gorgeously forested mountains and believed to be the home of the God of Water, Fire and Agriculture, this site has housed a shrine of some form for…
T
Tokugawa Art Museum
A must for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history, this museum has a collection of over 10,000 pieces that includes National Treasures and…

Z
Zuiryū-ji
One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…
Kenroku-en
This Edo-period garden draws its name (kenroku means 'combined six') from a renowned Sung-dynasty garden in China that dictated six attributes for…
Z
Zenkō-ji
Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure Zenkō-ji is home to the revered statue Ikkō-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan …
M
Matsumoto-jō
Must-see Matsumoto-jō is Japan's oldest wooden castle and one of four castles designated National Treasures – the others are Hikone, Himeji and Inuyama…
T
Togakushi-jinja
Comprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m…
G
Gyokusen Inmaru Garden
Adjacent to the Kanazawa Castle Park, this feudal pleasure garden was first constructed in 1634 but abandoned in the Meiji era. Its five-year…
C
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino
This popular art museum showcases the work of Chihiro Iwasaki (1918–74), who became world-renowned while specialising in children's-book illustrations…
H
Haruna Jinja
Among gorgeously forested mountains and believed to be the home of the God of Water, Fire and Agriculture, this site has housed a shrine of some form for…
T
Tokugawa Art Museum
A must for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history, this museum has a collection of over 10,000 pieces that includes National Treasures and…

Latest Stories from Central Honshū

History Exploring the best of central Honshu with the Three-Star Road
Mar 16, 2021 • 6 min read
To get off the heavily touristed route or delve deeper into traditional Japan the Three-Star Road – plus Nagano – offers star-studded attractions
Cycling Discover Edo Period Japan on the Nakasendo Trail
Mar 8, 2021 • 4 min read
Whether it is by foot or on bike, traveling the Nakasendo Trail provides ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of highlights of Nagano and Gifu
Food Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: Mountainous Gifu, Nagano and Gunma
Feb 17, 2021 • 8 min read
The central, mountainous region of Japan is often overlooked by international visitors, but Gunma, Nagano and Gifu Prefectures are the spine of the country
Skiing Steamy, snowy, stunning: Gunma Prefecture has something for everyone
Sep 30, 2020 • 5 min read
From rivers and waterfalls to picturesque lakes, 400 natural onsen, and a world-class snow scene, Gunma Prefecture makes its waters available to everyone.
Story This cherry blossom tree in Japan is built with over a record-breaking 800,000 Lego bricks
Apr 18, 2018 • 1 min read
It’s springtime in Japan, and all over the country, locals and tourists alike are flocking to parklands, side streets, fields, gardens and cities in order…
Food Trip to Takayama: Japan's mountain village
May 10, 2017 • 6 min read
Secluded in the mountainous Hida region of central Japan, Takayama is a place where Japanese history and tradition flourish in the 21st century…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Central Honshū.

See
Zuiryū-ji
One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…
See
Kenroku-en
This Edo-period garden draws its name (kenroku means 'combined six') from a renowned Sung-dynasty garden in China that dictated six attributes for…
See
Zenkō-ji
Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure Zenkō-ji is home to the revered statue Ikkō-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan …
See
Matsumoto-jō
Must-see Matsumoto-jō is Japan's oldest wooden castle and one of four castles designated National Treasures – the others are Hikone, Himeji and Inuyama…
See
Togakushi-jinja
Comprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m…
See
Gyokusen Inmaru Garden
Adjacent to the Kanazawa Castle Park, this feudal pleasure garden was first constructed in 1634 but abandoned in the Meiji era. Its five-year…
See
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino
This popular art museum showcases the work of Chihiro Iwasaki (1918–74), who became world-renowned while specialising in children's-book illustrations…
See
Haruna Jinja
Among gorgeously forested mountains and believed to be the home of the God of Water, Fire and Agriculture, this site has housed a shrine of some form for…
See
Tokugawa Art Museum
A must for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history, this museum has a collection of over 10,000 pieces that includes National Treasures and…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Central Honshū with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.