Koto, Kaga, and Hida -- A Stroll Through World Heritage Sites and an Ancient Capital
The Chubu region retains many historical heritage sites. Gokayama and Shirakawa, villages of houses with traditional
Shiga Prefecture
National Treasure Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is counted as one of the greatest castles in Japan along with Himeji Castle. The castle looks really beautiful under the moon light - this view is counted as one of the eight scenes of Lake Biwa. The castle was never damaged by fires during wartime or by government policies and its ...
20Minute(s) 
Shiga Prefecture
Suigou Boat Rides
Omi Hachiman boat rides are a major attraction in this area, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful environment of Omi Hachiman while riding on a boat. The visitors can "look at the wild yoshi plants growing in groups," "listen to the sounds of water and birds singing," "smell the water and yoshi...
100Minute(s) 
Lodging in Kaga Hot Springs Village
Ishikawa Prefecture
Yamanaka Hot Springs
Hotels and ryokans in pure Japanese style line along the valley of the Daishouji River. The hot springs has a long 1,300-year history since its opening and it appears in a poem by Matsuo Basho. The area faces the scenic Kakusenkei Valley so the visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of each season...
50Minute(s) 
Ishikawa Prefecture
Higashi-chaya street
Old houses and traditional style Japanese restaurants line along the streets near the Great Bridge of Asano River. This street is filled with restaurants and has a unique nostalgic atmosphere.
60Minute(s) 
Toyama Prefecture
World Heritage Gokayama Gasshou-zukuri Settlement
Gokayama Washi-no-sato is located next to a Michi-no-eki "Taira." Visitors can try paper-making in the Japanese paper making experience hall in a gasshou-zukuri style building. It only takes about 15 minutes to make one sheet of paper so anyone can try. If you have a little more time,you could ma...
40Minute(s) 
Gifu Prefecture
Shirakawago Gassho Style Village
This community is registered as a world heritage site. There are about 110 private houses in the gassho-zukuri style here. Visitors can see the full view of this community from the Ogi-machi Castle Ruins Observatory. The whole village is lit up at night in January and February.
120Minute(s) 
Gifu Prefecture
The Old Streets of Takayama
Takayama-Sanmachi Important Traditional Building Preservation District. Old streets still exist on the east side of the Miya River, which is runs through Takayama city. Particularly in Sanmachi, the houses and streets look just like they did during the Edo period. This district is designated as an...