"Ten Thrilling Scenic Sites -Travel to Chubu中部*" is a catchphrase that expresses the attraction of Chubu, central Japan area, in ten themes of 「景」「花」「史」「跡」「博」「祭」「楽」「浴」「食」「産」.
Castles, Temples, and Shrines
Recalling History at Famous Castles and Temples
The Chubu region produced many military commanders, and many famous castles and sites of former castles known throughout Japan remain in the area even now. Also extant are numerous well-known temples and shrines with connections to these military commanders. Visiting them affords you the opportunity to encounter history.
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 cas...
Fukui Prefecture
Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple
Daihonzan Eiheiji is a dojo (training hall) for those who aim to be Zen priests. It was founded by Dogen almost 750 years ago, in the year 1244. It is located in the Daibutsuji mountain area, which is about 16 kilome...
Mie Prefecture
Ise Jingu Shrine
The Kotai Jingu (Naiku, or Inner Shrine) and Toyouke Daijingu (Geku, or Outer Shrine) are at the core of a complex of 125 shrines. Pilgrims to the Shrine start at Geku and proceed to Naiku. The graceful ancient shimme...
Shiga Prefecture
Hieizan (Mt. Hiei) Enryaku-ji Temple
Hieizen Enryaku-ji temple is the headquarter of the Tendai sect, which has a large precinct on Mt. Hiei and is registered as a World Heritage site. At the end of the Nara period, 19 year-old Saicho (767-822) climbed M...
Shizuoka Prefecture
Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine
This is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, who succeeded in ruling the whole nation of Japan and was the first Shogun of Edo Shogunate, is enshrined. Shrine building on top of the Mt. Kunou is made in gongen-zukuri style in whic...