Japan Chubu

Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japanese Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. Kanazawa is known for its traditional Kaga Cuisine. Seafood is a specialty, jumbo shrimp, followed by sushi and sashimi. The sake produced in this region is of high quality, smooth and sweet, derived from the rice grown in Ishikawa Prefecture as well as the considerable precipitation of the Hokuriku region, allowing for an ample supply of clean, fresh water. Omicho market is a market in the middle of the city, originally open-air, and now covered, which dates back to the Edo period. Most of the shops there sell seafood.

Takayama is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Takayama was settled as far back as the Jomon period. The town and its culture, as they exist today, took shape at the end of the 16C, when the Kanamori clan built Takayama Castle. However, the high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Takayama to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period. Its main attractions include the surrounding nature, shrines, museums, and architectural curios.

Matsumoto is a Japanese city in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. It is a city located in Nagano Prefecture. Matsumoto is designated as a Special City. The current city of Matsumoto is a merger of the old city of Matsumoto with four villages. Matsumoto officially absorbed those villages without creating a new municipal organization. Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations are readily accessible by local bus transportation. Matsumoto has several historic features, such as Matsumoto Castle, Kaichi School Museum, and Temari (traditional Japanese handball).

Nagoya is the largest city in the Chubu region of Japan. Nagoya was a major trading city and political seat of the Owari lords, the most important house of the Tokugawa clan. They encouraged trade and the arts under their patronage, especially Tokugawa Muneharu who took a keen interest in drama and plays and lived lavishly. Under his rule, actors and actresses began to visit Nagoya. Arts and culture was further supported by the city's wealthy merchants. During World War II many old buildings and artefacts were destroyed. The region's economic and financial power in the post-war years rekindled the artistic and cultural scene.

Hakuba is an internationally renowned ski resort town in the northern Japan Alps. As the surrounding valley has an annual snow fall of over 11 meters, it is the central hub for 10 ski resorts with more than 200 runs. The village was the main event venue for 1998 Winter Olympics (Alpine, Ski Jump, Crosscountry). Hakuba was once part of the route called the Salt Road used to bring salt and other marine products from the coast.

Gifu is a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used the area as a base in an attempt to unify and control Japan. Gifu continued to flourish even after Japan's unification as both an important shukuba along the Edo period Nakasendō[6] and, later, as one of Japan's fashion centers. Before becoming a modern city, it was part of the former Atsumi District, but it has since been designated a core city by the national government.

Nagano, the capital city of Nagano Prefecture, is located in the northern part of the prefecture near the confluence of the Chikuma and the Sai rivers, on the main Japanese island of Honshu. Nagano is most famous for Zenko-ji, a 7th-century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. A million tourists visit Nagano annually. Nagano was originally a town in Kamiminochi District built around the hilltop temple that is the largest wooden building in eastern Japan, but the city now encompasses locations that were within Sarashina, Hanishina, and Kamitakai districts.

Yamanouchi is a town located in Shimotakai District in northern Nagano Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. Over 90% of its area covered by mountains and forest. The area of present-day Yamanouchi was part of ancient Shinano Province. Local attractions include the Shiga Kogen ski resort as well as the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Shizuoka is the capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and the prefecture's second-largest city in both population and area. It has been populated since prehistoric times. The area that is now the city of Shizuoka has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Numerous kofun have been found within the city limits, and the Toro archaeological site indicates that a major ancient settlement existed in what is now part of the central city area. Shizuoka has a long history of being involved in the craft industries going back over 400 years ago, using trees, including hinoki cypress. Its attractions include the zoo, museums, historic landmarks, and others.

Karuizawa is a town located in Kitasaku District in south-central Nagano Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. The town is located on an elevated plain at the foot of Mount Asama, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. At an elevation of 1,000 m and a temperate summer climate, Karuizawa is a popular year round resort offering many outdoor sport, hot spring and recreational activities. The town is known for its historic shopping street known as "Ginza dori" or "Kyu-do" (Ginza Street, or the Old Road) and association with both Japanese royalty and visitors such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Hamamatsu is a city located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The area now comprising Hamamatsu has been settled since prehistoric times, with numerous remains from the Jomon period and Kofun period having been discovered within the present city limits, including the Shijimizuka site shell mound and the Akamonue Kofun ancient tomb. Its points of interests include a castle, an art museum, parks, a beach, shrines, and more.

Ito is a city located on the eastern shore of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Ito is one of the well known hot spring resort towns near the greater Tokyo metropolis, and tourism is the mainstay of the economy. Local attractions include a variety of onsens, such as the Ito Onsen, Usami Onsen, and Akazawa Onsen, as well as the Jōgasaki Coast and Mount Ōmuro.