The Chūbu region spans the central part of Honshū, Japan’s primary island, lying between the Kantō and Kansai regions. This area includes nine prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. A notable feature of Chūbu is its diverse geography, which features both Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan coastlines, as well as Mount Fuji.
Chūbu is distinguished by its wide array of landscapes, from the coastal plains to the high, rugged terrains of the Japanese Alps. These mountains create a natural division between the Pacific side, known for its sunny winters, and the Sea of Japan side, renowned for its snowy winters. The region’s central location and varied climates make it ideal for those seeking both relaxation in onsen and exploration of traditional Japanese culture through stays in ryokans.