Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Chubu, Japan

June 6, 2021 Alice Mieles

The Chūbu region (中部地方, Chūbu-chihō), Central region, or Central Japan (中部日本) is a region in the middle of Honshū, Japan's main island. Chūbu has a population of 21,715,822 as of 2010.. It encompasses nine prefectures (ken): Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi.
Restaurants in Chubu

1. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

6845 Heion, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture +81 269-33-4379 http://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,691 reviews

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Reviewed By MichelleSCapeTownSA - Cape Town Central, South Africa

An incredible place, Snow Monkey Park must be one of the world’s most unique attractions and is one of my favourite memories of Japan. The park is small and there is a 30/40-minute easy walk to reach it - the walk is wonderful and through a forest. I visited in April and was able to see a lot of baby monkeys, even on a hot day. They are wild but used to people, so they get close and walk around quite freely. You can see them all around, they play on the rocks and in the water too. When things get heated between the young ones the adults’ step in. Things either calm down fast or the youngsters ensure they move a good distance away and continue being cheeky - super cute. We walked back from the park all the way down to Yudanaka station via the beautiful Shibu Onsen village. This lovely scenic walk starts in the forest, then makes its way through the cobblestoned lanes surrounded by traditional wooden ryokan (Japanese inns) of Shibu Onsen along the Yokoyugawa River. It takes around one to two hours and is worth doing if you have the time – a lot of history, quaint sights and beauty to take in.

2. Fuefuki Togenkyo

Ichinomiya Ichinomiyacho, Fuefuki 405-0056 Yamanashi Prefecture
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Fuefuki Togenkyo

3. Norikura Kogen

Azumi, Matsumoto 390-1520 Nagano Prefecture +81 263-93-2147 http://norikura.gr.jp/
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Norikura Kogen

Norikura Kogen (Highland) is a large area spreading in the east of Mt. Norikura (3,026 m), which is the 10th highest mountain and one of the younger volcanoes in Japan. You can enjoy the magnificent views from Japan's highest highway (2,700m) over Mt. Norikura. There are also many viewpoints like water falls, flower gardens, and caldera lakes. Ushidome-ike is a beautiful pond, which gives you one of the best views of the mountains especially on a breathless morning or calm sunset. You can enjoy various activities like hiking, biking, jogging, birdwatching or just a peaceful walk in nature. The annual "Tenku Marathon" and "All Japan Norikura Mountain Cycling Race" are held in June and August each year. In Winter, Mt. Norikura Ski Resort is a renowned winter destination. The snow remains year round and some skiers enjoy skiing as late as August on Mt. Norikura. After walking or skiing, you can soak in Norikura Kogen Onsen (hot springs), which are famous for their white onsen water. Norikura is also famous for delicious soba noodles and other local mountain vegetables.

4. Verdant Garden Verga

8056 Hakushucho Shirasu, Hokuto 408-0315 Yamanashi Prefecture +81 551-35-4411 http://www.verga.jp/
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Verdant Garden Verga

5. Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

Ogawa, Agematsu-machi, Kiso-gun 399-5607 Nagano Prefecture http://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/chubu/policy/business/invitation/rekumori/akasawa/
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

The Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest is a coniferous forest, covering the southwest of Agematsu Town. The forest spreads over 728 ha, and varies in elevation from 1,080 m near the parking area, up to 1,558 m. Designated as a National Forest, this region has been spared the planned felling conducted in other areas according to the national forestry policy. Afforded protection by clans in the Edo Era, in the Meiji Era the forest came under the ownership of the imperial family and became the source for wood used in the construction of Ise Shrine. In the post-war period, the forest was designated as a National Forest, a protection that continues to this day. In 1970, the area was opened at the country’s first ‘natural recreational forest’, and saw nationally proposed forest events held for the first time in 1982. The Kiso Forest Railway began operating in 1987.

6. Yamazaki River

Nagoya Aichi Prefecture http://www.city.nagoya.jp/mizuho/category/113-7-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 203 reviews

Yamazaki River

Reviewed By Emily2018_G_Scott - Sydney, Australia

This is by far the most romantic cherry blossom spot that you can find during the season. This is a university town in a quiet suburbs, you will see children and old folks enjoying the walk along the river where both sides of the banks are dotted with beautiful cherry blossoms. There’s park benches, steps, Japanese wooden bridge surrounding the area, good place to soak in the spring air and photograph the graceful flowers.

7. Tsugaike Natural Park

Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 399-9422 Nagano Prefecture +81 261-82-2233 http://sizenen.otarimura.com/
Excellent
53%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

Tsugaike Natural Park

8. Cherry Trees along the Gojo River bank

Nakahommachi, Iwakura 482-0042 Aichi Prefecture
Excellent
51%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Cherry Trees along the Gojo River bank

9. Inatori Hosono Kogen

Higashiizu-cho, Kamo-gun Shizuoka Prefecture
Excellent
43%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Inatori Hosono Kogen

10. Matsumoto Mountai Pass

JR Odomari - JR Kumano-shi Station Mie Prefecture
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Matsumoto Mountai Pass

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.