Chubu and Japanese Alps Big Cities

Takayama

Takayama is a beautiful town in the Japanese Alps. It is famous for it’s festivals, markets and old-fashioned atmosphere. It makes for a nice trip away from cities such as Kyoto or Nagoya. Budget travel tips Pick up a free map of the area at the Tourist Information Office (see map) opposite the station. CutContinue reading “Takayama”

Nagoya

Most people will just transfer trains here or continue past to Osaka and Kyoto, but there are a few things to do here if you have some free time. From Nagoya you can go north to Takayama in the Japanese Alps, or south to Ise (one of the top shrines areas). Things to do NagoyaContinue reading “Nagoya”

Nagano City

Nagano (長野) is a nice stop-off point, before going off to Habuka or the Monkey Park in Yudanaka. Accommodation is quite cheap here, but there is not too much to do. Budget travel tips Pick up at some tourist maps at the Tourist Information Center in Nagano station. They have free maps for the Nagano side trips of YudanakaContinue reading “Nagano City”

Matsumoto

Matsumoto (松本) is a large city in Nagano prefecture. The castle and shopping streets make for a nice day, so many people stop off here if before snowboarding/skiing in Hakuka. Budget travel tips Pick up at free tourist map at the Tourist Information Center in Matsumoto station (3rd floor) It’s quite possible to walk everywhere, andContinue reading “Matsumoto”