The Chubu region of Japan offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. This guide introduces five must-visit destinations, including spots in Shizuoka and Fukui Prefectures, ideal for a campervan journey. Along the way, discover how each location contrasts with Western landscapes and traditions, making your trip uniquely Japanese.
1. Atami Hot Springs and Hatsushima (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Highlights:
Located on Shizuoka’s eastern coast, Atami is a renowned hot spring town. Stroll along the seaside and relax in open-air foot baths with ocean views. From nearby ports, take a short ferry ride to Hatsushima, a quaint island offering fresh seafood and tranquil vibes, perfect for a mini-island getaway. Park your campervan in Atami and enjoy the ferry ride to this serene retreat.
Difference from Western Spots:
Atami’s integration of hot springs into daily life and Hatsushima’s intimate island atmosphere offer a close connection to nature and community, unlike large-scale Western beach resorts.
Local Cuisine:
Savor dried horse mackerel (“aji no himono”) in Atami and enjoy fresh seafood dishes, including octopus specialties, on Hatsushima. Don’t miss the famous Atami pudding for dessert!
2. Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture)
Highlights:
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Surrounded by lush fields in summer or snow in winter, this picturesque village offers a glimpse into Japan’s agricultural past and its adaptation to harsh winters.
Difference from Western Spots:
The steep, triangular roofs of Shirakawa-go’s houses are a uniquely Japanese solution to heavy snowfall, contrasting with the stone or timber farmhouses common in Europe.
Local Cuisine:
Enjoy “Hoba Miso,” a rustic dish where miso paste is grilled with vegetables on a magnolia leaf, along with fresh river fish and handmade soba noodles.
3. Matsumoto City (Nagano Prefecture)
Highlights:
Matsumoto is a historic and cultural hub in the Japanese Alps, home to Matsumoto Castle, known for its striking black exterior and historic wooden structure. The city also serves as a gateway to natural attractions like Kamikochi and the Northern Alps.
Difference from Western Spots:
Matsumoto Castle’s wooden architecture and tranquil moat contrast with the stone castles and grandiose fortresses of Europe, offering a quieter elegance.
Local Cuisine:
Try “Sanzokuyaki,” a hearty fried chicken dish, or the region’s famous buckwheat soba noodles. Don’t forget to indulge in desserts and drinks made from Nagano’s locally grown apples.
4. Noto Peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Highlights:
Stretching into the Sea of Japan, the Noto Peninsula features stunning coastal scenery and traditional rural life. Visit the Senmaida terraced rice fields or the bustling Wajima Morning Market, where local crafts and fresh seafood abound.
Difference from Western Spots:
The intricate layout of Noto’s rice terraces is a stark contrast to the expansive, flat farmlands found in Western countries, reflecting Japan’s efficient use of limited space.
Local Cuisine:
Seafood lovers will delight in Noto’s offerings, such as winter crab, oysters, and the savory-sweet “Noto Don” rice bowls. Pair your meal with locally brewed sake for the full experience.
5. Tojinbo Cliffs (Fukui Prefecture)
Highlights:
Tojinbo, located on the Sea of Japan coast, is a dramatic landscape of towering basalt cliffs shaped by millennia of ocean waves. This rugged beauty is complemented by nearby attractions such as the Fukui Dinosaur Museum and local hot springs.
Difference from Western Spots:
The unique columnar basalt formations of Tojinbo are reminiscent of Icelandic landscapes but offer a distinctly Japanese sense of serenity and cultural connection.
Local Cuisine:
Indulge in Fukui’s famous “Echizen Crab” during the winter season. Other must-try dishes include “Sauce Katsu-don” (pork cutlet rice bowl) and “Heshiko,” a fermented mackerel delicacy.
Conclusion
From the relaxing hot springs of Atami to the dramatic cliffs of Tojinbo, Chubu is a region rich in natural beauty, history, and local cuisine. A campervan journey offers the perfect way to explore the unique charm of these destinations and their contrasts with Western counterparts. Enjoy the freedom to uncover the essence of Japan!
