There are many attractive spots in the Chukyo area that you should visit with your campervan. In this issue, we introduce five places that we particularly recommend, along with the reasons why and the best times to visit. We have also added parking locations and nearby hot spring spots to each spot.
1. Ena Gorge ,Gifu Prefecture
You can enjoy walking in nature and sightseeing boats in this beautiful gorge created by the Kiso River. With a campervan, you can stay longer after sightseeing.
- Recommended time: The scenery is especially beautiful in the evening, and you can enjoy the spectacular view if you visit at sunset.
- Hot Spring Information: Located near Ena Gorge, these hot springs feature an open-air bath with a spectacular view overlooking the gorge.
- Enakyo Parking Area: There is a large parking lot near the Enakyo sightseeing boat pier, where you can park your camping car.
2. Ise-Shima ,Mie Prefecture
A sightseeing area that combines history and nature, including Ise Jingu Shrine, Shima Spain Village, Ago Bay, and more. This is an ideal area for a leisurely tour with a campervan.
- Recommended time: Visit Ise Jingu Shrine early in the morning and then visit the tourist attractions to avoid the crowds.
- Hot Spring Information:Ise-Shima Hot Spring Resort.The open-air baths overlooking Ago Bay are popular and perfect for relieving travel fatigue.
- Ise-Shima Skyline Parking Lot: The perfect base for sightseeing at Ise Jingu Shrine and the Shima area. There is a spacious parking lot where campers can also park.
3. Korankei ,Aichi Prefecture
It is especially famous for its fall foliage, and is a place where visitors can enjoy the colorful nature. If you visit with a camper, you can enjoy walking around early in the morning.
- Recommended time to visit: In the early morning, there are few tourists and you can enjoy the quiet autumn leaves.
- Hot Spring Information:Asuke Onsen.Located about 10 minutes by car from Korankei, this hot spring offers an open-air bath surrounded by nature.
- Parking Spots: Korankei Parking Lot No. 1.Located adjacent to Korankei, this parking lot fills up early in the morning during the fall foliage season, so early arrival is recommended. Camping cars can also park here.
4. Gozaisho-dake ,Mie Prefecture
This popular spot offers aerial ropeway rides and seasonal views. The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular and allows you to relax after visiting with your camper.
- Suggested time of day: Visit in the morning to enjoy the clean air and beautiful scenery.
- Hot Spring Information: Yunoyama Onsen.Located at the foot of Mt.
- Parking Spots: Yunoyama Onsen Parking Lot: There is a large parking lot near the Gozaisho ropeway stop. It is also conveniently accessible by camping cars.
5. Minamichita ,Aichi Prefecture
It is a resort area facing Ise Bay with a beautiful coastline and seafood. If you visit with a camper, you can spend a relaxing time by the sea.
- Suggested time to visit: Relax on the beach around sunset and enjoy the sunset.
- Hot Spring Information:Minamichita Onsenko (hot spring resort). Dotted with hot springs overlooking the sea, you can spend a relaxing time while enjoying seafood.
- Parking Spots:Minami-Chita Beachland Parking Lot: This parking lot is a convenient base for sightseeing in the Minami-Chita area and also allows parking for camping vehicles. It also offers easy access to Beachland and the fish market.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
April to November offers ideal conditions with distinct seasonal highlights. Spring (March-May) brings comfortable weather for shrine visits and mountain activities. Summer (June-August) is perfect for coastal experiences and seafood. Autumn (September-November) features spectacular fall colors, especially at Korankei, one of Japan’s most famous autumn viewing spots. Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds and beautiful hot spring experiences, though mountain areas may require winter preparation.
Ena Gorge: Enakyo Parking Area (large lot near sightseeing boat pier, gorge views)
Ise-Shima: Ise-Shima Skyline Parking Lot (spacious, perfect base for shrine and coastal touring)
Korankei: Korankei Parking Lot #1 (adjacent to autumn viewing area, early arrival recommended during peak season)
Mount Gozaisho: Yunoyama Onsen Parking Lot (large capacity near ropeway station, campervan accessible)
Minamichita: Minamichita Beachland Parking Lot (convenient coastal base, beach and market access)
Ena Gorge Onsen: ¥700-1,200 adults, spectacular gorge-view outdoor baths near Kiso River
Ise-Shima Onsen Resort: ¥800-1,500 adults, ocean-view baths overlooking Ago Bay, perfect for travel fatigue relief
Asuke Onsen (near Korankei): ¥600-1,000 adults, nature-surrounded outdoor baths, 10-minute drive from autumn colors
Yunoyama Onsen (Mount Gozaisho): ¥700-1,300 adults, mountain foot hot springs with alkaline waters, hiking recovery
Minamichita Onsen Resort: ¥800-1,400 adults, seaside hot springs with sunset views, seafood dining available
Ena Gorge: Kiso River sweetfish (ayu), mountain vegetables, traditional river cuisine (gorge-side restaurants)
Ise-Shima: Ise lobster, Ago Bay oysters, sacred shrine foods (Ise-Shima markets, shrine approach restaurants)
Korankei: Mountain herbs, traditional sweets, autumn seasonal cuisine (mountain restaurants, local tea houses)
Mount Gozaisho: Highland vegetables, mountain cuisine, traditional Japanese sweets (ropeway station restaurants)
Minamichita: Fresh seafood, Ise Bay specialties, coastal dining (Beachland fish market, seaside restaurants)
Recommended Route (4 nights/5 days): ①Ena Gorge → ②Korankei → ③Mount Gozaisho → ④Ise-Shima → ⑤Minamichita
Total Distance: Approximately 550km
Travel Times: Ena→Korankei (1.5 hours), Korankei→Gozaisho (2 hours), Gozaisho→Ise-Shima (1 hour), Ise-Shima→Minamichita (1.5 hours)
This route efficiently connects mountains, gorges, sacred sites, and coastal beauty across Gifu, Aichi, and Mie prefectures for diverse Chukyo experiences.
Essential Items: Comfortable walking shoes for shrine visits and mountain trails, camera for scenic photography, modest clothing for sacred site visits
Important Notes: Korankei during autumn peak season (mid-November) experiences massive crowds – arrive very early morning. Mountain ropeway operations depend on weather conditions. Ise Jingu requires respectful behavior and appropriate dress. Coastal areas have tidal variations affecting beach access. Hot spring etiquette is important – research onsen protocols. Some mountain roads may be narrow – drive carefully with larger vehicles.
With these locations, hot springs, and parking spots, enjoy your campervan trip in the Chukyo area to the fullest!
＜PR＞
