Central Honshū

Japan

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500px Photo ID: 84426259 - Northern Japanese Alps (Kita Alps) ranging from Toyama, Nagano, and Gifu prefecture. The peak on the left is Mt.Otensho (2921m). I took this photo in mid-August while trekking to Mt.Tsubakuro (2839m) in Nagano prefecture.

500px Photo ID: 84426259 - Northern Japanese Alps (Kita Alps) ranging from Toyama, Nagano, and Gifu prefecture. The peak on the left is Mt.Otensho (2921m). I took this photo in mid-August while trekking to Mt.Tsubakuro (2839m) in Nagano prefecture.

Why visit Central Honshū

Central Honshū (本州中部; Honshū Chūbu) is Japan's heartland, stretching out between the sprawling metropolises of Greater Tokyo and Kansai. The awesome Japan Alps rise sharply near the border of Gifu and Nagano Prefectures before rolling north to the dramatic Sea of Japan coast.

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Japan’s Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fuji in 14 Days

14 days / 13 nights

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  1. 1Savor Uji matcha from the source during a traditional tea ceremony
  2. 2Meander among peaceful bamboo groves and orange-hued torrii shrines in Kyoto
  3. 3Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing on a four-day tour of Tokyo, past and present
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  • Spring's Season of Sakura: 10 Days of Japanese Cherry Blossoms
    Japan

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    Spring's Season of Sakura: 10 Days of Japanese Cherry Blossoms

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  • Nozawa Slopes, Nagano Temples, and Tokyo Treasures: Japanese Winter in 10 Days
    Japan

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    Nozawa Slopes, Nagano Temples, and Tokyo Treasures: Japanese Winter in 10 Days

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Top places to visit in Central Honshū

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Central Honshū travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

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Things to Know

The central, mountainous region of Japan is often overlooked by international visitors, but Gunma, Nagano and Gifu Prefectures are the spine of the country

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Best Road Trips

To get off the heavily touristed route or delve deeper into traditional Japan the Three-Star Road – plus Nagano – offers star-studded attractions

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5 Shops

Secluded in the mountainous Hida region of central Japan, Takayama is a place where Japanese history and tradition flourish in the 21st century…

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