Chuo Alps Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Chuo Alps, Japan. Read our comprehensive guide to plan your perfect trip.


Introduction to Chuo Alps

Nestled in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan, the Chuo Alps are a picturesque mountain range that is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The mountains are part of the Hida Mountains and offer some of the most stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The Chuo Alps are named for their central location within the mountains, and they are a true gem of Japan’s natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Chuo Alps

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Chuo Alps area is home to many museums and historical places that visitors can explore to learn more about the region’s culture and history. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Matsumoto Castle - One of the few original Japanese castles still standing, Matsumoto Castle is a must-visit attraction. Constructed in the 16th century, the castle features a unique black exterior and impressive defense system.
  • Folk Museum of Ichinoseki City - This museum is dedicated to showcasing the culture and history of the Chuo Alps region. Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional crafts, daily life, and more.
  • Kamikochi - A picturesque valley in the Chuo Alps, featuring the clear waters of Azusa River and surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the area.

Natural Attractions of Chuo Alps: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Chuo Alps are known for their natural beauty and there are many outdoor adventures to be had in the region. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: a scenic drive that passes through the impressive 3000m snowy mountains, with a possibility to get off the bus and go for a hike through the breathtaking Kurobe Dam landscape.
  • Kiso Valley: A historical valley where visitors can explore traditional Japanese villages and hike through beautiful forests and mountains.
  • Shin-Hotaka Ropeway-Japan’s second-largest ropeway is located in the Okuhida onsen area, and takes passengers over the mountain peaks for sweeping views of the Chuo Alps.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chuo Alps

For those interested in getting active in the Chuo Alps, there are countless hiking and biking routes to enjoy. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

  • Mt. Norikura - The highest peak in the Chuo Alps, Mount Norikura offers a challenging hike with rewarding views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Alps-Daisetsuzan Traverse - A multi-day hiking route that crosses the Chuo Alps and the Daisetsuzan National Park, offering stunning views and challenging terrain.
  • Kaida Plateau - The Kaida Plateau is a popular destination for mountain biking, featuring scenic routes and challenging terrain.

Best Things to Do in Chuo Alps: Activities and Tours

Beyond hiking and outdoor adventures, there are many other things to do in the Chuo Alps. Here are some of the top activities and tours:

  • Onsen (Hot Springs) Hopping: Japan is famous for its hot springs, and the Chuo Alps area is no exception. There are many hot springs to visit, each with its unique features and healing properties.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: The Chuo Alps is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with many ski resorts and snowboarding parks throughout the area.
  • Visit Nagano: Located nearby, Nagano City itself is a well-known cultural hub in Japan, featuring various temples, museums, and art galleries worth visiting.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chuo Alps

A week-long itinerary for the Chuo Alps could include:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Matsumoto City and explore the Matsumoto Castle, Fukashi Shrine and Old Kaichi School.
  • Day 2-3: Hike the Kaida Plateau and explore the Suwa Lake area.
  • Day 4-5: Explore the Kamikochi Valley and hike the surrounding mountains, such as Mt. Yari, Mt. Iou, and Mt. Hotaka.
  • Day 6-7: Visit Shin-Hotaka Ropeway and the Okuhida Onsen area, or take a visit to Nagano City for its cultural offerings.

Food and Drink Scene of Chuo Alps

Must-Try Dishes

The Chuo Alps offer several unique dishes that you must try on your visit, including:

  • Shinshu soba: Buckwheat noodles that are commonly eaten in Nagano, which are served both in hot or cold dishes.
  • Oyaki: Steamed dumplings made with buckwheat, wheat or rice flour to resemble buns, and filled with vegetables, varied beans paste or sweetened chestnut paste.
  • Hira Kokumotsu (local vegetables): Grown in the highland of Chuo Alps, Shinshu’s unique environment creates perfect conditions for high-quality and uniquely tasting vegetables. Many dishes incorporate these local vegetables.

Local Beverages

Japan is known for its delicious beverages, and the Chuo Alps region has several unique beverages to try, including:

  • Beer: Chuo Alps is home to Nagano’s most famous beer brand, the “Shinshu” beer, which is a great choice for beer lovers.
  • Sake: The region is famous for its sake, which is made from high-quality rice and pure water sourced from the mountains.
  • Shinshu Mugi Shochu: A distilled Japanese alcoholic beverage with a unique flavor owing to the quality of ingredients from the region.

Where to Stay in Chuo Alps: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many types of accommodations available throughout the Chuo Alps area, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best for different budgets and needs:

  • Kamikochi Imperial Hotel: A high-end hotel in the Kamikochi Valley that offers luxurious amenities and stunning mountain views.
  • Mummons Hostel: An affordable hostel in Matsumoto City that offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to the city’s attractions.
  • Asama Onsen Takamiya: A traditional Japanese guesthouse in Nagano that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and onsen facilities.

What to Buy in Chuo Alps: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Chuo Alps area is home to many unique shops where visitors can purchase locally-made products and souvenirs. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home:

  • Kiso lacquerware: traditional Japanese dishes and trays, painted with black or red lacquer and decorated with beautiful designs.
  • Oyaki bun dango: sweet rice cakes made with locally-sourced ingredients and often sold from vendors along hiking trails.
  • Hira Kokumotsu: Taking the local vegetables to a next level, these unique local products are preserved in different ways to make them last longer for travelers to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Chuo Alps

The Chuo Alps area is known for its rich cultural history and strong connection to nature. Visitors should respect the customs and traditions of the local communities, such as removing shoes when entering homes, public places, or inns.

Best Time to Visit Chuo Alps

The best time to visit the Chuo Alps depends on the season and what activities you plan on doing. Spring and fall are the best time to visit if you prefer mild weather and colors, while summers allow for hiking and outdoor activities at its fullest. Winters are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts and off-season enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chuo Alps

Do:

  • Respect the natural surroundings
  • Take a dip in a local onsen
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Visit the local crafts shops and support local entrepreneurs

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural surroundings
  • Wear shoes inside homes, public places or inns
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Chuo Alps

The Chuo Alps are a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should follow general safety guidelines such as sticking to marked trails during hiking, skiing, snowboarding and outdoor activities. Visitors should also dress appropriately and always check the weather forecast before heading out.

Health in Chuo Alps

The Chuo Alps area offers adequate healthcare facilities and insurance options, but it is highly recommended that visitors have travel insurance with medical benefits that cover Japan explicitly. Visitors should ensure that they are up to date with their routine vaccinations and consider additional vaccinations for certain activities such as hiking and trekking at higher altitude.

Getting to Chuo Alps: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chuo Alps

The nearest major airport to the Chuo Alps is Narita International Airport in Tokyo. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to the region.

Bus Stations Near Chuo Alps

The Chuo Alps area is serviced by several bus terminals, including Matsumoto Bus Terminal, Nagano Bus Terminal and Kiso-Fukushima Bus Terminal.

Other Options

The Chuo Alps can also be reached by train, including the Express Shinano Line, Azusa limited express, and Super Azusa limited express trains from Tokyo and Nagoya.

How to Get Around in Chuo Alps

There are several modes of transportation available in the Chuo Alps area, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Rental cars are the best way to explore off the beaten track and remote areas, while buses and taxies provide more connectivity and access to the popular destinations within the Chuo Alps.

Where to Go Next from Chuo Alps: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Nagano Prefecture offers many popular destinations worth exploring after visiting the Chuo Alps. Tokyo and Nagoya are also popular nearby destinations to explore. The following are a few places to visit after Chuo Alps:

  • Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional architecture and stunning scenery.
  • Takayama: A traditional Japanese city famous for its well-preserved old town and traditional festivals.
  • Kanazawa: A castle town famous for its historical attractions, alternative art, and some of the most elegant gardens in Japan.

Conclusion

From exploring the natural mountains and valleys to experiencing the rich cultural history of the region, the Chuo Alps have a lot to offer. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or just looking to unwind, the Chuo Alps’ stunning beauty and rich culture are sure to leave a lasting impression on your trip to Japan.

Senjojiki Cirque Senjojiki Cirque Hiking trails in Chuo Alps Hiking trails in Chuo Alps Shirabidaira station Shirabidaira station Instant of 山小屋 ''yamagoya''. (Kisodonosanso) Instant of 山小屋 ''yamagoya''. (Kisodonosanso) Kisokomagatake in winter Kisokomagatake in winter