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Six Central Japan Summer Vacation Destinations.
The Chubu area is located in the center of Japan. In the summer season, the temperature in Nagoya reaches as high as 40°C! Hydrate often, use something to cool your neck, and take other precautions to protect yourself from the heat! You might be surprised at how hot it is, probably more so than you might have imagined.
If you're planning to visit the Central Japan area in the summer, and want to visit a summer retreat with cooler air, check out the mountain and highland resorts! Spending time in refreshing and beautiful nature is sometimes described as, washing your mind, in Japan. It's wonderful. In this article, we will introduce you to a summer vacation destination that the Chubu area is proud of.
Table of Contents
Kamikochi（Nagano Prefecture）
Kamikochi is one of the most popular summer destinations in the Chubu area. Kamikochi is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and is one of the most popular summer destinations in the Chubu region. This is a scenic area at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level. Even in the hottest month, August, the temperature has a high of 23.3°C degrees Celsius and a low of 14.1°C!
It's recommended to start at Taisho Pond, where you can enjoy a view of the Hodaka mountains and their reflection in the crystal clear water of the pond. From there, walk towards Kappa Bashi and enjoy a forest walk on the way there. The refreshing air of the trees and plants on the plateau will refresh your mind with every breath.
For lunch, try the traditional beef curry at the Imperial Hotel Alpenrose along the way.
You can trek from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond and back (about 2 hours). The sound of running water, birdsong, and the soft breeze makes this trek sublime.
Gujo Hachiman (Gifu Prefecture)
Gujo in Gifu is known for the Gujo Dance, one of the three major Bon dances in Japan, and for its beautiful spring water selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters. The Hachiman Cho area, where the city center is located, is a great place to walk around and enjoy nature. There are several limestone caves near the city, such as the Otaki Cave and the Meishan Cave, which feel like they are air-conditioned.
In the Takasu Cho area of Gujo City, winter sports are held yearly. It is famous for its large slopes and in the summer, it becomes a highland resort called Hirugano Kougen. Here you can escape the summer heat. Many people visit the park as a summer resort.
The resort is a theme park with many flowers and animals you can interact with. At Bokka no Sato, you can enjoy horse riding, soap & pressed flower making, and more. On a clear day, you can even see the Hakusan Renpou mountain range.
Hirugano Picnic Garden is a great place to visit. This is a highland resort and the perfect spot for a picnic. Take the lift to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view of the Hakusan mountain range with about 40,000 petunias and Kochia plants. If you're tired, relax at the terrace cafe. There are many other activities such as ziplining, only available in the summer season. In the winter you can go to the Hirugano Kougen ski area.
Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen (Toyama Prefecture)
Kurobe Gorge is located in Toyama Prefecture and the largest river in Japan. The cliffs are nearly vertical and the canyon covering the middle reaches of the river. A trolley runs along the gorge on a 20.1 km track. The Torokko train started from Unatsuki Station, where the largest hot spring resort in Toyama is located. Cross Shinyamahiko Bridge immediately after leaving Unazuki Station, and get a view of the deep canyon, or check it out at the 60-meter-high Atobiki Bashi bridge. It's exhilarating to ride the trolley through the beautiful canyon with the wind whipping around it! The view from such a thrilling height is amazing to behold.
It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Keyakidaira Station, the last stop of the trolley train. After getting off at Keyakidaira Station, walk for about 30 minutes to Sarutobi Gorge, the narrowest point on the Kurobe River. Because of the narrow river width, the flow of the river is very intense at this point. After a 20-minute walk from Sarutobi Gorge, take a rest at the riverbed viewing platform and enjoy a footbath. After that, you will have a fantastic view of the mountains at Okukane Bridge (34m high). There are other places to cool down, such as Kurobe Bannen Yuki, where snowfall can be seen, even in summer.
Adera Valley (Nagano Prefecture)
The river is so clear and blue that it is called "Adera Blue". Ookuwa Village, Kiso Gun, Nagano Prefecture, Atera Keikoku, located in Mura, is famous for its beautiful emerald green river. The water is so clear that you can see the riverbed. Nagano prefecture, Kiso Gun Ookuwa Mura
From the entrance to Adera Gorge, you can walk along the river. Check out the photogenic spots, such as Kitsunegahuti, Tanukigahuti, Inugaerinohuti, and Rokudannotaki. You can also get close to the riverside, and feel the beauty of Japan's water. On and after rainy days, the water level rises. It is not safe to go near the river at those times.
Chausu-san Kogen (Aichi)
Mt. Chausu (1415 meters above sea level), the highest mountain in Aichi Prefecture. After a 30-minute hike from the Information Center, you can see the Southern Japanese Alps. A 360-degree viewing platform is here offering a panoramic view of the city. In addition to hiking, you can also enjoy activities such as boating and go-karting. Or take the lift to the Hagitarou Yama Observation Deck. The view of the vast landscape from the lift is a fascinating experience that is different from hiking. You can enjoy a day trip to the Chausu Mountains Highlands, but if you want to spend a more relaxed time in the mountains, you can go to Kyukyukimura Chausu-san. The resort hotel Kogen is recommended. Choose a cottage stay for the cozy atmosphere, or soak in a large public bath of mineral water using the super-soft water of Chausuyama Plateau, which can only be found in Kitashitara-gun, Aichi.
Aoyama Plateau (Mie Prefecture)
The Aoyama Plateau is in Mie Prefecture. If you want to enjoy mountain climbing with few tourists, I recommend the northern part of Aoyama. From Nishiaoyama Station, it takes about two hours to reach the summit! You can do it. There are two routes: a basic hiking course along the road and a Futamata Gawa course along the river.
The summit of the mountain offers a panoramic view of Ise Bay, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji. 91 wind turbines make for some stunning photos. There are walking paths such as Mie Ken Hurusato Kouen Yuuhodou, Nunobiki no Mori Yuuhodou, and Toukai Shizen Hodou.
Those interested in beauty should visit Menard Aoyama Resort in the southern part of the Aoyama Plateau. It is a total relaxation resort operated by Menard, a cosmetics brand headquartered in Aichi Prefecture. You can experience a variety of things like chamomile and lavender herb gardens, hot springs, beauty treatments, yoga, and other activities, such as making cosmetics. Reservations are required for both overnight stays and day trips.
Wrap-up
Nature trips make for great memories. However, nature can be dangerous at times. When visiting the rivers and mountains, be careful before and after rain. The flow of rivers gets faster, while mountains become more slippery with an increased chance of landslides.
Sudden and heavy rains can occur during the summer months. Check the weather forecast often for accurate reports, take rain gear, and be careful not to slip and fall. Be prepared to wear hiking shoes.
Also, wild animals such as bears and wild boars may be around. When walking in nature, please take precautions such as wearing a bell on your bag.
Nature in Japan is calm and beautiful, but please take extra care and enjoy yourself!
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