Travel across the Hokuriku and Chubu regions by JR line, and enjoy breathtakingly picturesque scenery all year round!

Text and photos / Unbeaten Japan
 
Do you know how to explore the Hokuriku and Chubu regions of Japan?
The smartest way is to start from Chubu Centrair International Airport and take the JR line to visit Gifu Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama Kurobe, and Nagano Prefecture, all home to the most beautiful attractions and most local hidden treasures!

● In Gifu Prefecture, you can...
【Magome-juku (Magome Post Town)】
The Nakasendō (Nakasendo Road) was a major highway connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, dotted with post stations along the way, and Magome-juku is one of them. Even today, it retains the nostalgic charm of the Edo period. The stone-paved slope is lined with souvenir shops and guesthouses where you can shop or grab a snack and enjoy it as you stroll.
Getting there: Take a bus from “Nakatsugawa Station” for about 25 minutes and get off at “Magome” Station.

● In Toyama Prefecture, you can...
【Fugan Canal Circular Park】
This urban park in central Toyama City is surrounded by the Fugan Canal, forming a vast green riverside space. Take the Fugan Water Upper Line from Circular Park, pass through the Nakajima Sluice Gate, and finally arrive at the port town of Iwase — the entire journey takes about an hour, allowing you to enjoy the historic canal and the beautiful scenery along the waterway.
Getting there: A 10-minute walk from “JR Toyama Station North Exit,” or take the sightseeing bus (Northwest Route) and get off at “Circular Park” Station.

● In Tateyama Kurobe, you can...
【Shōmyō Falls (Shomyo Waterfall)】
Shōmyō Falls originates from Mount Yari, the main peak of Mount Tateyama. It cascades down in four tiers from great heights, with a total drop of 350 meters. Shōmyō Falls and the neighboring Hannoki Falls form a V-shape when viewed from certain angles. At peak water flow, the combined force of the two waterfalls is measured at up to 100 tons per second, making it Japan’s largest waterfall.
Getting there: Take a bus from “Toyama Station” bound for Shōmyō Falls, get off at the terminal after about 20 minutes, then hike about 30 minutes to the waterfall viewing platform.

● In Nagano Prefecture, you can...
【Matsumoto Castle】
Matsumoto Castle is a five-story, six-floor structure built during the Eishō era of the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Its value also lies in its unique structure and construction methods, and it is the oldest existing five-story, six-floor tenshu (main keep) in Japan, designated as a national treasure. Matsumoto Castle, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Japanese Alps in the distance, is a famous iconic view of Matsumoto City.
Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the East Exit of “Matsumoto Station,” or take the Town Sneaker sightseeing bus’s North Loop route from Matsumoto Station and get off at “Matsumoto Castle / City Hall Front” Station.