Chubu

Chubu means “central region” and, fittingly enough, its nine prefectures are right in the middle of Japan. It’s also home to Mt Fuji, Japan’s 3,776m-tall national symbol, and the Japanese Alps, a rugged mountain range that divides the region and keeps the Pacific side sunny in winter and the Sea of Japan side snowy. Unsurprisingly, Chubu is home to an abundance of mountain resorts and winter sports destinations, particularly in Nagano and Niigata. The mountains have also resulted in a warm microclimate around Kofu, making the city ideal for grape growing. For this reason, it’s Japan’s wine-making center. The Izu and Noto Peninsulas on either side of Japan boast a wealth of seaside hot springs.