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Central Japan
T
he central and western areas of Honshu
encompass many of Japan’s classic
highlights. Parts of the island are among the
most densely populated and urbanised areas
in the world, although there are pockets of
rural village life and countryside scenery too.
The must-see spots of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone
and Hiroshima are all linked by an efficient
rail system and can be easily visited in a
two week period, along with the slightly
more off the beaten track destination of
Tsumago in the quiet Kiso valley. All of
Japan’s contrasts and icons can be found in
central Japan, from towering skyscrapers and
thronging crowds to peaceful temples and
manicured gardens. Much of Japan’s most
glorious mountain scenery is in the Japanese
Alps, linked to Tokyo by bullet train.
Kamikochi and the Tateyama-Kurobe
Alpine route offer breathtaking hiking and
walking, and Nagano is a skiing and
snowboarding paradise, with world-class
runs and resorts. There is wildlife here too,
with Yudanaka home to the playful snow
monkeys. Further west, quiet and attractive
artisan towns such as Matsue and Tsuwano
show a different side to Japan.
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