Central Japan is a must for any Japan itinerary because it offers an incredibly diverse mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences, without the overwhelming crowds found in major tourist hubs like Tokyo and Kyoto.
The region is home to some of Japan’s most historically significant sites including Takayama, Kanazawa, and Nagano. But beyond these well-known destinations, there are many lesser-known destinations around Central Japan offer unforgettable experiences (often without any other tourists).
For those looking to go beyond the highlights and discover the heart of Japan, here are some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path locations:
1) Omi-Hachiman
Best for: Canalside scenery, Edo-period atmosphere, boat tours
Nestled on the edge of Lake Biwa, Omi‑Hachiman is famed for its historic merchant quarter and charming canals. Visitors can stroll along preserved Edo-era streets, cruise on wooden boats, or explore quirky bakeries and cafes. The city exudes a relaxed yet refined ambiance, ideal for those who appreciate traditional craftwork and scenic waterways.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman will take you to two castle towns, Hikone, with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman, known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
2) Nishio
Best for: Matcha tourism, foodies, rural charm
Nishio is one of the largest producers of matcha in Japan, and its rolling green tea fields offer an incredible destination for tea lovers. Visitors can tour tea fields, sample premium matcha, and participate in tea-picking and matcha making workshops. The area’s tranquil countryside and traditional tea factories make Nishio a perfect day-trip destination for tea lovers and slow-travel enthusiasts.
Recommended Tour: Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio.
From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do.
3) Ise
Best for: Shinto pilgrimage, spiritual sightseeing, traditional architecture
Home to the revered Ise Jingu Shrine—Japan’s most sacred Shinto site—Ise blends spiritual depth with cultural richness. Stroll through the lively Okage Yokocho district, where traditional wooden shops serve local delicacies like udon and freshly caught sashimi.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines provides you with the chance to marvel at the natural beauty of the Ise-Shima region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
4) Tokoname
Best for: Ceramic art, industrial heritage, quirky souvenirs
One of Japan's six ancient pottery towns, Tokoname is a haven for ceramic lovers and traditional craft-focused travelers. Visit the INAX Tile Museum to explore beautiful tile collections or paint tiny toilets, or the Tokoname Pottery Path to see historic kilns, and shop for one-of-a-kind pieces. The walkways lined with Maneki-neko statues and charming pottery shops make for great backgrounds for photos to remember your trip.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide through two towns famous for their artistic traditions.
5) Inuyama
Best for: Samurai-era architecture, riverside ambiance, historic craft
Inuyama is home to Japan’s oldest surviving wooden castles, perched above the Kiso River. The surrounding streets are dotted with traditional shops and food stalls, including those making handmade sweets and everything on a stick!
Recommended Tour: Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle.
Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword, meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife, and stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food under the shadow of Japan's oldest original castle.
6) Soni Highlands
Best for: Highland hiking, seasonal colors, pastoral landscapes
Located in Nara Prefecture, Soni Highlands are best visited from late spring through autumn, when pampas grass bloom across expansive meadows. With well-maintained hiking trails and sweeping valley views, Soni is a refreshing contrast to the lowland cities—perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
Recommended Tour: Take an unforgettable journey into one of Japan’s most stunning and ecologically diverse regions with Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soni Highlands Eco-Adventure & Giant Salamanders.
Not only will you discover the majestic, natural beauty of Central Japan and the Muro Akame Aoyama Quasi-National Park, but you’ll also contribute to the preservation of this exceptional landscape—ensuring that it remains a safe haven for wildlife and future explorers alike.
7) Sekigahara
Best for: Battlefield history, martial arts pilgrimage, reflective walks
The site of the pivotal 1600 Battle of Sekigahara, this town offers a deep dive into Japan’s turbulent unification era. Explore displays of armor, statues, and monuments as you walk through the battlefield fields. Sekigahara offers a peaceful yet powerful insight into Japan's history.
8) Gujo‑Hachiman
Best for: Small town charm, summer festivals, traditional dance
Surrounded by a mountain river network, Gujo‑Hachiman is renowned for its pristine waterways and traditional architecture. In summer, the town hosts its famous Bon Odori dance festival, which runs for 30+ nights, drawing locals and travelers alike. Visitors can also observe artisan dyeing processes, tour the local castle, or try their hand making Gujo's famed food replicas.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a family-friendly journey on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
9) Koka
Best for: Ninja heritage, rural exploration, mystery
Koka is best known as the legendary birthplace of ninja. The Koka Ninja House offers hands-on fun for all ages, from shuriken throwing to navigating a trap-laden ninja house. Beyond its myths and history, Koka’s scenic countryside and ancient temples make it a rewarding and unusual stop on your Central Japan journey.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on a full-day tour from Nagoya.
10) Nagoya
Best for: Urban culture, samurai history, foodies
Central Japan is anchored by Nagoya, Japan’s 4th largest city, often overlooked in favor of Tokyo or Kyoto. Nagoya blends cosmopolitan energy with deep cultural roots. Visit Nagoya Castle’s golden shachihoko, explore the Toyota Commemorative Museum, or dine on the city’s famous miso-katsu and tebasaki chicken wings.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour: Nagoya's Highlights and Small Bites will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city (including Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu shopping district), but will also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more "Nagoya Meshi" on your own.
Nagoya is also the perfect jumping-off point for reaching many of Central Japan’s hidden gems. It makes a perfect base to explore rural destinations with easy connections to both eastern and western Japan. Every location on this list makes a great day trip from Nagoya, meaning you can return to the same hotel each night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit these destinations?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (late October–early November) offer the best weather and colorful scenery.
Are these locations accessible from Tokyo or Kyoto?
Yes, most of these destinations are located around Nagoya, meaning you can access them via the Tokaido Shinkansen. Please check our FAQ on each tour page to see with train you should take to arrive in time. Additionally, rather than heading straight back to Tokyo or Kyoto, we recommend staying in Nagoya and exploring other locations in the region.
Are English guides available?
We at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to offer English-language tours of many lesser-known destinations like Omi-Hachiman, Nishio, Ise, Tokoname, Inuyama, Soni Highlands, Gujo‑Hachiman, Koka, and Nagoya.
Additional Tips for Exploring Central Japan
- Use Nagoya as your base. Its central location and excellent transport links make it ideal for hub-and-spoke travel around many incredible destinations across Central Japan.
- Consider guided tours. Especially for historically rich locations like Sekigahara or Ise, a knowledgeable guide can deepen your experience.
- Try regional cuisine. Each town boasts unique local dishes—from Gujo’s river fish to Nagoya’s spicy ramen.
