If You're NearbyHeritageUNESCOSmall towns

Gokayama

Remote mountain villages of steep thatched farmhouses, on the World Heritage list with Shirakawa-go but quieter.

Photo: Minque at Japanese Wikipedia · Public domain
Best Time to Go
Jan–Feb, May, Oct–Nov
Our full guide to Gokayama is being written. It's on the Chubu list as If You're Nearby.

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1–3 of 18
Must-See
Cities · Mountain towns

Takayama

Gifu
About 26 miles away

A preserved merchant town in the Japanese Alps, with morning markets and sake.

1 Sight
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Scenic railways

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Toyama
About 35 miles away

Cable cars, trolleybuses and towering snow walls through the Japanese Alps.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Hiking

Kamikochi

Nagano
About 41 miles away

A high valley walk, under the Hotaka peaks.

Guide Coming Soon

The Full Short List

Chubu

Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps and old Kanazawa.

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