5 Top-Rated Chubu Region Tours & Experiences

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The 5 Best Tours & Experiences in Chubu Region

The Chubu region of Japan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic local flavors. From ancient forests and mountain vistas to serene hot springs and flavorful sake, this part of Honshu offers a variety of memorable activities. One unique aspect of touring in Chubu is how these experiences combine nature, tradition, and gastronomy—often in a single day. For example, the Togakushi Sacred Forest Walk provides a peaceful journey through towering cedar trees and shrine visits, while the Kamikochi autumn tour captures the season’s vibrant foliage paired with local wine and wasabi tasting. These tours are designed to give travelers a genuine taste of what makes Chubu special—and they’re worth considering whether you’re after a cultural deep dive or just some stunning scenery.

In our list, we highlight two tours with perfect reviews, both rated 5/5 — a sign of quality and authentic experiences. Whether you want to hike through sacred forests, enjoy seasonal mountain foliage, sample top-quality sake, dress in a kimono, or trek an active volcano, the options are wide-ranging. Let’s explore each one in detail to help you pick the best fit for your trip.

1. Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions

At number 1, the Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions tour earns a perfect 5/5 rating based on two reviews. This tour offers a peaceful walk through the Togakushi Shrine complex, a historic site with deep spiritual roots. Your journey begins with a guided visit from Nagano station, leading you into the lush, ancient cedar forests that surround the shrines. The Okusha, Chusha, and Hokosha shrines each have their own significance, from spiritual rituals to scenic viewpoints.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Kagamiike Pond — a quiet, reflective spot — and the Tenmei Inari shrine, often hidden but worth seeking out. After exploring the sacred grounds, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of Togakushi soba, a buckwheat noodle dish renowned across Japan. The combination of nature, spirituality, and local cuisine makes this an ideal choice for those interested in Japan’s spiritual traditions and authentic eating experiences. The tour is priced at $148 per person, offering good value given the depth of cultural insight and serene scenery.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of nature, history, and food—especially if they’re interested in Japan’s Shinto traditions and want a peaceful retreat from city life.

2. Nagano Autumn Special: Kamikochi & Wasabi Farm & Winery

Coming in at number 2, the Nagano Autumn Special offers a nine-hour journey into the heart of Japan’s mountain beauty and seasonal flavors. This tour is ideal for those wanting to experience Kamikochi’s breathtaking alpine scenery during peak autumn color, with its dramatic mountain vistas and crystal-clear rivers. Alongside this, the tour covers harvest season visits to a wasabi farm and a local winery in Azumino, making it a perfect blend of nature and local food culture.

What sets this experience apart is the flexibility and personalized feel—your guide will handle details like hotel pick-up and drop-off, and you’ll get to photograph the stunning landscape with a guided photo gift. The tour includes a local restaurant lunch and guided tours of the wasabi fields and winery, where you can taste seasonal wines and fresh wasabi. For $193 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that captures autumn’s visual splendor and local flavors.

Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for lovers of mountain scenery, food tasting, and those who appreciate the changing seasons—an excellent way to see Nagano’s natural and culinary riches in one day.

3. Niigata SAKE Fair 2024

At number 3, the Niigata SAKE Fair 2024 is a lively, budget-friendly experience for sake lovers. For just $24, you can purchase a SAKE ticket and sample a wide variety of sake, beer, and wine produced in Niigata Prefecture, famous for its top-quality sake. The event is a great way to dive into local sake culture, learn about different brewing styles, and enjoy some local snacks and delicacies unique to Niigata.

What makes this fair attractive is its affordability and focus on authentic regional flavors. While it’s more of a tasting event than a guided tour, it provides an excellent opportunity to explore Japan’s sake craftsmanship firsthand. If you’re curious about Japanese alcohol or want a fun, social experience, this fair is a perfect pick.

Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore Japan’s sake scene without fuss—plus, it’s a fun way to spend an evening in Niigata.

4. Fukui: Kimono Rental, Tea Ceremony, and Calligraphy

Number 4 on our list offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture through a kimono experience, tea ceremony, and calligraphy workshop. In Fukui, you can choose from 300 kimonos and try on up to four different styles within a three-hour session. The experience includes a calm, meditative tea ceremony, where you’ll enjoy matcha and traditional sweets, making it an ideal culture for first-timers or those wanting to dress up and take memorable photos.

Adding to the experience, you’ll get to try Japanese calligraphy, writing your name or a simple phrase on washi paper — a hands-on way to connect with Japan’s artistic traditions. The activity is suited for travelers who enjoy arts, crafts, and traditional customs, and it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially if you love dressing in kimono or want some authentic souvenirs.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cultural enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxed, engaging activity with lots of photo opportunities.

5. Feel the Volcano by Trekking at Mt. Mihara

Finally, the Mt. Mihara Trek offers a straightforward, invigorating experience for those interested in Japan’s volcanic landscapes. For $61, you’ll trek on Izu Island’s active volcano, feeling the power of nature firsthand. The tour includes touching lava flown from the crater, walking along rugged paths, and enjoying panoramic views of the island’s landscape.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to experience an active volcano up close, with a guide ensuring safety while allowing you to connect with the raw force of nature. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with light to moderate hiking and want to add an adventure element to their trip. The tour provides a rare chance to understand volcanic activity and see landscapes shaped by eruptions, making it a memorable highlight.

Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers eager to get close to Japan’s volcanic activity—an experience that’s both thrilling and educational.

How to Choose

When picking among these tours, consider your interests—are you drawn to spiritual forests or mountain scenery? Do you want to wear a kimono or taste sake? Your budget and available time** are also important: the Kamikochi autumn tour offers a full day of varied experiences, while the Niigata sake fair provides a fun night out.

For those with limited time, the Togakushi Sacred Forest Walk offers a compact yet deep cultural experience. If you’re aiming for a seasonal highlight, the Kamikochi autumn trip or Mt. Mihara trek are excellent choices. Budget travelers will find the Niigata Sake Fair attractive, while cultural enthusiasts will love the kimono, tea, and calligraphy experience in Fukui.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular seasons like autumn in Kamikochi or during festivals. Check each experience’s details for availability and cancellation policies.

Final Thoughts

Chubu offers an impressive variety of Tours & Experiences—from spiritual walks and mountain hikes to cultural workshops and sake tastings. While the Togakushi Sacred Forest Walk and Kamikochi autumn trip are standout options for nature lovers, the Niigata Sake Fair and Fukui cultural experiences appeal to those interested in local traditions and arts. The Mt. Mihara trek is the perfect choice for adventure seekers wanting a volcanic thrill.

No matter your preferences, these tours showcase the diversity and authenticity of Chubu. Consider what excites you most—whether it’s exploring historic shrines, tasting seasonal wines, or hiking a live volcano—and book early to secure your spot. Your perfect Chubu adventure awaits.