Chubu: Japan’s ancient history, rural wonders

No fishing allowed: A view of “a la Japonica” Kamikochi park — an impressive rocky peak, deep green forests and sparkling clear streams. A trip to the central part of Japan exposes well-preserved scenery and historical landscapes that stand out beyond the bustling images of the country’s high-tech savvies and metropolitans.

The central area of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Chubu, has a lot more to offer than just its international landmark of Mount Fuji.

Touring with Singapore Airlines and the Japan National Tourism Organization, The Jakarta Post explored Chubu as a place for foreign visitors to go back in time or just enjoy the scenery.

Encompassing Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures, as well as Japan’s automotive center of Nagoya city, Chubu’s inhabitable land is limited to at least 60 percent of its area covered by mountainous forests.

Through valleys and mountains covered in a thick carpet of green foliage, is a hidden ancient treasure named Takayama city, tucked away in Gifu prefecture near Japan’s southern alps. The city is around two-hours’ drive from Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

Inhabited by less than 97,000 people, the city is the largest municipality in terms of its area in Japan.

Located at high altitude and fairly separated from other areas of Japan, Takayama has been kept in isolation, giving it the ability to preserve and develop its own culture for more than 300 years.

In the center of Takayama, a castle and merchant town from the Edo Period (1603-1868) has been well maintained.

The town is among very few places that provide such an interesting insight into the country’s history as highlighted in its Hida Cultural Village; a collection of houses dating from the last 200 years.

“Takayama retains much of the atmosphere of old Japan. The whole town is museum-like,” said Yuki Asakura from the Takayama City Office Tourism Division.

At the heart of the city is a rare variety of old homes and streets frozen in time as cultural artifacts where visitors can shop for Japan’s finest home-brewed sake and apical quality of carpentry products, lacquerware, pottery and furniture.

Takayama natives are best known for their expertise in carpentry, crafting their traces in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and other well known castles and temples throughout Japan.

But visiting the city may not be complete without going for a soak in an onsen (hotspring) bath.

Takayama’s hot-spring spas are among the most enjoyable destinations, and offer a mind-boggling array of variations on the simple act of soaking in hot mineral waters.

To enjoy the Japanese hot spring culture, the modus of hot-spring bathing is expected to be adhered to, including the requirement of stripping bare while inside the hot-spring pool.

“When in doubt, do as naked people do,” said Katsunari Ikedo, the chief officer of the Gifu prefectural government’s tourism and local products promotion division.

Around 45-minutes’ drive to the east is another legacy city of Japan named Matsumoto in Nagano prefecture, which has a long history and a deep traditional heritage.

Matsumoto has functioned as a castle town for more than 400 years. Registered as National Treasure of Japan, the castle has retained most part of its original wooden interiors and external stonework.

The castle, dubbed as the crow castle because of its dominantly black exterior and interior, was built in 1593 during the Sengoku period — a time of social upheaval and political intrigue that saw constant military conflict lasting until the beginning of the 17th century.

The five-roofed, six-story edifice is Japan’s oldest existing castle, tailored as a defensive landmark at the time. Its small windows were designed to accommodate firearms but at the same time ensure protection of the soldiers.

Inside, visitors are drawn to the thick pillars and glossy black floor, which is connected by steep stairs that also provided defense against attack.

There are also displays of historical artifacts including the samurai warrior swords and legendary
military armor made by weaving together materials such as iron, leather and gold.

Feeding the crow: Tourists flock to take pictures in front of Japan’s oldest Matsumoto castle in Matsumoto city. The castle, dubbed the crow castle because of its dominantly black exterior and interior, was built in 1593 during the Sengoku period — a time of social upheaval and political intrigue that saw constant military conflict lasting until the beginning of the 17th century. Around two-hours drive from Matsumoto city center is the overwhelming scenery of “a la Japonica” Kamikochi and the Norther Alps — an impressive rocky peaks, deep green forests and sparkling clear streams.

Kamikochi is a place of untouched natural beauty. It is certainly a great destinations for walks, but trekking and camping are also highly recommended. 

The area is a perfect example of the beauty of Japanese mountains. The views from the Kappa Bridge of the Hotaka Range and Mount Yakedake, and the scenery at both Taisho and Myojin ponds, are breathtaking.

Also there is a memorial plaque of the British missionary Walter Weston who first introduced the Japanese Alps to the world.

“But during winter time, Kamikochi is not recommended because the temperature in the area can be very extreme,” said Masayo Ikeda, the associate section chief for Nagano prefectural government’s tourism department.

Around three-hours’ drive to the south is the town of Shimada, in Shizuoka, which is well known as Japan’s finest tea producing region.

Located at the geographically perfect Makinohara Plateau, small-scale tea plantations literally fit into every corner of the town, which houses the Ochanosato World Tea Museum.

The museum is also a learning center for chanoyu or the art of tea; an aesthetic cult of spiritual refinement that was originally very popular among the ruling samurai.

The activity involves wearing the kimono until the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

— Photos By JP/Rendi A. Witular