Chubu Region

Michael Murray Sarah Ketterman Matt Tirado Daniela Perez Suarez

Chubu ~ Central Region

Near Center of Honshu, directly between Kanto and Kansai 2010 Population: 21,715,822 Area: 72,572km (28,020 miles)

9 Prefectures
Aichi Fukui Gifu Ishikawa Toyama Nagano Niigata Shizuoka Yamanashi e (Mie)

Divides Japan in Half

Omote
The Front of Japan Pacific Side Sunny in Winter

Ura
The Back of Japan Sea of Japan Side Snowy in Winter

The Chukyo ( ) Metropolitan Area

Most Urban part of the Tokai sub-region 6380km (3964 miles) About 13x Charlotte but roughly the same population density 3rd most populated area of Japan, behind Tokyo and Kyoto

Aichi Prefecture
Capital: Nagoya
Faces Ise Bay Fastest growing population 17% of total area dedicated to Natural Parks

Nagoya

Nagoya Castle

Atsuta Shrine

Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Some of the other sights around Nagoya

Nagoya Science Museum

Toyota Museum

Nagoya Port

Shizuoka: Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the landmark of the Chubu region It's about 12,389 ft. high Located in the Shizuoka prefecture It's one of the "Three Holy Mountains" the other ones are : Mount Tate and Mount Haku It's more famous than the other ones because is the highest one from Japan. It's a recurrent subject of Japanese art Very popular destination for hiking.

Other things to do in Shizuoka

Visit the Izu Peninsula- coastline with resort towns Wildlife Parks like Fuji Safari Park Visit Castle ruins in Hamamatsu and Kakegawa Surf in Omaezaki

Where to eat: Fujinomiya- famous for their Yakisoba noodles Local restaurants have specialities in eel, turtle and melons Sawayaka- restaurant chain found only in this prefecture, famous for their "genkotsu" a hamburger steak the size of your fist

Yamanashi

Close to Tokyo and a great place to escape the city and experience rural Japan You can either go there by train or bus Located at the foothills of Mt. Fuji

What to visit/what to do Zuigakuin- famous place to meditate They have different annual festivals like Shingen ko Masturi to honor the feudal lord

Where to eat: The area is famous for its grapes and peaches You can also try their wheat noodles called Houtou They are also famous for their wine.

Gifu Prefecture
Control Gifu and you control Japan."
Most popular cities: *Gero *Shirakawa *Takayama

Gero
*Famous for its hot springs *The city was established in 2004 by merging the towns of Gero, Hagiwara, Kanayama and Osaka, and the village of Maze http://www.bosenkan.co.jp/ind ex.htm

Shirakawa

Shiramizu Waterfall

Oshirakawa Openair Bath

Hakusan National Park

Oshirakawa Camp Site

Hirase Hot Springs *The hot springs contain sulfur and sodium chloride that makes the skin very smooth. *Located along a mountain stream, thespring is said to be effective for fertility. *Warmhearted and cordial reception is the boast of this place.

Takayama
Retained a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town.
Shopping street

Mount Norikura- dormant volcano

The Takayama Festival is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals.It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in Takayama and attracts large numbers of spectators.

Some History
Tokaido - Ancient highway leading from Tokyo to Kyoto. Artists have immortalized the meandering Tokaido in poetry and paintings that provide glimpses of life during the ancient days. Shukuba machi - Way stations along the route developed into towns. Victorious feudal armies, vanquished samurai, merchants, and humble farmers have all trudged through Chubu on the Tokaido. Prehistoric farmers and gatherers lived in this fertile region. Evidence found in Shizuoka shows rice cultivation from Yayoi period. Around Nagano, in the heart of Chubu, remains were discovered at the A pyramid rock (togari-ishi) contains markings of weapon sharpening (Jomon-period).

Content Questions
1.What is the third largest population center in Japan? 2.What is the landmark of the Chubu region? 3. True/False: Gero was created in 2004 by merging several cities into one. 4. What three activities can you do at the Hakusan National Park? 5. What is the name of the ancient trail that runs through Chubu? 6. Where is Chubu located on the map?
Discussion Questions: 1. What prefecture would you think would be the most appealing to tourrists? 2. Why do you think the Tokaido was so often mentioned in movies and poems.