Central Honshu inc Nagoya

Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, the seven prefectures of Central Honshu, known as Chubu, offer a wide choice of terrain. Dominating the region are the outstanding Japan Alps, providing spectacular mountain scenery. Just as appealing is the rugged northern coast, which covers Toyama-ken, Ishikawa-ken and Fukui-ken. Designed by the savage waves, it feels very much set apart from the rest of the country. The industrialized south-coast prefectures of Shizuoka-ken and Aichi-ken have places worth stopping to see, including Japan's fourth main city, Nagoya.

Even on the shortest trip, make time for the majestic Japan Alps to see the 1998 Winter Olympics city of Nagano. Nagano's highlight is its venerable and atmospheric temple, also don't miss the stunning lava landscape at Onioshidashien.

Wherever you go in Central Honshu, there are regional foods to be sampled, but the dish you'll come across most frequently is soba, noodles made from buckwheat flour. Nagano is renowned for its fresh fruit and chestnuts, while the Hida region of neighbouring Gifu-ken specializes in beef, mountain vegetables and miso, fermented bean paste. Ayu river fish are often served in the inland regions, while on the Japan Sea coast, you should make the most of the wonderful fresh seafood. Kanazawa has a particularly refined style of cooking, known as kaga ryori where each dish is exquisitely displayed, while in Nagoya, the local favourite is chicken with flat kishimen noodles.

When in Japan there are a few things to remember to avoid upsetting the local people.
1) When meeting someone for the first time for business it is important to bow and exchange business cards.
2) Remove your shoes before entering the home or a Tamami room.
3) When sitting on the floor keep your legs under you at all times and if you have to stretch do so with out pointing your feet at anyone.
4) When you meet Japanese people it is important to bow. When bowing it is a rule that the person who has a higher status bows shallower than the other persons.
5) The exchanging of gifts is an important part of Japanese culture and there for if you are invited into someone’s home you should give a small gift. Preferably from your own country. When money is being given it is best for it to be in an envelope.
6) Blowing your nose in public is seen as rude and is frowned upon.
7) Bathing follows strict guidelines and it is important to follow them, washing is done before entering the bath.
8) Japanese do not eat in the streets unless seats are provided. (Ice cream is an exception.)

Japanese are very tolerant of foreigners and there is little chance of offending them once they understand. It is important however to follow these guidelines to avoid any altercations.

Japan has a very complex climate as a whole country because the northern climate is very different to the southern Island climate. The climates also differ in the different seasons. The climates are obviously warmer in the summer months and cooler in the winter months for all regions. In the north the climate is generally cold with snow in the winter months where down in the south the climate is sub-tropical. In Japan the seasons bring a high degree of weather variation. The winter brings snow falls to Japans western side and cooler weather to the eastern side. The summer months bring warm weather with high humidity and is generally the time of year it rains. The autumn and spring months are generally mild with low rainfall and mostly clear days.