Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nagano, founded in the 7th century. It houses what is said to be the first Buddha image brought to Japan, which is kept hidden. The main hall, completed in 1707, is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan. Visitors can walk through a dark passage under the altar to touch a key believed to bring salvation.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is in a steep valley in Yamanouchi, Nagano. The valley's name means hell's valley, from its steaming hot springs. Wild Japanese macaques come down to bathe in a hot spring pool, especially in winter when snow covers the area. A forest path of about two kilometres leads to the park from the road.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route crosses the Northern Japan Alps between Toyama and Nagano using buses, cable cars, a ropeway and trolley buses. It passes Murodō, at 2,450 metres, with alpine ponds and peaks. In spring the road runs between walls of snow up to 20 metres high. It also reaches the Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan.

Kenroku-en in Kanazawa is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan. It was developed over about 200 years by the Maeda clan, lords of Kaga. Its name means garden of six attributes, the qualities of an ideal garden. Ponds, streams, bridges, tea houses and old trees fill its grounds. In winter, ropes protect the pine branches from snow.

Kanazawa Castle was the seat of the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga domain for nearly 300 years. Much of the castle burned over the years, but several buildings have been rebuilt using traditional methods, including the Hishi Yagura towers and the Gojukken Nagaya warehouse. Its white walls and lead-tiled roofs stand in a large park next to Kenroku-en.

Higashi Chaya is an old teahouse district in Kanazawa, where geisha entertained guests in the Edo period. Its streets are lined with wooden two-storey buildings with fine lattices. Some teahouses are open to visitors, and others hold cafes and shops selling gold leaf crafts, a speciality of Kanazawa. Geisha still perform in the district.

Shirakawa-gō is a mountain village in Gifu known for its gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs shaped like hands joined in prayer. The roofs shed heavy snow, and the large attics were used for raising silkworms. Ogimachi is the largest village. With Gokayama it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. In winter the houses are lit up at night.

Takayama is a town in the mountains of Gifu, known for its well preserved old town. The Sanmachi Suji streets are lined with wooden merchant houses from the Edo period, sake breweries and shops. The Takayama Jinya was the local government office. The town is famous for its spring and autumn festivals with ornate floats, and its morning markets.

Kamikōchi is a high valley in the Northern Japan Alps, about 1,500 metres above sea level, in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. The clear Azusa River flows through it under granite peaks. Trails follow the river past ponds and marshes. The wooden Kappa Bridge is the centre of the valley. Private cars are banned, and it is open from April to November.

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's few original castles, with a keep completed in the late 16th century. It is often called the Crow Castle because of its black walls. Its wooden interior with steep stairs survives, and the keep rises six floors. The castle is surrounded by a moat, and the Japan Alps can be seen behind it.