Japan is having a journey heyday proper now – and rightfully so – it’s an unimaginable nation. In reality, it’s certainly one of my favourite international locations to journey to. Nevertheless, in my quest to search out the lesser-traveled locations wherever I’m going, I spent numerous time in Japan off the crushed path on a number of journeys to Japan!
I’ll provide you with concepts on going past the normal Tokyo to Kyoto route and getting away from the crowds. I’ll introduce you to some favourite hidden gems from my travels in Japan, from the beautiful Iya Valley in Shikoku to the horse tradition of Tokachi to the snow-capped Japanese Alps and the wild shoreline of Tohoku. These locations stay within the shadows of Japan, which few worldwide guests learn about.
Overtourism in Japan
In keeping with the Japan Tourism Company, the variety of guests to Japan has returned to pre-pandemic ranges, with over 17 million folks visiting between January and September 2023. The draw back to those guests is that they have an inclination to flock to all the identical cities; Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These cities are phenomenal; nevertheless, they’re crowded. The inflow of vacationers additionally brings elevated petty crime, waste administration points, noise air pollution, and overcrowding, which may negatively have an effect on the setting and disrupt the lives of locals.
Vacationers in Japan additionally are likely to flock to Mt. Fuji. Nevertheless, so many individuals climbed the long-lasting Mt. Fuji, queues have been on the high, and the setting was broken.
This has led the Japanese Tourism Company to create measures to ease this overtourism. They lately designated 11 areas throughout the nation as “mannequin tourism locations“, hoping to encourage abroad guests to discover past metropolitan areas whereas within the nation.
In that vein, I too have recognized just a few of my favourite Japan off-the-beaten-path locations! Discovering distinctive journey experiences and lesser-traveled areas on this planet is my specialty. After in depth journeys to Japan, I’ve all the time loved these smaller villages, and lesser-known prefectures to the extra well-liked ones.
I hope you may expertise a extra tranquil, much less populated facet of Japan that immerses you additional into its distinctive Japanese tradition.
Add These Hidden Gems to Your Japan Itinerary
I haven’t been all over the place in Japan, however I’ve been to every of the locations listed under. Some are extra hidden than others, however all of them are nice choices so as to add to any Japan itinerary so as to remember to expertise the slower, lesser-known facet of Japan along with locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Really – I additionally supplied an off-the-beaten-path Tokyo neighborhood on this checklist!
A few of these locations are very particular areas inside a prefecture, and a few are bigger areas you may journey by which might be much less traveled as a complete. Because of Japan’s unimaginable transit choices – all of those lesser-known locations are accessible by public transit. Isn’t that unimaginable?!
Map of Japan Off the Overwhelmed Path Suggestions
Tokachi – Hokkaido Prefecture
We’ll begin on the northernmost a part of Japan – Hokkaido. Most individuals follow Sapporo, the capital metropolis of Hokkaido prefecture. Tokachi is an space of southeastern Hokkaido surrounded by nationwide parks. It felt just like the Midwest of Japan with its landscapes dotted with small farms. The biggest metropolis in Tokachi is Obihiro, the place I used to be primarily based throughout my go to.
Issues to do in Tokachi off the Overwhelmed Path
Let’s be actual – just by going to Tokachi, you might be far off the crushed path. Only a few worldwide guests ever go to right here, which implies it feels untouched in a manner.
It’s value spending a day or so simply testing Obihiro with its pretty parks and the Obihiro Metropolis Museum. Plus, since Obihiro is known for its meals, remember to strive “buta-don” (pork rice bowl), an area specialty. Additionally, strive “katsu-don” (breaded pork cutlet over rice) at one of many metropolis’s many eating places.
For those who like mixology or Japanese Whiskey, then be sure you cease at A Glass Shot Bar. You’ll meet the proprietor and award-winning bartender there, who mesmerized me together with his mixology expertise and methods. We may solely talk by Google Translate and some props.
In case you are searching for one thing distinctive, Banei Horse Racing is the one race of its sort on this planet and takes place in Obihiro. Giant draft horses race on a particular course in a 200 m straight line whereas pulling an iron sled that weighs as much as 1 ton. And to make it much more particular, spectators can run and cheer on the facet of the course with the horse.
That is additionally an awesome likelihood to expertise extra of the Ainu indigenous tradition that exists in Hokkaido. The native Obihiro Ainu tradition preservation society is beginning to provide vacationers cultural experiences to higher perceive the unique Japanese historical past.
Ensure you get out into the agricultural areas that Tokachi is known for by way of a cycle tour by the agricultural countryside. You may expertise Tokachi’s uniqueness with all 5 senses as you meet farmers, stroll by the fields, and style the native produce, all whereas touring by bike.
Don’t miss your alternative to soak in a uncommon moor sizzling spring in Tokachi. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “moor sizzling springs” with a excessive content material of natural substances, together with crops. Its excessive ranges of natural plant matter give the water a brown and purple coloration, and it’s identified to go away the pores and skin feeling delicate and easy.
Learn how to Get to Tokachi
The Tokachi space may be accessed from Tokyo or by public transport from Sapporo.
Fly from Tokyo to Tokachi-Obihiro Airport. It takes half-hour by automobile or 40 minutes by bus to Obihiro Station from the airport. It takes round three hours from Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station to succeed in Obihiro Station by prepare.
Tohoku Area
The Tohoku area contains the six northernmost prefectures on Japan’s primary island: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Sendai, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Only a few overseas guests get lost the crushed path to Tohoku, so that you’ll get pleasure from being an anomaly.
The realm boasts nice pure magnificence and an abundance of pure assets, equivalent to scrumptious contemporary seafood. There are lots of sights to see, like probably the most lovely cliffs in Japan, the marvelous surroundings of the Ria shoreline, the sheer abundance of the world’s third-largest fishing grounds, and extra. As well as, the folks on this area are so welcoming – it’s why I name it the Land of Waves.
I visited Tohoku to take a look at Japan’s latest long-distance mountain climbing route, the Michinoku Coastal Path, a 1000+ km path. The paved roads and forest trails tie collectively a area that joined in concord to rebuild after the 2011 East Japan earthquake and tsunami. It’s an awesome addition to Japan’s different historic pilgrimage routes. For sure – there’s loads of journey in Tohoku alongside the coastal path!
Issues to do in Tohoku off the Overwhelmed Path
The most effective hikes from the long-distance Michinoku Coastal Path is the Urato Islands of Matsushima Bay. The islands haven’t been developed as a vacationer vacation spot, and guests can benefit from the conventional tranquil Sanriku island surroundings. As well as, the bay presents beautiful surroundings consisting of oddly formed rocks eroded by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Take a ship to see them up shut!
For an actual problem, hike the Kitayamazaki Cliffs. The 200-meter-tall sheer cliffs boast probably the most highly effective coastal great thing about any coastal panorama in Japan. This was my favourite hike as a part of the Michinoku Coastal Path!
Along with mountain climbing sections of the coastal path, you may also bike it in lots of areas, equivalent to the realm round Rikuzentakata Metropolis. You may pedal by rice fields and untouched coastlines – an actual hidden gem in Tohoku.
You may’t spend time in Tohoku with out paying homage to the 2011 tsunami that devastated the area. To be taught extra in regards to the catastrophe and, most significantly, the resiliency of the folks within the area – cease on the Iwate Tsunami Memorial in Rikuzentakata Metropolis.
L’aureole Tanohata restaurant is actually hidden, tucked in between the bushes and cliffs of the Rias Coast. At lunchtime, L’OreoleTanohata is a well-liked restaurant opened by a Japanese chef (French-trained) who’s keen about native assets and goals to develop the native meals tradition. Dishes that deliver out the goodness of the components themselves with out pointless seasoning convey the richness of the land.
Take a look at Soma Metropolis the place the path begins. You may discover the Nakamura Shrine and check out some scrumptious Soma beef Menchikatsu right here. It’s beef that’s deep-fried on the spot when ordered! The new and juicy menchikatsu is wealthy and stuffed with taste!
Get pleasure from getting within the water at Jodogahama Seaside and Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) Nationwide Park. Cease in on the customer middle and stroll alongside the boardwalk to view the beautiful white rocks within the sea. The water is a lovely turquoise and excellent for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or swimming! I took a kayak tour, permitting us to stand up near the weird rock formations.
In case you are searching for a shocking place off the crushed path to expertise cherry blossom season, plan to go to Hitome Senbonzakura alongside the Shiroishi River within the southern a part of Miyagi Prefecture. Right here you’ll discover 8 kilometers of cherry blossom bushes alongside the river embankment, creating a shocking panorama with an imposing snow-capped Zao Mountains backdrop.
Learn how to Get to Tohoku:
Tohoku Shinkansen is a bullet prepare that connects Tokyo with Aomori on the northern tip of Honshu. The Tohoku Shinkansen is operated by JR East. You may make the most of the JR Go for this prepare.
Yanaka Neighborhood Tokyo
Contemplating Tokyo is the most well-liked place for vacationers, it’s arduous to search out hidden locations in Tokyo – however it’s potential! Welcome to the Yanaka neighborhood.
This historic neighborhood positioned within the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan is understood for its conventional, old-world ambiance. It’s well-liked to go to if you wish to expertise the ‘previous Tokyo’. Fortunately, not many vacationers wish to see Outdated Tokyo – they’d relatively follow the glitzy areas.
Yanaka can be identified for its giant inhabitants of stray cats. Some locals and organizations have taken steps to look after these cats, making it a well-liked vacation spot for cat lovers like me!
Issues to do in Yanaka off the Overwhelmed Path
Take a meals tour in Yanaka from Arigato Meals Excursions and hit most of the areas listed under. I did this final time in Tokyo and fell in love with the neighborhood. Plus – I discovered a lot about Japanese meals and eating places that I may make the most of as I traveled all through Japan!
Wander the Yanaka Ginza Buying Road. The pedestrian-friendly purchasing road is lined with small retailers, cafes, and eating places. It’s an awesome place to discover and check out conventional Japanese snacks and souvenirs.
The Yanaka cemetery is a resting place for a lot of historic figures and a peaceable space with cherry blossoms in spring and colourful foliage in autumn. Take a stroll by this lovely house stuffed with 7000 gravesites, and stone paths, and soak within the peaceable ambiance.
Nezu Shrine: A Shinto shrine with lovely vermilion gates, a pond, and a well-manicured backyard. It’s a serene spot for guests to discover.
Take part in a tea ceremony. The primary ground of Gallery Okubo is full of vintage tea utensils and pottery. Nevertheless, wander upstairs and also you’ll discover a distinctive little tea room. Right here you may expertise an genuine Japanese tea ceremony. The perfect half is that they make the most of vintage teapots and cups, they usually change in every season.
Scai the Bathhouse: This up to date artwork gallery is housed in a renovated public bathhouse and options numerous up to date artwork exhibitions. For those who like up to date artwork – you’ll undoubtedly wish to cease right here.
Find out about my different Tokyo off the Overwhelmed Path suggestions
Learn how to Get to Yanaka
You may attain Yanaka simply utilizing public transportation. The closest prepare station to Yanaka is Nippori Station, which is well-connected to the remainder of Tokyo by way of the JR Strains.
Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto isn’t essentially a small city however extra of a lesser-visited city. The peaks of the Japanese Alps may be seen within the distance. Though the middle of city is fairly fashionable, the town retains a lot of its heritage from olden occasions, and most of the vestiges are nonetheless seen within the again alleys and outlying areas.
It’s most likely greatest identified for its citadel, in-built 1504. The unique moats and stone partitions nonetheless stay intact. The citadel was certainly one of my favourite issues to go to on this space so don’t miss it!
Issues to do in Matsumoto off the Overwhelmed Path
Tour the Matsumoto Fort: Matsumoto Fort is certainly one of 5 castles designated as ‘Nationwide Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story citadel tower remaining in Japan. You’ll discover a small stand close to the citadel entrance that homes English-speaking tour guides. They’re volunteers and their companies are free (no ideas allowed). I cherished our information and discovered a lot. It’s an effective way to see the citadel and be taught in regards to the historical past of the samuari there. They function year-round from 10:00 to fifteen:00 each day.
Matsumoto Metropolis Museum of Artwork: Get pleasure from conventional Japanese calligraphy and fashionable artwork. The museum actually focuses on native expertise together with Yayoi Kusama and her well-known works.
Go to Daio Wasabi Farm – A brief prepare trip from Matsumoto, this farm is a delight to stroll round and study how wasabi is farmed and utilized in Japan. Ensure you plan your go to round lunch so as to strive the numerous completely different dishes that embody wasabi…even ice cream! Plus you may add a enjoyable bike trip to this outing from the prepare station to the farm and again. It’s actually scenic and wonderful to do on a pleasant day.
Timepiece Museum: Get pleasure from timepieces of all shapes and sizes from all around the world. You may’t miss the doorway with a large pendulum clock on the surface of the constructing.
Learn how to Get to Matsumoto
Matsumoto is definitely accessible by way of JR traces from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, Nagoya, and Nagano Metropolis. Or if you’re coming from Takayama, you may journey by bus.
Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture
Shirakawago was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1995. This tiny village is full of conventional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a lot of that are 250 years previous. They’re identified for his or her thatched sloped roofs.
Take a stroll across the homes, a few of which have museums inside. Remember to cease on the Wada home and the Shiroyama viewpoint for a shocking overview of the valley and the Japanese Alps. You may go to the previous village setting for a day or keep in a single day in a thatch residence Ryokan. They even have pure sizzling springs you may get pleasure from whereas staying in Shirakawago.
Learn how to Get There to Shirakawago
There are a number of each day categorical bus companies to and from Shirakawa-go from Takayama or Kanazawa. Nevertheless, within the winter months, it may be arduous to get to as generally it will get snowed in!
Takayama in Gifu Prefecture
This charming of-the-beaten-path small city is surrounded by peaks of the Japanese Alps. The previous city has been fantastically preserved and it’s what makes this city so particular. There may be additionally a lot of shrines and museums dedicated to crafts, previous existence, and different native traditions.
Issues to do in Takayama off the Overwhelmed Path
Stroll round San-machi Suji (Outdated City). The colourful slender streets are stuffed with previous buildings, craftsman workshops, conventional shops, eating places, and sake breweries. That is the right alternative to essentially benefit from the previous structure.
Sake Breweries: Talking of sake breweries, Takayama is a good place to do a extra in-depth sake tasting. You’ll acknowledge the sake breweries indicated by a ball made from cedar hanging exterior the store.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: At this complicated, remember to cease on the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, a museum that homes some examples of the floats paraded twice yearly by the streets as a part of the spring and autumn festivals.
Hida Beef: Ensure you strive the well-known Hida beef. It’s certainly one of Japan’s particular varieties of finely branded beef identified for its distinctive aroma, texture, and style. It additionally has elaborate marbling, giving it excessive juiciness when cooked. Many native eating places serve it however strive it at Kitchen Hida for those who can.
Learn how to Get to Takayama
Takayama is straightforward to entry from the primary cities of Honshu like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto. The prepare is one of the simplest ways to get to Takayama except you’re coming from Kanazawa, by which case a bus is your greatest wager.
Iya Valley – Shikoku Tokushima Prefecture
The Iya Valley is also known as some of the distant areas in Japan. It’s much less of a valley and extra of a steep and deep river gorge. Many of the panorama is inaccessible, traditionally making it an ideal place for feuding clans to cover within the late twelfth century.
There may be not one straight highway within the Iya Valley. In reality – my greatest tip is to deliver Dramamine. All the roads appear to be perched on the steep hills with sharp drop-offs to the river gorge under. Nevertheless, with all of this ruggedness, comes an immense quantity of magnificence.
Issues to do in Iya Valley off the Overwhelmed Path
The valley is full of distinctive issues to do, however one of many high issues to expertise is a stroll over the kagura-bash (Vine Bridge) that crosses the Iya River. This was utilized by the locals as a manner throughout the gorge, nevertheless immediately it’s only for vacationers. You pay a small price to cross the wobbly bridge, and it’s undoubtedly not for people who find themselves petrified of heights! Its vines are changed each 3 years, and metal cables are laced contained in the vines for security.
If vine bridges weren’t uncommon sufficient, take a look at Iya Valley’s Scarecrow Village. Sure – that appears like a spot present in a horror film – however it’s an actual city – Nagoro in Iya Valley. The streets, fields, and buildings are full of lots of of life-size ‘dolls’ filled with paper. The scarecrows outnumber the residents, of whom there are solely 30. Wander across the village and remember to go into the previous main college for an uncommon sight.
After all, in such a lush setting, there may be some nice mountain climbing to be performed. Hike to the highest of the very best mountain in Tokushima Prefecture and second highest in western Japan, Mt Tsurugi. And if you end up completed, you may get pleasure from one of many many sizzling springs across the valley.
For a very distinctive onsen expertise at Resort Iyaonsen, trip a cable automobile all the way down to the river on the backside of the gorge to benefit from the pure sizzling springs.
Learn how to Get to the Iya Valley
The simplest and commonest strategy to attain the Iya Valley from elsewhere is by way of prepare to JR Oboke Station. Restricted Categorical trains go to/from right here about as soon as an hour and most native buses head out from right here.
Kotohira – Shikoku Kagawa Prefecture
Kotohira is residence to probably the most well-known shrines in Shikoku, historic websites, and cultural belongings, making it an awesome place to walk by historical past. Despite the fact that there are a good variety of memento retailers and guests, I nonetheless think about it off the crushed path as a result of most of these guests are Japanese vacationers. You gained’t discover many worldwide guests in Kotohira.
Issues to do in Kotohira off the Overwhelmed Path
The climb to Kotohiragu Shrine is memorable and difficult. There are 785 steps to get to the primary shrine, however there’s a lot to see alongside the best way, which offers numerous little relaxation breaks. You may even cease and have lunch alongside the best way if you would like!
When you attain the highest, discover the a number of shrines, ponds, and gardens, and absorb the panoramic views of the city. And if you wish to see an actual hidden gem, then stroll additional to the 2nd temple. Nevertheless, you’ll should climb 583 extra stairs to get to the internal shrine and greet the deity!
Go to Kanamaruza Theater, a standard Kabuki theater positioned close to Kompira-san Shrine. Inbuilt 1835, the shrine has been meticulously preserved and continues to be used immediately. Even for those who don’t watch a efficiency, you may go to the theater to understand its historic and architectural significance. I didn’t get to see a efficiency, nevertheless, the tour backstage was fascinating.
Probably the most distinctive issues I did whereas in Kotohira was strive their two well-known ice cream cone treats. Get a cone with Oiri (Japanese sweet) on it. The colourful spherical candies are mild and candy – like cereal in your delicate serve cone. Or, if you’re actually adventurous, strive the soy sauce ice cream with inexperienced onions. I can’t say it was my favourite, however I used to be glad I attempted it!
Are you prepared for a cooking expertise you gained’t discover anyplace else? Take a Sanuki udon noodle-making class. You’ll be taught all of the steps to make your individual udon noodles and even get to eat them on the finish. Nevertheless – be ready for some surprises alongside the best way. The category is form of half cooking class, half Japanese recreation present. I assure that you should have enjoyable, and have a scrumptious lunch!
Learn how to Get to Kotohira
Kotohira is accessible from Takamatsu Airport on Shikoku or from Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen. From Takamatsu Station, take a prepare to both JR Kotohira or Kotoden Kotohira Station by way of Takamatsu-Chikko Station, subsequent to Takamatsu Fort. Each journeys take about an hour.
Make the most of 12Go to Get to Japan’s Hidden Gems
With so many public transportation choices to get round Japan, it may be complicated to determine methods to evaluate costs and timetables. Nevertheless, 12Go helps you evaluate completely different modes of transportation in Japan simply from their web site or cell app. You may search on dates and areas and discover all the choices and e-book proper from the positioning – together with buses, ferries, trains, hotel-airport switch, and extra.
Learn how to Plan Your Japan Off the Overwhelmed Path Journey
I’ve utilized just a few firms focusing on creating itineraries that expose you to Japan’s hidden gems. As well as, I’ve discovered just a few of my very own!
I design Japan itineraries that may take you off the crushed path on a custom-made foundation. Let me know your pursuits, timeframe, and funds, and I’ll put collectively a customized itinerary together with details about Japan transportation and ideas. To be taught extra, contact me at [email protected]
Oku Japan focuses on Japan off the crushed path and mountain climbing in Japan. I’ve performed a few excursions with them, together with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, and love the distinctive experiences they provide with locals, equivalent to indigo dying, alternatives to fulfill monks, and extra. They function guided, self-guided, and customized excursions round communities deep within the countryside that protect the traditions of the previous.
You will get a 5% low cost off Oku Japan bookings if you use the code OTTSWORLD5. Visitors might want to enter the code within the ‘Notes and Particular Requests’ subject once they e-book on OkuJapan.com to have the low cost utilized.
Inside Japan Excursions can be an awesome tour firm with nice guides who will immerse you within the hidden gems of Japan.
Expertise Japan Much less Traveled
Japan presents a wealth of charming experiences past its well-known vacationer locations. Venturing off the crushed path to any of those eight locations permits vacationers to uncover hidden gems, immerse themselves in genuine cultural encounters, and witness the great thing about Japan’s less-explored areas. By stepping away from the vacationer crowds and embracing the serendipity of discovery, vacationers can forge deeper connections with the nation’s wealthy historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence, making their go to to Japan unforgettable.
Associated
