Japan is having a journey heyday proper now – and rightfully so – it’s an unimaginable nation. The truth is, it’s considered one of my favourite international locations to journey to. Nevertheless, in my quest to search out the lesser-traveled locations wherever I am going, I spent loads of time in Japan off the crushed path on a number of journeys to Japan!
I’ll offer you 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 reside within the shadows of Japan, which few worldwide guests find out about.
Overtourism in Japan
In accordance 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 a tendency 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 inclined to flock to Mt. Fuji. Nevertheless, so many individuals climbed the long-lasting Mt. Fuji, queues have been on the prime, and the setting was broken.
This has led the Japanese Tourism Company to create measures to ease this overtourism. They just lately designated 11 places 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 the planet is my specialty. After intensive journeys to Japan, I’ve all the time loved these smaller villages, and lesser-known prefectures to the extra common ones.
I hope you’ll be able to expertise a extra tranquil, much less populated aspect of Japan that immerses you additional into its distinctive Japanese tradition.
Add These Hidden Gems to Your Japan Itinerary
I haven’t been in all places in Japan, however I’ve been to every of the locations listed beneath. Some are extra hidden than others, however all of them are nice choices so as to add to any Japan itinerary so that you could make sure you expertise the slower, lesser-known aspect of Japan along with locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Really – I additionally offered an off-the-beaten-path Tokyo neighborhood on this listing!
A few of these locations are very particular areas inside a prefecture, and a few are bigger areas you’ll be able to journey by means of which might be much less traveled as an entire. Due to 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 Crushed Path Suggestions
Tokachi – Hokkaido Prefecture
We’ll begin on the northernmost a part of Japan – Hokkaido. Most individuals persist with 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 most important metropolis in Tokachi is Obihiro, the place I used to be based mostly throughout my go to.
Issues to do in Tokachi off the Crushed 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 approach.
It’s value spending a day or so simply trying out Obihiro with its beautiful parks and the Obihiro Metropolis Museum. Plus, since Obihiro is known for its meals, make sure you 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 ensure you cease at A Glass Shot Bar. You’ll meet the proprietor and award-winning bartender there, who mesmerized me along with his mixology expertise and strategies. We might solely talk by means of Google Translate and some props.
In case you are searching for one thing distinctive, Banei Horse Racing is the one race of its type on the 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 aspect of the course with the horse.
That is additionally a terrific probability 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.
Be sure to get out into the agricultural areas that Tokachi is known for by way of a cycle tour by means of the agricultural countryside. You’ll be able to expertise Tokachi’s uniqueness with all 5 senses as you meet farmers, stroll by means of the fields, and style the native produce, all whereas touring by bike.
Don’t miss your alternative to soak in a uncommon moor scorching spring in Tokachi. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “moor scorching 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 crimson coloration, and it’s identified to go away the pores and skin feeling mushy and clean.
How one can Get to Tokachi
The Tokachi space might be accessed from Tokyo or by public transport from Sapporo.
Fly from Tokyo to Tokachi-Obihiro Airport. It takes half-hour by automotive 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 most important island: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Sendai, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Only a few overseas guests wander away the crushed path to Tohoku, so that you’ll take pleasure in being an anomaly.
The realm boasts nice pure magnificence and an abundance of pure sources, similar to scrumptious contemporary seafood. There are a lot of sights to see, like essentially the most stunning 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 a terrific 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 Crushed Path
Probably the greatest 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 gives 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 essentially the most highly effective coastal fantastic 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 can too bike it in lots of areas, similar to the world round Rikuzentakata Metropolis. You’ll be able to pedal by means of rice fields and untouched coastlines – an actual hidden gem in Tohoku.
You’ll be able to’t spend time in Tohoku with out paying homage to the 2011 tsunami that devastated the area. To study extra concerning 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 timber and cliffs of the Rias Coast. At lunchtime, L’OreoleTanohata is a well-liked restaurant opened by a Japanese chef (French-trained) who’s obsessed with native sources 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.
Try Soma Metropolis the place the path begins. You’ll be able to discover the Nakamura Shrine and take a look at some scrumptious Soma beef Menchikatsu right here. It’s beef that’s deep-fried on the spot when ordered! The recent and juicy menchikatsu is wealthy and stuffed with taste!
Take pleasure in getting within the water at Jodogahama Seashore and Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) Nationwide Park. Cease in on the customer heart and stroll alongside the boardwalk to view the beautiful white rocks within the sea. The water is a gorgeous turquoise and excellent for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or swimming! I took a kayak tour, permitting us to rise up near the bizarre 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 timber alongside the river embankment, creating a shocking panorama with an impressive snow-capped Zao Mountains backdrop.
How one can 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’ll be able to make the most of the JR Cross for this prepare.
Yanaka Neighborhood Tokyo
Contemplating Tokyo is the most well-liked place for vacationers, it’s onerous to search out hidden locations in Tokyo – however it’s doable! Welcome to the Yanaka neighborhood.
This historic neighborhood positioned within the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan is understood for its conventional, old-world environment. It’s common to go to if you wish to expertise the ‘outdated Tokyo’. Fortunately, not many vacationers need to see Previous Tokyo – they’d quite persist with the glitzy areas.
Yanaka can also be identified for its massive inhabitants of stray cats. Some locals and organizations have taken steps to take care of these cats, making it a preferred vacation spot for cat lovers like me!
Issues to do in Yanaka off the Crushed Path
Take a meals tour in Yanaka from Arigato Meals Excursions and hit lots of the areas listed beneath. 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 might make the most of as I traveled all through Japan!
Wander the Yanaka Ginza Procuring Road. The pedestrian-friendly procuring road is lined with small outlets, cafes, and eating places. It’s a terrific place to discover and take a look at 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 means of this stunning house stuffed with 7000 gravesites, and stone paths, and soak within the peaceable environment.
Nezu Shrine: A Shinto shrine with stunning 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 flooring of Gallery Okubo is stuffed with vintage tea utensils and pottery. Nevertheless, wander upstairs and also you’ll discover a distinctive little tea room. Right here you’ll be able to expertise an genuine Japanese tea ceremony. One of the best half is that they make the most of vintage teapots and cups, they usually change in every season.
Scai the Bathhouse: This modern artwork gallery is housed in a renovated public bathhouse and options numerous modern artwork exhibitions. For those who like modern artwork – you’ll undoubtedly need to cease right here.
Study my different Tokyo off the Crushed Path suggestions
How one can Get to Yanaka
You’ll be able to 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 might be seen within the distance. Though the middle of city is fairly fashionable, town retains a lot of its heritage from olden occasions, and lots of the vestiges are nonetheless seen within the again alleys and outlying areas.
It’s in all probability greatest identified for its citadel, inbuilt 1504. The unique moats and stone partitions nonetheless stay intact. The citadel was considered one of my favourite issues to go to on this space so don’t miss it!
Issues to do in Matsumoto off the Crushed Path
Tour the Matsumoto Fort: Matsumoto Fort is considered 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 providers are free (no suggestions allowed). I cherished our information and discovered a lot. It’s a good way to see the citadel and study concerning the historical past of the samuari there. They function year-round from 10:00 to fifteen:00 day by day.
Matsumoto Metropolis Museum of Artwork: Take pleasure in 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. Be sure to plan your go to round lunch so that you could strive the numerous completely different dishes that embody wasabi…even ice cream! Plus you’ll be able to 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: Take pleasure in timepieces of all shapes and sizes from all around the world. You’ll be able to’t miss the doorway with a large pendulum clock on the skin of the constructing.
How one can Get to Matsumoto
Matsumoto is well accessible by way of JR traces from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, Nagoya, and Nagano Metropolis. Or if you’re coming from Takayama, you’ll be able to journey by bus.
Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture
Shirakawago was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1995. This tiny village is stuffed with conventional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, lots of that are 250 years outdated. They’re identified for his or her thatched sloped roofs.
Take a stroll across the homes, a few of which have museums inside. Be sure you cease on the Wada home and the Shiroyama viewpoint for a shocking overview of the valley and the Japanese Alps. You’ll be able to go to the outdated village setting for a day or keep in a single day in a thatch residence Ryokan. They even have pure scorching springs you’ll be able to take pleasure in whereas staying in Shirakawago.
How one can Get There to Shirakawago
There are a number of day by day categorical bus providers to and from Shirakawa-go from Takayama or Kanazawa. Nevertheless, within the winter months, it may be onerous 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 outdated city has been superbly preserved and it’s what makes this city so particular. There may be additionally a lot of shrines and museums dedicated to crafts, outdated existence, and different native traditions.
Issues to do in Takayama off the Crushed Path
Stroll round San-machi Suji (Previous City). The colourful slender streets are stuffed with outdated buildings, craftsman workshops, conventional shops, eating places, and sake breweries. That is the proper alternative to essentially benefit from the outdated structure.
Sake Breweries: Talking of sake breweries, Takayama is a superb place to do a extra in-depth sake tasting. You’ll acknowledge the sake breweries indicated by a ball fabricated from cedar hanging outdoors the store.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: At this advanced, make sure you cease on the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, a museum that homes some examples of the floats paraded twice yearly by means of the streets as a part of the spring and autumn festivals.
Hida Beef: Be sure to strive the well-known Hida beef. It’s considered one of Japan’s particular sorts 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 should you can.
How one can Get to Takayama
Takayama is simple to entry from the primary cities of Honshu like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto. The prepare is one of the best ways to get to Takayama until you’re coming from Kanazawa, during which case a bus is your greatest guess.
Iya Valley – Shikoku Tokushima Prefecture
The Iya Valley is sometimes called probably the most distant areas in Japan. It’s much less of a valley and extra of a steep and deep river gorge. A lot 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 street within the Iya Valley. The truth is – 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 beneath. Nevertheless, with all of this ruggedness, comes an immense quantity of magnificence.
Issues to do in Iya Valley off the Crushed Path
The valley is stuffed with distinctive issues to do, however one of many prime 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 approach throughout the gorge, nevertheless at the moment it’s only for vacationers. You pay a small payment to cross the wobbly bridge, and it’s undoubtedly not for people who find themselves fearful 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, try Iya Valley’s Scarecrow Village. Sure – that appears like a spot present in a horror film – but it surely’s an actual city – Nagoro in Iya Valley. The streets, fields, and buildings are stuffed with a whole bunch of life-size ‘dolls’ filled with paper. The scarecrows outnumber the residents, of whom there are solely 30. Wander across the village and make sure you go into the outdated main faculty for an uncommon sight.
After all, in such a lush setting, there’s 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 find yourself completed, you’ll be able to take pleasure in one of many many scorching springs across the valley.
For a very distinctive onsen expertise at Resort Iyaonsen, trip a cable automotive right down to the river on the backside of the gorge to benefit from the pure scorching springs.
How one can Get to the Iya Valley
The best and most typical option to attain the Iya Valley from elsewhere is by way of prepare to JR Oboke Station. Restricted Specific 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 essentially the most well-known shrines in Shikoku, historic websites, and cultural property, making it a terrific place to walk by means of historical past. Though there are a good variety of memento outlets and guests, I nonetheless take into account it off the crushed path as a result of most of these guests are Japanese vacationers. You received’t discover many worldwide guests in Kotohira.
Issues to do in Kotohira off the Crushed 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 supplies a number of little relaxation breaks. You’ll be able to even cease and have lunch alongside the best way if you’d like!
When you attain the highest, discover the a number of shrines, ponds, and gardens, and take in 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 interior 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 remains to be used at the moment. Even should you don’t watch a efficiency, you’ll be able to 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.
One of the vital 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 mushy 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 received’t discover anyplace else? Take a Sanuki udon noodle-making class. You’ll study 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 type of half cooking class, half Japanese recreation present. I assure that you should have enjoyable, and have a scrumptious lunch!
How one can 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 find out how to evaluate costs and timetables. Nevertheless, 12Go helps you evaluate completely different modes of transportation in Japan simply from their web site or cellular app. You’ll be able to search on dates and places and discover all the choices and e book proper from the location – together with buses, ferries, trains, hotel-airport switch, and extra.
How one can Plan Your Japan Off the Crushed Path Journey
I’ve utilized just a few corporations 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 suggestions. To study 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, similar to indigo dying, alternatives to satisfy 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 may get a 5% low cost off Oku Japan bookings once you use the code OTTSWORLD5. Friends 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 also be a terrific tour firm with nice guides who will immerse you within the hidden gems of Japan.
Expertise Japan Much less Traveled
Japan gives 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.
