Japan is having a journey heyday proper now – and rightfully so – it’s an unimaginable nation. The truth is, it’s one among my favourite international locations to journey to. Nevertheless, in my quest to seek 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 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 gorgeous Iya Valley in Shikoku to the horse tradition of Tokachi to the snow-capped Japanese Alps and the wild shoreline of Tohoku. These locations dwell within the shadows of Japan, which few worldwide guests learn about.
Overtourism in Japan
Based on 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; nonetheless, 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 had been on the high, and the setting was broken.
This has led the Japanese Tourism Company to create measures to ease this overtourism. They not too long ago 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 a number of of my favourite off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan! Discovering distinctive journey experiences and lesser-traveled areas on the planet is my specialty. After in depth journeys to Japan, I’ve all the time loved these smaller villages and lesser-known prefectures in comparison with the extra widespread ones.
I hope you’ll be able to 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 in all places 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 as a way to you should definitely expertise the slower, lesser-known facet of Japan along with locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Truly, I additionally included an off-the-beaten-path Tokyo neighborhood on this record!
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 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 stick 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 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’re far off the crushed path. Only a few worldwide guests ever go to right here, which implies it feels untouched in a method.
It’s value spending a day or so simply testing Obihiro with its beautiful parks and the Obihiro Metropolis Museum. Plus, since Obihiro is legendary for its meals, you should definitely strive “butadon” (pork rice bowl), an area specialty. Additionally, strive “katsu-don” (breaded pork cutlet over rice) at one of many metropolis’s many eating places.
In the event you like mixology or Japanese Whiskey, then be sure to 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, Ban’ei Horse Racing is the one race of its sort 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 facet of the course with the horse.
That is additionally an amazing probability to expertise extra of the Ainu indigenous tradition that exists in Hokkaido. The native Obihiro Ainu tradition preservation society is beginning to supply vacationers cultural experiences to raised perceive the unique Japanese historical past.
Ensure you get out into the agricultural areas that Tokachi is legendary for through 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 scorching spring in Tokachi. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “moor scorching springs” with a excessive content material of natural substances, together with vegetation. Its excessive ranges of natural plant matter give the water a brown and purple shade, and it’s identified to depart the pores and skin feeling delicate and easy.
How one can Get to Tokachi
The Tokachi space could 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 to succeed in Obihiro Station by prepare from Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station.
Tohoku Area
The Tohoku area contains the six northernmost prefectures on Japan’s fundamental island: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Sendai, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Only a few international guests get lost the crushed path to Tohoku, so that you’ll get pleasure from being an anomaly.
The world boasts nice pure magnificence and an abundance of pure assets, equivalent to scrumptious contemporary seafood. There are various sights to see, like essentially 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 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 amazing addition to Japan’s different historical pilgrimage routes. Evidently – there’s loads of journey in Tohoku alongside the coastal path!
Issues to do in Tohoku off the Overwhelmed Path
Among the best hikes from the long-distance Michinoku Coastal Path is the Urato Islands of Matsushima Bay. The islands haven’t been developed as a vacationer locations, and guests can benefit from the conventional tranquil Sanriku island surroundings. As well as, the bay gives gorgeous 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 great thing about any coastal panorama in Japan. This was my favourite hike as a part of the Michinoku Coastal Path!
Along with climbing sections of the coastal path, you may as well bike it in lots of areas, equivalent to the world 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 substances themselves with out pointless seasoning convey the richness of the land.
Try my full information to climbing the Kumano Kodo path in Japan
Get pleasure from getting within the water at Jodogahama Seaside and Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) Nationwide Park. Cease in on the customer heart and stroll alongside the boardwalk to view the gorgeous 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 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 bushes 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 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 onerous to seek 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 widespread to go to if you wish to expertise the ‘previous Tokyo’. Fortunately, not many vacationers need to see Outdated Tokyo – they’d fairly stick with the glitzy areas.
Yanaka can also 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 Purchasing Avenue. The pedestrian-friendly procuring road is lined with small outlets, cafes, and eating places. It’s an amazing 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 this lovely house stuffed with 7000 gravesites and stone paths, and soak within the peaceable environment.
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 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. In the event you like modern artwork – you’ll positively need to cease right here.
Study my Tokyo off-the-beaten-path suggestions
How one can 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 through the JR Traces.
Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto just isn’t essentially a small city however extra of a lesser-visited city. The peaks of the Japanese Alps could be seen within the distance. Though the middle of city is fairly trendy, 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 fortress, in-built 1504. The unique moats and stone partitions nonetheless stay intact. The fortress was one among 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 Citadel: Matsumoto Citadel is one among 5 castles designated as ‘Nationwide Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story fortress tower remaining in Japan. You’ll discover a small stand close to the fortress entrance that homes English-speaking tour guides. They’re volunteers, and their providers are free (no ideas allowed). I cherished our information and discovered a lot. It’s an effective way to see the fortress and be taught in regards to the historical past of the samurai there. They function year-round from 10:00 to fifteen:00 day by day.
Matsumoto Metropolis Museum of Artwork: Get pleasure from conventional Japanese calligraphy and trendy 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 journey from Matsumoto; this farm is a delight to stroll round and find out about how wasabi is farmed and utilized in Japan. Ensure you plan your go to round lunch as a way to strive the numerous completely different dishes that embody wasabi…even ice cream! Plus you’ll be able to add a enjoyable bike journey 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 an enormous pendulum clock on the skin of the constructing.
How one can Get to Matsumoto
Matsumoto is well accessible through JR traces from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, Nagoya, and Nagano Metropolis. Or in case you are coming from Takayama, you’ll be able to journey by bus.
Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture
Shirakawago was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1995. This tiny village is stuffed with 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. You should definitely 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 dwelling Ryokan. They even have pure scorching springs you’ll be able to get pleasure from whereas staying in Shirakawago.
How one can Get There to Shirakawago
There are a number of day by day specific bus providers to and from Shirakawa-go from Takayama or Kanazawa. Nevertheless, within the winter months, it may be onerous to get to as typically 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, slim 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 superb place to do a extra in-depth sake tasting. You’ll acknowledge the sake breweries indicated by a ball made from cedar hanging outdoors the store.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: At this advanced, you should definitely 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 one among 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 in case 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 one of the crucial 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. The truth is – my greatest tip is to deliver Dramamine. The entire 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 stuffed with 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. The locals used to make use of this as a method throughout the gorge. Nevertheless, right this moment, it’s only for vacationers. You pay a small price to cross the wobbly bridge, and it’s positively not for people who find themselves frightened of heights! Its vines are changed each three 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 feels 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 you should definitely go into the previous major college for an uncommon sight.
In fact, in such a lush setting, there may be some nice climbing to be accomplished. Hike to the highest of the best mountain in Tokushima Prefecture and second highest in western Japan, Mt Tsurugi. And if you end up completed, you’ll be able to get pleasure from one of many many scorching springs across the valley.
For a extremely distinctive onsen expertise at Resort Iyaonsen, journey 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
In case you are touring independently, the commonest technique to attain the Iya Valley from elsewhere is through 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.
Another choice is to make the most of an area tour firm like Oku Japan (that is who I traveled with and launched me to the Iya Valley) They provide off the crushed path adventures in Shikoku that embody stops within the Iya Valley and Kotohira (under). Try their self-guided Shikoku 10 days and guided Shikoku 13 Day tour. You will get a 5% low cost for folks utilizing code OTTSWORLD5
Kotohira – Shikoku Kagawa Prefecture
Kotohira is dwelling to essentially the most well-known shrines in Shikoku, historic websites, and cultural property, making it an amazing place to walk by historical past. Despite the fact that 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 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 way in which, which gives a number of little relaxation breaks. You may even cease and have lunch alongside the way in which in order for you!
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 must 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. The shrine, in-built 1835, has been meticulously preserved and remains to be used right this moment. Even in case 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.
Some of the 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 gentle and candy – like cereal in your delicate serve cone. Or, in case you are 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 wherever else? Take a Sanuki udon noodle-making class. You’ll be taught all of the steps to make your personal udon noodles and even get to eat them on the finish. Nevertheless – be ready for some surprises alongside the way in which. The category is kind 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 through Takamatsu-Chikko Station, subsequent to Takamatsu Citadel. 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 easy 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 places and discover all the choices and guide proper from the location – together with buses, ferries, trains, hotel-airport switch, and extra.
How one can Plan Your Japan Off the Overwhelmed Path Journey
I’ve utilized a number of corporations focusing on creating itineraries that expose you to Japan’s hidden gems. As well as, I’ve discovered a number of of my very own!
I seek the advice of on and design Japanese itineraries that can take you off the crushed path on a custom-made foundation. Let me know your pursuits, timeframe, and finances, and I’ll put collectively a customized itinerary, together with details about Japan transportation and ideas. You then take these concepts and guide what you want to. That is excellent in case you wish to journey independently however hate planning! To be taught extra, contact me at [email protected].
Oku Japan makes a speciality of Japan off the crushed path and climbing in Japan. I’ve accomplished a few excursions with them, together with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. I really like 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. They’ll completely assist you to get off the crushed path in Japan – it’s what they do greatest!
You will get a 5% low cost off Oku Japan bookings once you use the code OTTSWORLD5. Visitors might want to enter the code within the ‘Notes and Particular Requests’ discipline after they guide on OkuJapan.com to have the low cost utilized.
Inside Japan Excursions can also be an amazing 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 fascinating 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.
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