Japan is having a journey heyday proper now – and rightfully so – it’s an unbelievable nation. In actual fact, it’s one in every of my favourite international locations to journey to. Nonetheless, in my quest to seek out the lesser-traveled locations wherever I am going, I spent a number of time in Japan off the overwhelmed path on a number of journeys to Japan!
I’ll offer you concepts on going past the standard 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 dwell within the shadows of Japan, which few worldwide guests find out about.
Overtourism in Japan
In response to the Japan Tourism Company, the variety of guests to Japan has returned to pre-pandemic ranges, with over 17 million individuals 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 might negatively have an effect on the atmosphere and disrupt the lives of locals.
Vacationers in Japan additionally are likely to flock to Mt. Fuji. Nonetheless, so many individuals climbed the long-lasting Mt. Fuji, queues have been on the high, and the atmosphere was broken.
This has led the Japanese Tourism Company to create measures to ease this overtourism. They just 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 a couple of of my favourite off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan! Discovering distinctive journey experiences and lesser-traveled areas on the earth is my specialty. After intensive journeys to Japan, I’ve at all times loved these smaller villages and lesser-known prefectures in comparison with the extra in style 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 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 as a way to remember to expertise the slower, lesser-known aspect of Japan along with locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Really, I additionally included 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’ll be able to journey via which can be much less traveled as a complete. Due to Japan’s unbelievable transit choices – all of those lesser-known locations are accessible by public transit. Isn’t that unbelievable?!
Map of Japan Off the Crushed 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 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’re far off the overwhelmed path. Only a few worldwide guests ever go to right here, which suggests it feels untouched in a means.
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, remember to attempt “butadon” (pork rice bowl), an area specialty. Additionally, attempt “katsu-don” (breaded pork cutlet over rice) at one of many metropolis’s many eating places.
Should 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 along with his mixology abilities and methods. We might solely talk via Google Translate and some props.
In case you are searching for one thing distinctive, Ban’ei Horse Racing is the one race of its variety on the earth 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 fantastic 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 raised perceive the unique Japanese historical past.
Be sure you get out into the agricultural areas that Tokachi is legendary for by way of a cycle tour via the agricultural countryside. You may expertise Tokachi’s uniqueness with all 5 senses as you meet farmers, stroll via 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 vegetation. Its excessive ranges of natural plant matter give the water a brown and crimson shade, and it’s identified to go away the pores and skin feeling smooth and clean.
Find out 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 to succeed in Obihiro Station by practice from Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station.
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 international guests get lost the overwhelmed path to Tohoku, so that you’ll take pleasure in being an anomaly.
The world boasts nice pure magnificence and an abundance of pure sources, equivalent to scrumptious recent seafood. There are various 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 individuals 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 a fantastic 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 Crushed Path
Among the finest 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 affords 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 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 can too bike it in lots of areas, equivalent to the world round Rikuzentakata Metropolis. You may pedal via 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 study extra concerning the catastrophe and, most significantly, the resiliency of the individuals 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 sources and goals to develop the native meals tradition. Dishes that convey out the goodness of the elements themselves with out pointless seasoning convey the richness of the land.
Try my full information to climbing the Kumano Kodo path in Japan
Take pleasure in 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 beautiful white rocks within the sea. The water is a wonderful turquoise and ideal 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 surprising place off the overwhelmed 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 surprising panorama with an impressive snow-capped Zao Mountains backdrop.
Find out how to Get to Tohoku:
Tohoku Shinkansen is a bullet practice 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 Move for this practice.
Yanaka Neighborhood Tokyo
Contemplating Tokyo is the preferred place for vacationers, it’s laborious to seek out hidden locations in Tokyo – however it’s doable! Welcome to the Yanaka neighborhood.
This historic neighborhood situated within the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan is understood for its conventional, old-world environment. It’s in style to go to if you wish to expertise the ‘previous Tokyo’. Fortunately, not many vacationers need to see Outdated Tokyo – they’d slightly follow the glitzy areas.
Yanaka can also be identified for its giant inhabitants of stray cats. Some locals and organizations have taken steps to take care of these cats, making it a well-liked 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 under. I did this final time in Tokyo and fell in love with the neighborhood. Plus – I realized 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 Purchasing Avenue. The pedestrian-friendly procuring road is lined with small retailers, cafes, and eating places. It’s a fantastic 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 via this stunning area 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 full of vintage tea utensils and pottery. Nonetheless, 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. The very best half is that they make the most of vintage teapots and cups, and so they change in every season.
Scai the Bathhouse: This modern artwork gallery is housed in a renovated public bathhouse and options numerous modern artwork exhibitions. Should you like modern artwork – you’ll undoubtedly need to cease right here.
Find out about my Tokyo off-the-beaten-path suggestions
Find out how to Get to Yanaka
You may attain Yanaka simply utilizing public transportation. The closest practice 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 just 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 trendy, the 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 most likely greatest identified for its citadel, inbuilt 1504. The unique moats and stone partitions nonetheless stay intact. The citadel was one in every 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 Fortress: Matsumoto Fortress is one in every 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 liked our information and realized a lot. It’s an effective way to see the citadel and study concerning the historical past of the samurai there. They function year-round from 10:00 to fifteen:00 every day.
Matsumoto Metropolis Museum of Artwork: Take pleasure in 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 practice experience from Matsumoto; this farm is a delight to stroll round and find out about how wasabi is farmed and utilized in Japan. Be sure you plan your go to round lunch as a way to attempt the various totally different dishes that embrace wasabi…even ice cream! Plus you’ll be able to add a enjoyable bike experience to this outing from the practice 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 sizes and styles from everywhere in the world. You may’t miss the doorway with a large pendulum clock on the skin of the constructing.
Find out how to Get to Matsumoto
Matsumoto is well accessible by way of 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 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 surprising overview of the valley and the Japanese Alps. You may go to the previous village atmosphere for a day or keep in a single day in a thatch dwelling Ryokan. They even have pure sizzling springs you’ll be able to take pleasure in whereas staying in Shirakawago.
Find out how to Get There to Shirakawago
There are a number of every day specific bus companies to and from Shirakawa-go from Takayama or Kanazawa. Nonetheless, within the winter months, it may be laborious 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 Crushed 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 actually 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 fabricated from cedar hanging outdoors the store.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: At this advanced, remember to cease on the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, a museum that homes some examples of the floats paraded twice yearly via the streets as a part of the spring and autumn festivals.
Hida Beef: Be sure you attempt the well-known Hida beef. It’s one in every of Japan’s particular forms 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 attempt it at Kitchen Hida in the event you can.
Find out how to Get to Takayama
Takayama is simple to entry from the primary cities of Honshu like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto. The practice is one of the simplest ways to get to Takayama except you’re coming from Kanazawa, during which case a bus is your greatest guess.
Iya Valley – Shikoku Tokushima Prefecture
The Iya Valley is also known as 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 street within the Iya Valley. In actual fact – my greatest tip is to convey Dramamine. The entire roads appear to be perched on the steep hills with sharp drop-offs to the river gorge under. Nonetheless, with all of this ruggedness, comes an immense quantity of magnificence.
Issues to do in Iya Valley off the Crushed 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. The locals used to make use of this as a means throughout the gorge. Nonetheless, right now, 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 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 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 major faculty for an uncommon sight.
In fact, in such a lush atmosphere, there’s some nice climbing to be finished. Hike to the highest of the very best mountain in Tokushima Prefecture and second highest in western Japan, Mt Tsurugi. And when you find yourself completed, you’ll be able to take pleasure in one of many many sizzling springs across the valley.
For a extremely distinctive onsen expertise at Lodge Iyaonsen, experience a cable automobile right down to the river on the backside of the gorge to benefit from the pure sizzling springs.
Find out how to Get to the Iya Valley
In case you are touring independently, the most typical method to attain the Iya Valley from elsewhere is by way of practice 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.
An alternative 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 overwhelmed path adventures in Shikoku that embrace 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 individuals 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 a fantastic place to walk via historical past. Though there are a good variety of memento retailers and guests, I nonetheless think about it off the overwhelmed 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 gives numerous little relaxation breaks. You may even cease and have lunch alongside the best way if you need!
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. Nonetheless, you’ll should climb 583 extra stairs to get to the inside shrine and greet the deity!
Go to Kanamaruza Theater, a conventional Kabuki theater situated close to Kompira-san Shrine. The shrine, inbuilt 1835, has been meticulously preserved and remains to be used right now. Even in the event 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. Nonetheless, the tour backstage was fascinating.
Probably the most distinctive issues I did whereas in Kotohira was attempt 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 smooth serve cone. Or, in case you are actually adventurous, attempt 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 wherever else? Take a Sanuki udon noodle-making class. You’ll study all of the steps to make your personal udon noodles and even get to eat them on the finish. Nonetheless – be ready for some surprises alongside the best way. The category is form of half cooking class, half Japanese sport present. I assure that you’ll have enjoyable, and have a scrumptious lunch!
Find out 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 practice to both JR Kotohira or Kotoden Kotohira Station by way of Takamatsu-Chikko Station, subsequent to Takamatsu Fortress. 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 evaluate costs and timetables. Nonetheless, 12Go helps you evaluate totally 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.
Find out how to Plan Your Japan Off the Crushed Path Journey
I’ve utilized a couple of corporations specializing in creating itineraries that expose you to Japan’s hidden gems. As well as, I’ve discovered a couple of of my very own!
I seek the advice of on and design Japanese itineraries that can take you off the overwhelmed 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 e-book what you want to. That is excellent in the event you prefer to journey independently however hate planning! To study extra, contact me at [email protected].
Oku Japan makes a speciality of Japan off the overwhelmed path and climbing in Japan. I’ve finished 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 make it easier to get off the overwhelmed path in Japan – it’s what they do greatest!
You will get a 5% low cost off Oku Japan bookings if you use the code OTTSWORLD5. Company might want to enter the code within the ‘Notes and Particular Requests’ area after they e-book on OkuJapan.com to have the low cost utilized.
Inside Japan Excursions can also be a fantastic tour firm with nice guides who will immerse you within the hidden gems of Japan.
Expertise Japan Much less Traveled
Japan affords a wealth of charming experiences past its well-known vacationer locations. Venturing off the overwhelmed 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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