- Japan is famous for its hot springs. Nagato Yumoto, a less-known town in Japan to relax and enjoy the steamy water.
- Ise-Shima National Park has a number of luxury resorts and is known for its fishing and pearl farming.
- Mashiko has around 50 galleries, where you can see the local pottery style.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan continues to rise year after year. Sites along the Golden Route of Tokyo Osaka Kyoto and Hiroshima are becoming more crowded. Japan offers so much more than the very well-trodden route. I’ve lived in Japan for two decades—here are 10 of the country’s hidden gems to consider for your next trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
Oki Islands Shimane
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UNESCO named this group of islands off Shimane Prefecture a Geopark due to its dramatic scenery. Imagine steep seaside bluffs topped in verdant green fields, craggy ocean grottos with bioluminescent azure plankton, and sacred cedars which have been around for a thousand-years. Fewer than a thousand people inhabit the scattered fishing communities, but they are happy to welcome you into the local izakaya bar to share freshly harvested oysters and turbans shells while enjoying a bottle junmai. Oki Sake Brewery.
Kurashiki, Okayama
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A network of transport channels made this southern Japanese town a rice distribution hub during the Edo Period (1603-0667). You’ll feel like you stepped into Kurosawa’s movies in the Bikan Historic District. There are storehouses from that time, as well as stone bridges with willows. The scenic boat ride, complete with a punter in happi, is a must. Ohara Museum of Art. Sicilian osteria Rentechi The following are some examples of how to use KumoGreat lunch options are. The majority of visitors are day-trippers from Okayama. However, I recommend spending the night in Kurashiki Ryokan See the historic district at its best in the evening.
Nagato Yumoto, Yamaguchi
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Nagata Yumoto, a rural hot spring town, is a quintessential Japanese location. It is home to a community of passionate, collaborative people who are always investing in the place they call home. In 2020, its 600-year-old Onto Hot Spring got a new, design-forward bathhouse. And the Otozure River that runs through town is lined by well-maintained pathways and piers. Visit OTO For a coffee at the rustic Hagi pottery in the region or Kawarasoba Yanagiya You can also find out more about the following: kawara sobaThe traditional Yamaguchi food of tea-infused beef and noodles is fried in ceramic tiles. Try staying overnight at a riverside Otani Sanso, A ryokan’s young fifth-generation owner is leading the local revitalization effort.
Mashiko, Tochigi
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Mashiko is a pottery center that dates back to the 19th century. Today, there are about 250 kilns in Mashiko producing hand-thrown clay and 50 galleries. There are some amazing shopping opportunities. Mashiko is traditionally a mingei-style ware that is thickened by the iron-rich local clay. It is usually finished with white glaze and simple brush-painted patterns. In the mid-1900s Shoji Hamada, an influential potter, attracted new generations of Japanese and international students to his Mashiko workshops, where he encouraged the students to explore diverse ways of individual expression. This expanded the range of Mashiko style. You can visit during the twice-yearly Mashiko Pottery FairYou can find everything on display, and you may even score some great bargains. Shops are spilling out into the streets in order to get rid of their inventory.
Nanjo, Okinawa
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This area is located on the southernmost coast of Okinawa, approximately a half hour drive from Naha. The area is less touristy than other beaches in the prefecture because its main attractions are based on traditional spiritualism rather than sun worship. On one side is the Valley of GangalaThe caves are a collection of ancient limestone caverns that contain Paleolithic archaeological sites, as well as massive banyan tree trunks said to be home to sacred spirits. The other end of the island is UNSECO recognized. Sefu-UtakiThe site was once the place where indigenous priestesses were inducted. Ojima, a small islet between these two spots, offers a different experience. It’s a place of great natural beauty, and it has a rich cultural history. The islet of Ojima, reputedly the birthplace of Okinawan style tempura, is full of mom-and pop shops on the beachfront. Oshiro Tempura Shop Seaweed Fritters are served hot straight from the fryer.
Goto Islands in Nagasaki
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The island chain of Kyushu is home to beautiful white-sand beach without the Okinawan crowds. It also has picturesque fishing villages, and hiking trails with panoramic views of the sea. The island is also the place where many “Hidden Christians” of Japan fled during the two century ban on their faith. You’ll discover how Japanese converts hid themselves in the chapels of the island to avoid execution. They also practiced their religion in secret. The visit today will provide fascinating insights into the lesser-known aspects of Japanese history, and faith. Then, there’s the local variety of udon is delicious.
Tono, Iwate
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Tono is often only known in Japan as the setting of a quirky tourist attraction. folklore museum. Its microclimate is ideal for growing hops. In fact, it accounts for a sixth of the domestic production. Thanks to the microbreweries, this hops heaven is home to a thriving craft beer industry. Tono Brewing You can also find out more about the following: ZumonaThe rolling fields are perfect for biking and you can enjoy sudsy treats at the Tono Brewing Company. taproom or jazz bar Brew Note Tono. Or you can ride a bike. Michi no Eki Tono Kaze no OkaEnjoy a glass of wine from the outdoor deck that overlooks a steam train track and the valley.
Ise-Shima National Park
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Ise-Shima National Park, a collection of islands and inlets, is not just beautiful; it was the birthplace of pearl farming. You’ll find floating farms in the bay with oyster ropes dangling from them. Amanemu, the most renowned luxury accommodation, is located in the area. However, if you are able to get a reservation I would recommend Cova KakudaThe resort is a four-villa waterfront retreat built inside a renovated pearling station. The all-inclusive resort’s focus is on sustainability. Food is grown on site and seafood is sourced from local fishermen through strong ties.
Akita Prefecture
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Akita is a beautiful prefecture but it’s best to choose a destination based on the time of year. In the spring, visit Kakunodate to witness the blossoming of weeping cherry over preserved samurai residences. You can enjoy the Kanto Festival’s lantern procession in Akita City. The blue hot springs, bright red maples and the Nyuto Onsenkyo in fall make a beautiful scene. In winter, due to the abundance of snow, the prefecture hosts a riot of festivals. There is a fire-throwing event in Kakunodate; a festival for snow huts and snowmen in Yokote; and the wild Namahage Sedo Festival, where people dress as demons, to scare the children into good behaviour in the upcoming year.
Tsuruoka
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The town of Aomori is located on the Sea of Japan. Kamo AquariumA facility that specializes exclusively in jellyfish. In low lighting the tanks filled with pulsating jellies look like a fascinating alien art show. It is oddly relaxing to watch the undulations made by the technicolor tentacles and bells. Yamagata can be quite a distance to travel just to see some jellyfish. Combine your visit with a visit to the nearby temples. Dewa SanzanThree mountains are sacred to ascetics in the esoteric Shugendo faith.
