6 Under-the-Radar Destinations for Your Next Japan Itinerary
Whether it’s your first time visiting Japan and you’re searching for off-the-beaten-path destinations to add to your itinerary, or if you’re returning to Japan for yet another visit and want to discover more of what the country has to offer, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations to choose from. Outside of the major cities and locations that draw millions of tourists each year, are places still rarely untouched by outsiders, promising the best of Japanese nature, history, art, and culture.
From visiting cultural centres filled with art and sculptures to hiking Japan’s greatest ancient pilgrimage trail in Wakayama, there are plentiful places to enjoy a meaningful, unique journey within Japan. Nature lovers are spoiled for choice, as the volcanic nation is home to world heritage sites in abundance, centuries-old forests, thundering waterfalls and towering mountain ranges. Lesser-known alternatives to Tokyo and Kyoto also abound, such as in the vibrant city of Fukuoka, which along with almost everywhere else in Japan, offers an array of delicious food to try, friendly people and an insight into authentic Japanese life.
For Art Lovers: Aomori
At the northern tip of Honshu is Aomori, a prefecture bursting with natural beauty and wild landscapes, which sit alongside a range of artistic and cultural points of interest. The region is also home to a wealth of things to see and do for art lovers, from museums and installations to festivals. Towada Art Centre features 36 permanent artworks and is at the heart of Towada City’s art scene. The architecturally stunning Aomori Museum of Art also houses permanent exhibits, including paintings by Mark Chagall and an 8.5 meter-high Aomori-ken dog statue designed by Nara Yoshimoto. Even if you miss Aomori’s most iconic festival, Nebuta Matsuri, you can visit Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, which is dedicated to the event. Inside are full-sized floats, exhibits about the history of the festival and an immersive Haneto dance experience, so you can live or re-live the exciting atmosphere of the event.
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For Spiritual Pilgrims: Kumano Kodo, Wakayama
A one thousand-year-old pilgrimage site listed as a World Heritage site, the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail is more than just a spiritual journey; it’s as close as you can get to Japan’s ancient history, beliefs and architecture on a winding path through misty forests, rivers and waterfalls. Hike as far as you’d like on the trail, with the entire Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route made up of seven trails, but there are a few sites that stand out as worth visiting. At the summit are a trio of shrines: Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha, while along the path are ninety-nine smaller shrines, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers and towering forests on all sides. The Daimon-zaka is an incredible cobblestone staircase that climbs higher and higher up to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi waterfall. The latter is Japan’s tallest waterfall and draws visitors for the water that crashes into the pool below and the cherry-red, tiered pagoda by its side.
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For Outdoor Adventurers: Yakushima, Kagoshima
Yakushima is a remote island covered in ancient forest 60km from the southern tip of Kyushu. The island is an adventure lovers’ dream, home to thick emerald forest, cascading waterfalls and mountain scenery. There are plentiful hikes around the island, which can be made more fascinating with the help of a local guide who can point out unique wildlife and flora and explain more about the island’s history. An area that stands out for its beauty is Yakusugi Land, a dense forest packed with yakusugi (cedar) trees, which you can discover via hiking trails through misty landscapes and moss-covered paths. The tropical, wet weather here requires packing waterproofs, but is also what gives the island its abundance of waterfalls. In the southwest lies Ohko-no-taki Waterfall, voted one of the one hundred most beautiful in Japan, while at the foot of Mt. Mocchomu is the equally impressive Senpiro-no-taki Waterfall, which you can admire from the nearby observation deck.
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For Nature Lovers: Niigata
Niigata draws winter sports enthusiasts from far and wide thanks to its popular ski resorts in the mountains. The warmer months are perfect for exploring the scenic beaches along the coast and rice paddies in Hoshitoge. There are ample hiking opportunities, hot springs for relaxing and the region’s seafood is some of the best in Japan, making it more than worth exploring. For explorers, one of the top sights is Kiyotsu Gorge, which you can view from Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which has three observatories and the Panorama Station, where water is used to reflect the incredible views. The natural beauty of Niigata comes alive in autumn when the leaves begin to change colour, and you can see a rainbow of colours in the forests from a cruise on Lake Okutadami. If you’re looking for all the views and less of the crowds than at Mt. Fuji, Niigata’s Mt. Myoko, with Lake Imori at its base, is surrounded by spectacular forest which changes from white to green to orange throughout the seasons.
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For a Family Trip: Ishigaki, Okinawa
The sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa couldn’t be better for a warm family getaway to the area’s white sandy coastline and bright blue water. Ishigaki is the central hub of the Yaeyama Islands with easy flights in, but you won’t find it crowded with its lush jungles, mangrove forests and sparkling ocean. Alternative spots not to be missed are Sukuji Beach, Sunset Beach and Yonehara Beach, the latter of which is great for snorkelling. If you’re up for a hike, there are a couple of viewpoints on the island, including the Tamatorizaki Observation Platform which overlooks the coastline, and Mount Nosoko, which has views over the entire island. Kids will also love fascinating sights like the incredible Ishigaki Stalactite Cave and the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory, where you can learn about the solar system and even attend stargazing events.
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For Foodies: Fukuoka
The lively city of Fukuoka combines the best of Japan’s greatest cities, offering an eclectic combination of good food, nightlife, history and religion. Fukuoka’s food culture is second to none, famous for its yatai - mobile food stalls that are pushed around the streets on a wooden cart. The greatest concentration of these is in the Nakasu area by the river, where dozens of yatai stand side by side, and you can enjoy the city’s best culinary delights alongside the locals. The cuisine is influenced by both Korean and Chinese cooking, and must-try dishes include Hakata ramen, mentaiko (salted cod roe) and delicious tetsunabe gyoza, which are filled with pork and onions. Another spot for trying a different local speciality is at Nagahama Fish Market on the waterfront, where fishermen sell their fresh catch of the day, and you can sample a variety of local seafood. The area is not only well-known for its cuisine but also for green tea, which can be discovered at Hoshino Tea Plantation, a family-owned plantation where visitors can taste fresh green tea and matcha.
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