Off The Beaten Path Japan can be attractive yet mysterious to tourists.
If you’re like most people, when you think of Japan, the first things that come to mind are Tokyo and Kyoto.
While these cities are definitely worth visiting, they are by no means the only interesting places in Japan!
In this blog post, we will explore some of Japan’s hidden gems – particularly places that are off the beaten path.
And I am sure when visiting Japan, you’ll love many of these places and have a unique experience.
Off The Beaten Path Japan – Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for an adventure, read on and let’s explore Japan.
1. Shikoku
Shikoku is the smallest and least populated of Japan’s four main islands.
For that reason, it”s often overlooked by visitors to Japan, who flock to the more popular destinations of Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara.
However, Shikoku has a lot to offer!
The island is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery, including the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Karst national park.
Furthermore, it’s also a great place to try traditional Japanese foods such as sanuki-udon noodles and sake.
Places to visit in Shikoku
Shikoku island is better accessed if you have a car.
From the mainland, you first need to drive across Awaji Island.
Or you can take the bullet train to Kobe and rent a car from there.
Naoshima – This small art island is home to several contemporary art museums, as well as traditional Japanese sculptures.
Iya Valley – The Iya Valley is a remote and mountainous region of Shikoku that is known for its dramatic landscapes and rope bridges.
Perfect for nature lovers.
Dogo onsen is worth a trip, too, and is Japan’s oldest natural hot springs.
2. Tohoku
Tohoku is the northeastern region of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
It is famous for its cold winters and lovely autumn foliage.
This region of northern Japan was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami but has since been rebuilt and is now open to visitors.
Tohoku is a great place to see some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery, including the Shirakami Mountains and the Oirase Stream.
This region of northern Japan is also home to several hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing in after a long day of sightseeing.
Places to visit in Tohoku:
Aomori – Aomori is the capital of Aomori Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku region.
It is a great place to try the local speciality, apples!
Sendai – Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and the capital of Miyagi Prefecture.
It is known for its lively downtown area and delicious gyutan (beef tongue).
Hachimantai – Hachimantai is a beautiful mountain region in Iwate Prefecture.
It is famous for its hot springs, skiing resorts, and autumn leaves.
3. Tottori
Tottori is a prefecture located on the west coast of Japan.
It is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and mountains.
Tottori is also home to the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest sand dunes in all of Japan!
The dunes are a great place to hike or even go sandboarding.
Places to visit in Tottori:
Tottori Sand Dunes – As mentioned above, the Tottori Sand Dunes are the largest sand dunes in all of Japan.
Mount Daisen – Mount Daisen is the highest mountain in Tottori Prefecture.
It is a popular destination for hiking and skiing in the winter.
Yonago – Yonago is the capital of Tottori Prefecture.
It is a fun city with many attractions, including museums, parks, and a lively nightlife scene.
4. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest and northernmost of Japan’s four main islands.
It was on my bucket list for years.
It is known for its beautiful scenery, including mountains, forests, and lakes.
Hokkaido is also home to some of Japan’s best skiing and snowboarding resorts.
Places to go in Hokkaido:
Sapporo – Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and the largest city on the island.
It is a great place to try the local cuisine, including Sapporo beer and ramen.
Lake Toya – Lake Toya is a volcanic crater lake located in southwestern Hokkaido.
It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
Mount Hakodate – Mount Hakodate is a mountain located in southern Hokkaido.
It offers stunning views of the city of Hakodate and the surrounding area.
6. Chubu
Chubu is a region located in central Japan.
It comprises nine prefectures, including Aichi, Gifu, and Nagano.
Chubu is particularly known for its beautiful scenery, including the Japanese Alps.
The region is also home to many historical sites and traditional villages.
Places to visit in Chubu:
Nagoya – Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the largest city in the Chubu region.
It is a great place to try the local cuisine, shop for traditional goods, and visit historical sites.
It’s a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.
Nagano – Nagano is the capital of Nagano Prefecture.
It is a great place to ski or snowboard in the winter and hike or camp in the summer.
The city is also home to many historical sites, such as Togakushi Shrine and Zenko-ji Temple.
Hida Folk Village – Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum located in Gifu Prefecture.
It is a great place to learn about traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
7 . Chugoku:
Chugoku is a region located in western Japan.
It is made up of five prefectures, including Hiroshima and Yamaguchi.
Chugoku is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains.
The region also has many historical sites, such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Iwakuni Castle.
Places to visit in Chugoku:
Hiroshima – Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture.
It is best known as the site of the atomic bomb explosion during World War II.
Today, it is a city filled with historical buildings, museums, and parks.
Miyajima – Miyajima is an island located in the Inland Sea and is a must-see, in my opinion.
It is best known for its floating torii gate, which is one of the most iconic sights in all of Japan.
And it’s quite well known to be honest.
Iwakuni – Iwakuni is a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
It is home to Iwakuni Castle and the Kintai Bridge, one of Japan’s most famous bridges.
8 . Noto Peninsular
The Noto Peninsula is located in Ishikawa Prefecture.
It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Sea of Japan.
The peninsula is also home to many historical sites and natural beauty.
Places to visit on the Noto Peninsula:
Wajima – Wajima is one of many small towns on the Noto Peninsula.
It is known for its lacquerware, as well as its morning market, which is one of the largest in Japan.
Wakura Onsen – Wakura Onsen is a hot spring resort on the Noto Peninsula near Nanao Bay.
Massive ryokan complexes line the water’s edge, dominating the resort town.
This is one of my favourite onsen towns.
9 . Kyushu
Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands.
It has prefectures, including Fukuoka and Kagoshima.
The scenery is beautiful, including beaches, mountains, and volcanoes.
The region also has many historical sites, such as Kokura Castle and Nagasaki Peace Park.
Places to visit in Kyushu:
Miyazaki – Miyazaki is the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture.
Moreover, it is a great place to visit for its beaches, parks, and museums.
Kagoshima – Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is a great place to relax on the beach.
Additionally, you can check out Mount Sakurajima.
Nagasaki – Nagasaki is the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture.
It is best known as the site of the second atomic bomb explosion during World War II.
Today, it is a city filled with historical sites, museums, and parks.
Final Words
As I have shown, Japan is full of hidden gems off the beaten track just waiting to be discovered!
There is more to Japan than Tokyo, the capital city, and Kyoto.
These places are just a few of the many off-the-beaten-path destinations the country has to offer.
They are all great places to learn about Japanese culture and Japanese history.
Just be aware that even off the beaten path in Japan will be busy in cherry blossom season.
So get out there and explore beyond the crowds on your next Japan trip.
