Top 5 Hidden Places to Visit in Japan

Who has never heard about Japan, an exemplary country where there is an excellent combination of tradition and modernity? The well-known cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are popular tourist destinations to visit, but there are several other places that are just as rewarding to visit. Everybody knows that there are many treasures that remain uncovered in Japan: forests, mountain valleys, villages that may seem to have been in a time warp. Such places are more authentic and offer a better understanding of the history, landscapes, and traditions of Japan than such busy places will ever allow a visitor to experience.

If one wants to go more adventurous then exploring the uncharted territories of Japan would be a perfect way to spend the vacation. If you are an admirer of nature, history or both, these hidden gems will provide excellent opportunities for hiking through the forests of ancient cedars, visiting Edo period villages, and experiencing some of Japan’s more unusual attractions. Including any or all of these places to your Japan Tour Packages will not only improve your destination list but also offer you a chance to experience the ‘real’ Japan. Therefore, start preparing your luggage to discover even more of the natural beauty that Japan has to offer.

Here are the top 5 Hidden Places to Visit in Japan

1. Kamikochi – The Alps of Japan

Kamikochi is a valley situated in the Japanese Alps where clear river, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful nature trails are famous. This is the Chubu Sangaku National Park region and it is a significantly remote valley that is perfect for folks that love nature and include the energetic hikers. The spectacular landscapes and scenery of the site bring in the aspects of spring and autumn, and the tourist destination is like a world of its own other than the busy cities of Japan. One can get around Kamikochi on foot, using trails along the Azusa River, viewing various bridges as well as peaks of Mount Hotaka among others. Due to snow, the valley remains closed for touring, hence, the best time to visit this place is from April to November. If you are interested in an adventure, then Kamikochi should be included in your Japan Holiday Packages.

2. Ouchi-juku – a glimpse at the past

Ouchi-juku is one of the preserved Edo period post town in Fukushima Prefecture that gives a glimpse of the old world Japan. This is a preserved village with thatched roof houses, stone roads and even stores, giving the visitor an opportunity to see how the country was like in the past. Ouchi-juku is one of the post stations that was used by feudal lords and travelers on the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route and boasts of the old feel.

3. Yakushima – The Enchanted Forest

If tourists are interested in fairy like landscapes, they should not miss Yakushima Island. This World Heritage Site in found off the southern part of Kyushu Island and boasts the cedars of the ancient times some of which are over 1000 years old. The fir forests of Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine which are overgrown by moss and tall trees are best known for being the setting of the studio Ghibli’s animated movie Princess Mononoke.

4. Takachiho Gorge – Mythical Beauty

Takachiho Gorge located in Miyazaki prefecture provides one of the most beautiful views with the high cliff walls and clear green water. This is a scenic valley that is shrouded by folklore and mythology; according to Japanese mythology, the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu hid herself here. For water tourist activities, the visitors can hire a rowing boat and explored the gorge and the falling water of Manai.

5. Tottori Sand Dunes which is also called the ‘Mini Desert of Japan’

This desert is in Japan, which may not be most people’s expectation of a country with deserts but Tottori Sand Dunes disproves that. Stretched over an area of more than 30 sq km along the Sea of Japan, such dunes are unique and breathtaking. Besides sandboarding, you may subject yourself to camel riding or just walking through the sand dunes of gold.

Conclusion:

These regions of Japan are some of the best places that off the beaten track tourists should visit. Yakushima forests and Takachiho Gorge: both these places cater to the interest of tourists interested in nature, history and adventure. Since you would be visiting a preserved Edo-era village, the Japanese Alps, or a small miniature desert, each of these places has its own character that enhances your travel. Such locations are useful to explore Japan’s culture and history as well as enjoy beautiful scenery without being surrounded by large numbers of people.

Here are the tips for visiting some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations in Japan if you are willing to head out there for a trip. If you only visit these places, then you will get a unique experience of seeing the culture and beauty of Japan along with exploring some off the beaten track. So, if you are planning your Japan tour package, then the following tips will be helpful to explore the unexplored destinations in Japan. Therefore, let the discoveries begin, let the adventures happen, and let the admiration for Japan and Japanese people begin anew.