Hidden Gems in Japan Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Japan is famous all over the world due to such iconic cities as Tokyo and Kyoto; however, the nation has much more to show than just the known destinations. For those seeking less busy routes and more authentic cultural experiences, Japan has its undiscovered treasures that offer beauty, history, and nature. To ensure a smooth journey and hassle-free planning, it’s best to apply in advance through trusted Japan visa services by GoKite. This will help you explore these lesser-known destinations with confidence and ease.

These unpopular destinations will guarantee to get you out of the tourist circuit and allow a more profound acquaintance with the local flavor of Japan. Whether you want to relax in a peaceful onsen town or explore art-covered islands or an ancient forest, each place has something different to offer. It is time to explore ten secretive spots in Japan that you need to put on your travel bucket list. 

Here are the Hidden Gems in Japan Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto 

1. Kanazawa 

Kanazawa, nicknamed the Little Kyoto, is a place that has a lot of cultural history and is full of well-maintained samurai and geishas quarters. It contains Kenroku-en Garden, one of the three great gardens in Japan, as well as interesting museums and traditional crafts such as gold leaf production. It is not too busy as Kyoto, which means that you can be calm and feel the old-world charm of the city in peace, trying local seafood delicacies and walking through beautiful castles. 

2. Kurashiki 

Kurashiki is an adorable town with a well preserved historical area that is canal-side. The Bikan Historical Quarter is a glimpse of the Edo period as it has white-walled storehouses and narrow streets. You may ride a boat along the canals, go to the Ohara Museum of art or visit the numerous local cafes. This is the ideal place to visit by the culture lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want a serene environment devoid of the mainstream tourism industry. 

3. Takayama 

Takayama is a picturesque old-town hidden in the Japanese Alps. Sanmachi Suji is a narrow street full of traditional homes of merchants, sake breweries, and souvenir shops. There are also vibrant seasonal festivals in the town. There are also peaceful mountain views around the region, and it is a good location to stay to visit the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, which has steep thatched-roof farmhouses and snow-covered landscapes. 

4. Beppu 

Beppu is your heaven in case you are a fan of hot springs. This city is one of the most popular onsen places in Japan, and it is located on the Kyushu Island. It provides a wide range of special bathing experiences- mud and sand bath, steam, and hot water pool. The Hells of Beppu are unnatural natural hot springs that are not to be bathed in but rather observed as colorful and bubbling as it might seem to be out of a fantasy novel. 

5. Naoshima 

Naoshima is a small island located in Seto Inland Sea, art lovers will be in love with this place as it has modern art museums and sculptures outside. The island has been turned into an open-air gallery, which displays the works of the world-famous artists. It is a place to visit because of its laid back island life, beautiful scenery, and artistic nature. One of the highlights that should not be missed is the Tadao Ando designed Chichu Art Museum. 

6. Kinosaki Onsen 

Kinosaki Onsen is a small town with a hot spring with a tradition. The town with its seven public bathhouses, a beautiful canal, and the locals strolling around in yukata robes and wooden clogs seems to have been taken back in time. It is a very relaxing place to stay and many inns provide local kaiseki meals. After a soak, visitors usually love going around the streets at night under lantern lights. 

7. Nara 

Nara is more than the park with the free-roaming deer. It has Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, with a giant bronze Buddha. As well as visiting the standard tourist attractions, visit its residential areas, gardens and small temples. It is a quiet, history-filled substitute to the dynamics of bigger cities, and it is slower and more reflective. 

8. Matsue 

The city of Matsue is commonly known as the City of Water because it is situated by Lake Shinji. It has one of the few surviving original castles in Japan and is an excellent location to discover Japanese folklore and the author Lafcadio Hearn. One can use boat rides in the castle moat, tea houses and stroll in the serene samurai houses. Matsue is a beautiful combination of culture, history and nature. 

9. Hagi 

Hagi is a samurai coastal town in Yamaguchi Prefecture with a well-maintained castle town and traditional pottery. It is a living museum with its stone walls, ancient houses and narrow alleys, just walking through its streets. It was very instrumental in the Meiji Restoration and is full of stories of that time. The peaceful coast of town and historical atmosphere will bring a new experience of travelling to the history lovers. 

10. Yakushima 

Yakushima is a tropical island in the south of Japan, known as the home of the ancient cedar trees and a lot of biodiversity. The forests of the island served as the model of the setting of Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. Trails are hiking through moss-covered tracks and mystical forests, where some trees are more than 1,000 years old. A nature-lover and an adventure enthusiast would find a paradise in Yakushima with its exclusive nature, rare animal life, and serene loneliness. 

Conclusion 

Visiting the less popular destinations in Japan could be a very fulfilling experience to those who want to explore the authenticity, peace and get to know the country better. Every one of these hidden gems has its own story to tell- be it in art, history or natural beauty. Whether your favourite explorer is the samurai spirit of Hagi or the forest magic of Yakushima there is something here to suit all types. 

Do a little research on what time of year is the best time to apply for Japan visa so that you can time your visit to coincide with seasonal attractions such as cherry blossom or fall foliage. These unconventional routes are the opportunity to see Japan in another dimension, the one which is peaceful, personal, and memorable.