Japan’s allure extends far beyond the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto. For travellers seeking authentic experiences and breathtaking landscapes, venturing off the beaten path reveals a tapestry of cultural richness and natural wonders. From remote islands with pristine beaches to hidden mountain villages steeped in tradition, Japan offers a wealth of destinations that showcase the country’s diverse beauty and heritage.
Exploring japan’s remote islands: okinawa and the ryukyu archipelago
The Ryukyu Archipelago, stretching from Kyushu to Taiwan, offers a unique blend of tropical paradise and distinct cultural heritage. These islands, with their turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere, feel worlds away from mainland Japan.
Kerama islands: pristine beaches and World-Class diving spots
Just 32 kilometres west of Okinawa’s main island lies the Kerama Islands, a diver’s paradise and beach lover’s dream. The islands boast some of the clearest waters in the world, with visibility often exceeding 50 metres. Snorkellers and divers can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark.
The beaches of Kerama, particularly those on Zamami and Aka Islands, offer powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can kayak between uninhabited islets, spot humpback whales during the winter months, or simply relax on secluded shores far from the crowds.
Ishigaki’s unique yaeyama culture and mangrove kayaking
Ishigaki Island, the main hub of the Yaeyama Islands, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The island’s interior is dotted with pineapple fields and dense mangrove forests, while its coastline features stunning beaches and coral reefs.
One of the most unique experiences on Ishigaki is kayaking through the Miyara River mangrove forest. Paddling through narrow waterways flanked by twisted mangrove roots, visitors can spot rare birds and crabs in this delicate ecosystem.
Ishigaki is also home to a vibrant Yaeyama culture, distinct from both mainland Japan and Okinawa. Visitors can enjoy traditional Yaeyama music performances, featuring the sanshin (a three-stringed instrument) and energetic folk dances.
Iriomote: trekking through japan’s last virgin rainforest
Iriomote Island, often called the “Galapagos of East Asia,” is a nature lover’s paradise. Covered in dense subtropical rainforest and mangrove swamps, the island is home to unique wildlife, including the endangered Iriomote wildcat.
Adventurous travellers can embark on guided treks through the jungle, following rivers to hidden waterfalls like Pinaisara, Japan’s tallest waterfall. Canoeing through mangrove-lined rivers and sea kayaking along the rugged coastline offer opportunities to spot rare birds and experience the island’s untamed beauty up close.
Taketomi’s traditional ryukyuan architecture and star sand beaches
Stepping onto Taketomi Island feels like travelling back in time. This tiny island, just 15 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki, is renowned for its beautifully preserved traditional Ryukyuan village. Red-tiled roofs, stone walls, and white coral sand roads create a picturesque scene that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Visitors can explore the village by rental bicycle or take a ride on a water buffalo cart. The island’s beaches, particularly Kaiji Beach, are famous for their star-shaped sand – actually the exoskeletons of tiny marine organisms.
“Taketomi Island offers a glimpse into the traditional Ryukyuan way of life, preserved with remarkable authenticity in a rapidly modernising world.”
Hidden gems of rural honshu: traditional japan beyond the cities
While Japan’s major cities offer undeniable attractions, the country’s rural heartland holds treasures that reveal the essence of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty.
Shirakawa-go: UNESCO world heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses
Nestled in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a village that seems frozen in time. Its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer, have earned the village UNESCO World Heritage status.
These unique structures, some over 250 years old, were designed to withstand heavy snowfall and house extended families and silkworm cultivation. Visitors can explore the village, stay overnight in a farmhouse, and witness how the community has preserved its traditional way of life.
The Shiroyama Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the village, particularly stunning when the houses are illuminated on winter evenings, creating a magical scene against the snow-covered landscape.
Takayama’s Edo-Period old town and hida beef culinary traditions
Takayama, often called “Little Kyoto,” boasts one of Japan’s best-preserved Edo-period old towns. Wandering through its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.
The town is renowned for its skilled craftsmen , particularly in woodworking. Visitors can explore the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to admire the intricate floats used in the town’s famous spring and autumn festivals.
Takayama is also famous for its Hida beef, rivalling the more well-known Kobe beef in quality and flavour. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy this premium beef in various forms, from high-end restaurants to casual street food stalls serving Hida beef skewers.
Kiso valley: hiking the ancient nakasendo trail
The Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of samurai and merchants along the ancient Nakasendo Trail. This historic route once connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period.
The most popular section of the trail runs between the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago. This 8-kilometre hike takes travellers through lush forests, past waterfalls, and alongside traditional villages.
Tsumago, in particular, stands out for its dedication to preserving its Edo-period atmosphere. The town has strict regulations on modern developments, maintaining its historic character with remarkable authenticity.
Matsumoto castle: japan’s oldest original castle and ukiyo-e museum
Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, stands as a striking example of 16th-century Japanese castle architecture. Its black exterior has earned it the nickname “Crow Castle,” and its keep offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
The city of Matsumoto is also home to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, housing one of the world’s largest collections of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Art enthusiasts can admire works by masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige, gaining insight into this quintessential Japanese art form.
“Matsumoto Castle, with its imposing black facade and original wooden interiors, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the architectural brilliance of feudal Japan.”
Hokkaido’s untamed wilderness: nature and ainu culture
Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, offers vast wilderness, spectacular natural scenery, and insights into the culture of the indigenous Ainu people.
Daisetsuzan national park: alpine hiking and onsen hot springs
Daisetsuzan, often called the “roof of Hokkaido,” is Japan’s largest national park and a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park’s diverse landscape includes volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine forests.
Hiking trails cater to all levels, from easy nature walks to challenging multi-day treks. The park is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage bursts into vibrant reds and golds.
After a day of hiking, visitors can soak in one of the many natural hot springs scattered throughout the park. These onsen offer the perfect relaxation amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Shiretoko peninsula: brown bear spotting and drift ice walks
The Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Japan’s last true wilderness areas. This remote peninsula is home to a diverse ecosystem, including the country’s largest population of brown bears.
Visitors can join guided bear-watching tours, observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat from a safe distance. The peninsula’s rugged coastline and primeval forests offer excellent hiking opportunities.
In winter, the Sea of Okhotsk freezes over, creating a unique landscape of drift ice. Visitors can take ice-breaker cruises or even walk on the frozen sea during guided tours, experiencing an otherworldly Arctic-like environment.
Lake shikotsu: volcanic caldera and night kayaking adventures
Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, offers crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake’s transparency makes it a popular spot for scuba diving, with underwater visibility often exceeding 25 metres.
One of the most unique experiences at Lake Shikotsu is night kayaking. During summer evenings, visitors can paddle out onto the calm lake surface, marvelling at the star-filled sky reflected in the water below.
The area around Lake Shikotsu also boasts several hot spring resorts, where visitors can relax in outdoor baths while taking in views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Akan-mashu national park: ainu cultural experiences and marimo algae balls
Akan-Mashu National Park is not only a natural wonder but also a centre for Ainu culture. Visitors can explore the Ainu Kotan village near Lake Akan, where traditional crafts are still practised and Ainu cuisine can be sampled.
The park is home to several caldera lakes, including the exceptionally clear Lake Mashu, often shrouded in mist. Lake Akan is famous for its marimo , unique spherical algae formations that have become a symbol of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
Visitors can take boat tours on Lake Akan to observe these fascinating algae balls and learn about the ecosystem that supports them.
Shikoku’s spiritual journey: 88 temple pilgrimage route
Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, is home to the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometre circular route that has been traversed by pilgrims for over a thousand years.
Tokushima’s naruto whirlpools and awa odori dance festival
Tokushima Prefecture, the starting point of the pilgrimage, offers natural wonders and cultural experiences. The Naruto Whirlpools, formed by tidal currents in the narrow strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island, are a spectacular sight.
Visitors can view the whirlpools from observation decks or take boat tours for a closer look. The whirlpools are particularly impressive during spring and autumn tides.
Tokushima is also famous for its Awa Odori festival, one of Japan’s largest dance festivals. Held annually in August, the festival features energetic traditional dances performed by thousands of participants in colourful costumes.
Kochi’s shimanto river: japan’s last undammed river and SUP tours
Kochi Prefecture is home to the Shimanto River, often called Japan’s last clear stream. This pristine river, flowing freely without any dams, offers a range of activities for nature lovers.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tours have become increasingly popular on the Shimanto. Paddling along the calm waters, surrounded by lush forests and traditional fishing huts suspended over the river, provides a serene and uniquely Japanese experience.
The river is also known for its chinkabashi or submersible bridges, designed to withstand the river’s frequent floods. These low bridges, which disappear under the water during high flows, are a unique feature of the Shimanto landscape.
Matsuyama’s dogo onsen: inspiration for miyazaki’s “spirited away”
Matsuyama, the largest city in Shikoku, is home to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. The main bathhouse, with its distinctive wooden architecture, is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away.”
Visitors can enjoy the public baths or book private rooms for a more exclusive experience. The surrounding area, with its traditional ryokan inns and narrow streets, offers a charming atmosphere for a leisurely stroll in yukata robes.
Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, sits atop a hill in the city centre, offering panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
Mount ishizuchi: shikoku’s highest peak and sacred shinto site
Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, is one of the country’s seven sacred mountains. The mountain has been a centre of Shugendo, a form of mountain asceticism, for centuries.
Adventurous hikers can climb the mountain using chains attached to steep rock faces, a thrilling experience that culminates in breathtaking views from the summit. For those seeking a less challenging route, a ropeway takes visitors partway up the mountain.
The mountain is particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding forests burst into vibrant colours, creating a stunning backdrop for hiking and photography.
“Mount Ishizuchi offers not just a physical challenge, but a spiritual journey, connecting hikers with centuries of mountain worship traditions.”
Kyushu’s volcanic landscapes and samurai heritage
Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, is a land of active volcanoes, lush forests, and rich samurai history. The island offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers seeking to explore beyond the typical tourist routes.
Mount aso: exploring japan’s largest active volcano caldera
Mount Aso boasts one of the world’s largest calderas, spanning an impressive 25 kilometres in diameter. The active volcano complex includes five peaks and offers visitors a rare opportunity to peer into an active crater.
When conditions permit, visitors can approach the edge of the steaming Nakadake crater, witnessing the raw power of the earth. The surrounding Aso-Kuju National Park offers excellent hiking trails, horse riding, and hot springs, all set against the backdrop of the volcano’s unique landscape.
The Aso area is also known for its vast grasslands , maintained through controlled burning in spring, creating a striking contrast with the volcanic terrain.
Takachiho gorge: mythological birthplace of japan and kagura dances
Takachiho Gorge, with its towering basalt cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is not only a natural wonder but also deeply intertwined with Japanese mythology. According to Shinto legends, this is where the gods first descended to Earth.
Visitors can rent rowboats to explore the gorge, passing under the 17-metre high Manai Falls. The gorge is particularly enchanting when illuminated at night.
Takachiho is also famous for its nightly kagura performances, sacred dances that retell
stories from Japanese mythology. These intricate performances, featuring elaborate costumes and masks, offer visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Nagasaki’s hidden christian sites and gunkanjima ghost island
Nagasaki, known for its tragic atomic bomb history, also holds a lesser-known but equally fascinating past. The city and surrounding areas were once home to “hidden Christians” who practiced their faith in secret during Japan’s period of religious persecution.
Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hidden Christian Sites, including the Oura Cathedral, Japan’s oldest existing church, and the remote Goto Islands, where Christian communities thrived in isolation.
For a truly unique experience, take a boat tour to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned former coal mining settlement. This eerie concrete island, once the most densely populated place on Earth, now stands as a haunting reminder of Japan’s rapid industrialization.
Kumamoto castle: reconstructed feudal fortress and samurai district
Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal castles, has undergone extensive reconstruction following earthquake damage in 2016. The ongoing restoration offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional Japanese craftsmanship in action.
While parts of the castle remain closed, the recently reopened main keep provides stunning views of the city and insights into samurai history. The surrounding grounds, particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, are perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
Adjacent to the castle, the Sakuranobaba Johsaien district recreates an Edo-period townscape, complete with samurai residences, traditional shops, and restaurants serving local specialties like basashi (horse sashimi) and karashi renkon (spicy lotus root).
“Kumamoto Castle’s ongoing restoration is not just about preserving history, but about keeping alive the skills and traditions that have shaped Japan for centuries.”
