15 Magical Lesser Known Places to Visit in Japan

You’ll have to keep reminding yourself that you’re not in the Middle East when you’re on the back of a camel, crossing 30sqkm (11.6sqmi) of sand dunes on the western coast of Japan. That is, unless you’re visiting in winter, when the dunes are covered in snow – an even more surreal sight. Visit the Sand Museum, where you’ll find some of the world’s most intricate sand sculptures, or head inland for classically soothing Japanese forests, shrines and hot springs.

Japan’s largest freshwater lake is not spoken about nearly enough. Lake Biwa, near Kyoto, is a huge body of water that offers fantastic kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing and yachting experiences. On the lake’s western side is the Shirahige Shrine Torii Gate, which makes for a stunning holiday photo, while on the eastern side is the pretty city of Hikone, where you’ll find the Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s best preserved castles, and one of only five that’s listed as a national treasure.

Transport yourself to the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, a perfectly maintained traditional village that boasts Unesco World Heritage status. The gassho-zukuri houses here have thatched roofs and have stood for centuries despite being built without nails – wooden beams slot together so precisely that they continue to stand strong today. Shirakawa-go is a year-round destination; it’s up to you whether you’d rather see it covered in snow or surrounded by cherry blossoms. Whatever your choice, it’ll be a magical experience.

This is a great alternative city trip in southwest Japan. Its proximity to South Korea has helped develop a unique culture, heavily influenced by mainland Asia. The ruins of Fukuoka Castle can be found in the picturesque Maizuru Park, while finding a view of the Fukuoka Tower is a must in the evening. As night falls, the 234m (768ft) seaside tower, decorated with 8,000 half-mirrors, dramatically lights up the city. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at our selection of Fukuoka’s best hotels.

Take the stunning Shimanami Kaidō expressway across the Seto Inland Sea, hopping from island to island until you reach Shikoku – one of Japan’s smallest main islands – and eventually arrive in its largest city, Matsuyama. This is a really friendly city with excellent food – try local delicacies taimeshi and imbari yakibut tamago gohan – but its biggest draw is Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts. Make a wellness pilgrimage here and be wowed by the wooden bathhouse said to have inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away(2001).

Kanazawa is one of the best places to delve into the history of Japan. The Nagamachi district, full of beautifully preserved brown townhouses, is steeped in samurai history. This is also one of Japan’s only active geisha cities, with a number of districts lined with geisha teahouses. By far the best attraction in Kanazawa, though, is the mesmeric Kenrokuen Gardens. You can spend hours here gazing at the popping colour of flowers and trees reflecting in the water, while charming touches of architecture blend seamlessly into Japan’s most breathtaking public garden – something we do not say lightly.

Miyazaki Prefecture might just be Japan’s number one adventure destination. There’s seemingly endless nature to explore – row down the ethereal Takachiho Gorge, climb Mount Takachihonomine and take a photo with the legendary spear planted at its peak, or surf along the dramatic coastline. This is a place steeped in mythology, and spending some time in Takachiho, or the cliffside Udo Shrine, will help you scrub up on your Japanese folklore. You’ll need refueling after all of that and, luckily, this is one of the best areas in Japan for beef and sake.

All of Yakushima’s wonders are natural. This small mountainous island is a subtropical paradise that inspired Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke (1997). It’s hardly surprising when you trek through vast forests of cedar trees – the oldest of which is said to be 7,000 years old – that look like they’ve been drawn specifically for a fairytale. The best thing to do here is simply explore. You’ll find spellbinding waterfalls, hot springs and beaches, while the whole island is richly populated by flora and fauna. We recommend taking a dip in Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, on the south coast, which can only be accessed when the tide is low, offering a scenic spot to get your soak on.

Head to Okayama Prefecture and you’ll find a historic city on the coast that looks like Japan’s answer to Venice. Kurashiki is easily one of the country’s most picturesque places, with a canal system originally built to support the city’s important status in the rice trade. Gentle paths of water carve through the streets, lined with overhanging willow trees and crossed via pretty stone bridges. Former storehouses along the canals have been converted into cafés, boutiques and museums, while just a block away lies a trendy shopping street perfect for some laid-back bargain-hunting.

Wakayama, perhaps overshadowed by nearby Osaka, is one of Japan’s most underrated cities. It boasts an incredible food scene, with legendary Wakayama ramen, as well as some of the nation’s best beef, fruit and soy sauce – Japanese soy sauce was invented down the road in Yuasa. Meanwhile, its coastal position means the seafood scene is just as strong. Head down to Kuroshio Market to sample the catch of the day, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the daily tuna-filleting demonstration. When your stomach says no more, you can find the striking Wakayama Castle, a selection of charming Japanese gardens and sandy beaches, or take a day trip out of the city to make the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route – an inspiring journey through some of the most spiritually moving shrines in Japan.

Tucked away in Nagano prefecture is one of the country’s best kept historical secrets, Narai-Juku. Remaining rather untouched over decades, the town was once a well visited stop on the Kiso Way – a major trade route that connected the even then bustling cities of Kyoto and Tokyo. Thanks to its untouched beauty and stunning natural surrounds visiting Narai-Juku almost feels surreal, like you’re stepping into a very detailed film set. It’s a strange feeling and one that’s definitely recommended for the more adventurous traveller. The best way to get there from Tokyo is by riding the Chuo Line-Limited Express from Shinjuku station and hopping off at Shiojiri Station, from there you can catch a local JR train to Narai Station. Recommended by Lucy Dayman.

An easy day trip from Tokyo, this fascinating town Edo period castle town oozes rustic charm and boasts enough historical artefacts that you’d think you’re in a different time. Traditionally the area was known for its major temples, old clay warehouses and merchant homes, which are called Kurazukuri. For those with a sweet tooth, the ghost of the once booming Meiji-era sweets metropolis Candy Alley is still alive with the existence of a few remaining stores. One of the best times to check out Kawagoe is actually just before the cherry blossoms bloom as it’s time for the plum blossoms, which prelude the cherry’s arrival. The anticipation and excitement that fills the city during this time of year is completely infectious. To get there from Shinjuku station catch the Saikyo Line all the way to Kawagoe. Recommended by Lucy Dayman.

So you’ve done Disneyland, Disney Sea, Universal Studios and Fuji Q and you want something else, something a little weird, an unforgettable ‘experience’, well consider Yoro Park in Gifu. Considered the primary attraction of the town of Yoro, this theme park is a place where visitors are warned to expect the unexpected. Yoro Park is as if Dali and Picasso combined forces and built the landscape blueprint for a realistic natural reserve. Designed to contain the 100 waterfalls in the area, visitors are guided through the park by locals. It’s a bit weird, but if you’re in the area it is a quirky way to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty and sometimes warped creative mind. To get there catch the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo station and hop off at Nagoya station, from there you can catch a local JR rapid train. Recommended by Lucy Dayman.

Many people don’t know this but you can actually travel 358km south of Tokyo, and still technically be in Tokyo. Aogashima Island located in the Philippine Sea, is a two hour flight from the city and technically speaking is probably the quietest corner of Tokyo considering that the nine km-periphery volcanic island only has 170 habitants. The volcano is still technically active which is probably one of the main reasons it hasn’t been a huge draw-card for tourists. However its stunning natural beauty is arguably worth the ferry to the Hachijojima Island and helicopter ride to get there (if you have the time and money). Recommended by Lucy Dayman.

Reaching into the sea of Japan is Oga peninsula, a very interesting little pocket of Akita prefecture. With its jagged coastline jutting out into the mysterious deep waters of the Japan seas, it’s the perfect backdrop for the annual Namahage festival. The Namahage is a mythical monster that looks a little like the devil and comes to steal children during the New Years holiday season. Going from door to door on December 31st the Namahage asks parents whether their children have been good or whether they need to be taken into the neighbouring Kanpu Mountain, hopefully scaring the kids into good behavior for the coming year. Given that it’s one of the town’s most famous icons, there are Namahage and folk law museums in the area as well as traditional houses and other iconic local landmarks dedicated to the beast. The peninsula sits about 30 km northwest of Akita city. To check the place out for yourself ride the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo station, jump off at Akita Station and grab a local train direct to Oga Station. Recommended by Lucy Dayman.