Japan has many well-known tourist spots in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka that tend to attract large crowds. However, the country also has several hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For travelers who want to experience Japan’s beauty without the usual crowds, there are off-the-beaten-path locations that give tourists authentic experiences and unforgettable views.
In this guide, I’ll share 11 amazing places where you can enjoy Japan more peacefully. These places give the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, explore traditional villages, and discover Japan’s culture away from the crowds.
Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village
Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a remote, traditional village located in the Gokayama region and surrounded by lush mountains. This village is a great alternative to the busier Shirakawa-go and can easily be visited on a day trip from either Takayama or Kanazawa.
Here you can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere, far from the busy tourist spots. This village gives visitors a unique chance to experience traditional Japanese rural life.
- Location: Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Tokyo: ~4 hours (Shinkansen and bus)
- From Osaka: ~5 hours (Shinkansen and bus)
- Visit time: 2–3 hours.
- Costs: Free to walk around, though some houses might offer tours for a small fee.
- How to get there: It’s relatively easy, but requires a bus transfer from the nearest train station. Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station, then a bus to Ainokura.
- Travel time: About 1.5 hours from Kanazawa or Takayama.
- Day trip: Possible from Kanazawa or Takayama.
- Places to visit nearby: Suganuma Village, another Gassho-zukuri village.
- Useful website: Gokayama
Magome & Tsumago
Magome and Tsumago are two well-preserved post towns along the historic Nakasendo Trail, which connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. These charming towns with traditional wooden buildings and cobblestone streets offer visitors a tour into Japan’s past.
These hidden gems in Japan are popular for hiking the beautiful 8-kilometer section of the Nakasendo, which can be done in a few hours. While they see some tourists, they remain less crowded than the major attractions in Japan, making them perfect for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience.
- Location: Gifu and Nagano Prefectures.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Tokyo: ~3.5 hours (Shinkansen and local train)
- From Kyoto: ~2.5 hours (Shinkansen and local train)
- Visit time: 6–8 hours for the full experience.
- Costs: Free to visit; some inns and museums may charge small entry fees.
- How to get there: Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then transfer to a local train to Nakatsugawa Station (Magome) or Nagiso Station (Tsumago).
- Travel time: About 2 hours to walk between the two towns.
- Day trip: Yes, from Nagoya or even Kyoto.
- Places to visit nearby: Kiso Valley, Narai-juku (another post town).
- Useful website: Tsumago, Magome, JNTO
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Kanazawa’s Ninja Temple (Myoryuji Temple)
Myoryuji Temple, or the “Ninja Temple,” is located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. The temple has no actual connection to ninjas, but it earned this nickname due to its stealthy architecture and ingenious defense mechanisms designed to protect it during Japan’s feudal era. Myoryuji is filled with hidden traps, secret doors, false staircases, and escape routes.
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- Location: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.
- Distance from major Cities:
- From Tokyo: ~2.5 hours (Shinkansen)
- From Osaka: ~2.5 hours (Shinkansen)
- Costs: ¥1,200 entry (guided tour required).
- Visit time: 1 hour.
- How to get there: A 10-minute bus from Kanazawa Station.
- Travel time: 10-minute bus ride.
- Day trip: Possible, from Tokyo or Osaka.
- Places to visit nearby: Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle.
- Useful website: Kanazawa
Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)
Okunoshima, or Rabbit Island, is a small island famous for its large population of friendly, wild rabbits that move around freely. However, it also has a dark history as a former site for chemical weapon production during World War II, and visitors can explore the Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum to learn more about this past.
This island is a hidden gem in Japan and a unique destination for animal lovers or those seeking a different experience.
- Location: Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Hiroshima: ~2 hours (train and ferry)
- Costs: Ferry costs ¥620 round-trip.
- Visit time: 2-3 hours.
- How to get there: Take a train to Tadanoumi Station, then a ferry to the island.
- Travel time: 15 minutes by ferry.
- Day trip: Yes, from Hiroshima.
- Places to visit nearby: Takehara City, Kure Maritime Museum.
- Useful website: Rabbit Island
Takeda Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle Ruins are also known as the “Castle in the Sky”. They are one of Japan’s most fascinating historical sites, with incredible views from the top of a mountain in Asago City. Only 353 meters above sea level, these ruins are surrounded by a sea of clouds on misty mornings, creating a surreal atmosphere.
These ruins are part of the most incredible hidden gems in Japan.
- Location: Hyogo Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Osaka: ~2.5 hours (by express train)
- Costs: Entry fee ¥500.
- Visit time: 2-3 hours.
- How to get there: Take a train to Takeda Station, then a 30-minute hike.
- Travel time: 30-minute hike from Takeda Station.
- Day trip: Yes, from Osaka or Kyoto.
- Places to visit nearby: Ikuno Silver Mine.
- Useful website: Discover Tajima, Takeda Castle Ruins
Akiyoshido Cave
Akiyoshido Cave, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s largest limestone caves, covering over 9 kilometers underground. The cave is known for its beautiful natural formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers.
A well-maintained pathway makes it easy for visitors to explore about 1 kilometer of the cave while enjoying the natural wonders beneath the surface.
- Location: 3506-2 Shūhōchō Akiyoshi, Mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Hiroshima: ~2 hours (by car, or Shinkansen + bus)
- Visit time: 1–2 hours.
- Costs: ¥1,300 entry fee.
- How to get there: Take the shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi, then take the bus from Shin-Yamaguchi to Akiyoshi-do bus stop.
- Travel time: 45 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
- Day trip: Possible from Hiroshima.
- Places to visit nearby: Akiyoshidai Plateau.
- Useful website: Akiyoshidai Park, Mine
Hiraizumi
Hiraizumi, located in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long cultural history dating back to the 12th century. This small town has some of Japan’s most important historical temples and gardens, including Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple.
It’s a peaceful destination, perfect for travelers seeking an experience based on history and tranquility.
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- Location: Iwate Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Tokyo: ~2.5 hours (by Shinkansen)
- Costs: Temple entry fees range from ¥700 – ¥1000.
- Visit time: 4-5 hours.
- How to get there: Take a direct train to Hiraizumi Station from Sendai.
- Travel time: 2.5 hours from Tokyo.
- Day trip: Yes, from Sendai or Tokyo.
- Places to visit nearby: Chūson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple.
- Useful website: Hiraizumi
Shirakami Sanchi
Shirakami Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountainous regions of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. This vast forest is home to one of the largest remaining virgin beech forests in East Asia. The area is known for its beautiful landscape, crystal-clear waters, and hidden waterfalls like the amazing Anmon Falls.
It’s a perfect spot for outdoor travelers and those looking to experience Japan’s natural beauty without the crowds.
- Location: Northern Honshu, in Aomori and Akita Prefectures.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Tokyo: ~5 hours (by Shinkansen)
- Costs: Free entry.
- Visit time: 2-3 hours.
- How to get there: From Hirosaki Station, take a bus or drive (90 minutes).
- Travel time: 1.5 hours from Hirosaki.
- Day trip: Yes, from Hirosaki.
- Places to visit nearby: Anmon Falls.
- Useful website: Shirakami
Iya Valley
Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most beautiful hidden gems. It’s located in the remote mountains of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, so it’s not the easiest place to reach. Iya Valley is known for its spectacular gorges, vine bridges (such as the Kazurabashi Bridge), and traditional thatched-roof houses. The scenic landscape is filled with cliffs, fields, and the winding Iya River, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and exploring hot springs.
- Location: Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Osaka: ~3.5 hours (by bus)
- Costs: Free to visit; vine bridge crossing ¥500.
- Visit time: 4-5 hours.
- How to get there: Take the express bus from Umeda Station in Osaka.
- Travel time: 1.5 hours from Tokushima by train.
- Day trip: Yes, from Tokushima.
- Places to visit nearby: Kazurabashi Bridge, Oboke Gorge.
- Useful website: JNTO, Miyoshi
Okinoshima Island
Okinoshima Island, located off the coast of Kyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most sacred and picturesque sites. This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unique because it remains almost entirely off-limits to the public—only a few visitors, mainly priests, are allowed on certain days.
Though the island itself is not accessible, travelers can visit the nearby Munakata Taisha Shrine on the mainland or the nearby Oshima Island.
- Location: Shimane Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Hiroshima: ~3.5 hours (ferry and bus)
- Costs: Ferry tickets around ¥5,000 round-trip.
- Visit time: 1–2 days.
- How to get there: Take a ferry from Shichirui Port (2.5 hours).
- Travel time: 2.5 hours by ferry.
- Day trip: No, best to stay overnight.
- Places to visit nearby: Oshima Island.
- Useful website: Okinoshima
Ouchi-juku
Ouchi-juku is a well-preserved Edo-period post town located in Fukushima Prefecture, known for its thatched-roof houses and traditional atmosphere. It was once a popular stop along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, and it remains an excellent example of what rural Japan looked like centuries ago. The town’s buildings and unpaved roads make visitors feel like they’ve walked back in time. Many of the houses are now shops, restaurants, and inns, giving you the perfect experience of local culture, food, and crafts.
- Location: Fukushima Prefecture.
- Distance from major cities:
- From Tokyo: ~4.5 hours (train and bus) ~3.5 hours (by car)
- Costs: Free to visit, small fees for museum entry.
- Visit time: 2-3 hours.
- How to get there: Take the train to Yunokami Onsen Station, then a bus to Ouchi-juku.
- Travel time: 30-minute bus ride from Yunokami Onsen.
- Day trip: Possible, but you would spend most of the time in transportation.
- Places to visit nearby: Yunokami Onsen and Tonohetsuri Cliffs.
- Useful website: JNTO, Taishujuku
Conclusion
These hidden gems in Japan give you a chance to see a side of the country that many travelers miss. Some might not be easily accessible, but these lesser-known spots have the same exciting experiences as the more popular sites, but with fewer crowds. For travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and natural beauty, these destinations allow you to experience the real beauty of Japan while moving away from the busy tourist routes.
