Looking for unique things to do in Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto? Japan is bursting with extraordinary destinations that remain under the radar for many international visitors. From ancient pilgrimage routes to art-filled islands and scenic hot springs, this guide highlights 10 off-the-beaten-path experiences in Japan that will redefine your travel adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.

While cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are cultural giants, Japan’s hidden travel destinations are where you’ll find the Japan you dream about. Imagine staying in traditional boathouses, soaking in centuries-old hot springs, hiking sacred trails once walked by emperors or immersing yourself in avant-garde art on remote islands.

Going off the beaten path in Japan offers:

• Fewer crowds and more meaningful cultural encounters
• Stunning natural landscapes from alpine peaks to coral reefs
• Delicious regional cuisine you won’t find in tourist hotspots
• Unique accommodations like ryokan inns, funaya boathouses, and art hotels

Ready to discover Japan’s secret side? Here are 10 handpicked, unforgettable places to visit:

Discover Okinawa’s tropical paradise and ancient Ryukyu culture

For a tropical escape with a twist, head to Okinawa, Japan’s southern island chain famous for its subtropical beaches and vibrant Ryukyu heritage. Often dubbed “Japan’s Hawaii,” Okinawa offers world-class snorkelling, jungle hikes and ancient castles distinct from mainland Japan.

Highlights include:

• Snorkelling or diving in crystal-clear coral reefs
• Exploring UNESCO-listed Shurijo Castle and sacred Ryukyuan sites
• Sampling Okinawan cuisine, known for longevity-boosting ingredients
• Enjoying whale watching in winter or cherry blossoms in early spring

Okinawa is ideal for year-round travel and offers a unique cultural contrast to the rest of Japan.

Trek Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes

Looking for a spiritual and scenic Japan hiking experience? Follow the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula. These sacred paths – UNESCO World Heritage Sites – wind through forests, villages, and misty mountains leading to holy shrines.

Why go:

• Trace routes once walked by samurai and emperors
• Stay in traditional inns and soak in riverside onsens
• Visit the Kumano Sanzan shrines, spiritual centres of Japanese Buddhism
• Choose from one-day hikes or multi-day adventures

The Kumano Kodo is ideal for cultural travellers and nature lovers seeking serenity.

Soak in Hakone’s hot springs with Mount Fuji views

Need a quick nature escape from Tokyo? Just 90 minutes away, Hakone offers a dreamlike blend of onsen baths, scenic lakes and museums and when the sky is clear you can often enjoy Mount Fuji views.

Top experiences:

• Stay in a ryokan and enjoy kaiseki dinners after a hot spring soak
• Cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway over sulfuric volcanic valleys
• Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum’s art and mountain scenery

Tip: Use the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited local transport.

Explore Lake Biwa’s ancient history near Kyoto

Just northeast of Kyoto lies Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and oldest freshwater lake. This hidden destination in Japan blends nature, history and culture.

Don’t miss:

• Cycling the scenic Biwaichi route around the lake
• Visiting Enryaku-ji Temple atop Mount Hiei, a spiritual stronghold since the 8th century
• Exploring sacred Chikubu Island by boat
• Tasting local delicacies like funazushi (fermented carp)

Visit in spring or autumn to see cherry blossoms or fall foliage reflected in the lake’s still waters.

Wander Takayama’s Edo-era streets and soak in its alpine charm

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a postcard-perfect town with preserved Edo-period architecture, famous festivals and gourmet Hida beef.

What to do:

• Stroll through the Sanmachi Suji historic district
• Visit morning markets along the river for local crafts and treats
• See ornate festival floats during the Spring or Autumn Takayama Matsuri
• Warm up with regional sake and seasonal cuisine

Winter visits offer magical snow-covered scenery and cozy ryokan stays.

Stay in a waterfront Funaya boathouse in Ine Village

For one of the most unique stays in Japan, head to Ine, a remote fishing village in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Here, over 200 funaya boathouses line the bay in a scene straight from a postcard.

Why it’s special:

• Stay overnight in a boathouse built above the water
• Take a boat tour of Ine Bay and spot local wildlife
• Feast on ultra-fresh seafood caught by your hosts
• Learn about sustainable fishing traditions dating back centuries

Getting there takes effort, but the cultural payoff is huge.

Discover Kyushu Island’s volcanic landscapes and rich heritage

Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, is an underrated gem packed with geothermal wonders, vibrant cities and cultural contrasts.

Must-see regions:

• Fukuoka for world-class tonkotsu ramen and buzzing nightlife
• Nagasaki for atomic history and European-influenced architecture
• Mount Aso for hiking around one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas
• Yakushima Island for mossy forests and 1,000-year-old cedar trees

Bonus: Try a sand bath in Ibusuki, where you’re buried in naturally heated volcanic sand!

Explore Naoshima, Japan’s art island

Calling all art lovers: Naoshima is an island paradise where contemporary art meets Japanese serenity. This once-sleepy fishing island has become a world-renowned hub for minimalist museums and outdoor installations.

Must-sees:

• Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dotted pumpkin sculptures
• The Chichu Art Museum built underground by architect Tadao Ando
• Art-filled lodgings at Benesse House
• Nearby art islands like Teshima and Inujima

Naoshima is a must for creative travellers seeking inspiration.

Discover Kanazawa’s samurai streets and gold leaf culture

Kanazawa flies under the radar but rivals Kyoto in beauty and history, minus the crowds. It’s one of the few Japanese cities spared from bombing during the Second World War, which preserved its incredible Edo-era architecture.

Top things to do:

• Walk the Nagamachi samurai district
• Visit the Higashi Chaya geisha district
• Stroll through Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens
• Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Shop for gold-leaf souvenirs (99% of Japan’s gold leaf is made here!)

Kanazawa is perfect for history buffs and culture seekers alike.

Relax in the classic hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen

Step into a living postcard in Kinosaki Onsen, one of Japan’s most atmospheric hot spring towns. With seven public bathhouses, traditional ryokan inns and charming canal-side streets, it’s a favourite for wellness and romance.

Why go:

• Walk around in yukata robes and geta sandals between hot spring baths
• Sample local crab cuisine in winter
• Ride the ropeway to mountaintop views
• Visit in spring for beautiful cherry blossoms

Kinosaki is one of the best places to experience authentic Japanese Onsen culture.

More tips for planning your own hidden-Japan itinerary

Ready to go beyond the guidebook? Here’s how to make the most of your off-the-beaten-path Japan trip:

• Visit in late spring (May) or autumn (October) for ideal weather and fewer tourists
• Use the Japan Rail Pass to travel efficiently between remote regions
• Book ryokan and boutique stays early, availability is limited in small towns
• Be open to slower travel because the best way to enjoy Japan is through immersion, not rushing through a checklist

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