off the beaten path
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Shinminato, Toyama | Beautiful Nature and Delicious Crabs
Shinminato is a town in Imizu City facing Toyama Bay. You can enjoy watching crab auctions and fresh seafood at the fish market, a beautiful sailing boat, and a nostalgic canal cruise.
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Kutaka Island for both diving and cycling
Do you want to go cycling on a quiet island near Okinawa Main Island? Then Kudaka Island is a great place to go.
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Kappabashi, Tokyo | Kitchen Street with many attractive stores
All shops in Kappabashi Street sell kitchen wares for professionals and passionate home cooks. This is where Japan’s famous plastic food samples originated.
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Kairakuen Garden, Ibaraki | Beautiful garden, one of the three best gardens in Japan
Kairakuen Garden in Mito (north of Tokyo) is one of the three great gardens of Japan that was constructed during the feudal time. It is especially famous for its beautiful plum blossoms in early spring.
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Geihinkan (Akasaka Palace), Tokyo | Beautiful building with a blend of Japanese and Western styles
Geihinkan (also known as Akasaka Palace) was built as a residence for the crown prince in the early 20th century. Now it is used for visiting VIPs from foreign countries. But you can also visit the beautiful banquet rooms!
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Sengakuji Temple and the 47 Ronin Ako Loyal Samurai
Sengakuji is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It is a famous spot among history lovers because this is where the tombs of the 47 Ronin are located. Learn more about this fascinating story of loyalty and revenge.
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Onta Pottery | Traditional Pottery with very beautiful patterns.
Onta is a small village in Oita, Kyushu. They produce pottery with traditional techniques without using electric power. Strolling along the old street and visiting a few workshops to watch how they produce pottery is a great way to enjoy this town.
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Ginzan Onsen | famous for its fantastic townscape with the Ginzan River and beautiful hot spring inns
Do you want to relax in a hot spring resort without the tourist crowds? It is a bit of a trek, but Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is a perfect getaway for those who really want to bathe in nature.
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Shibamata, a Local and Quiet t Town in Tokyo
Off the beaten path but full of history and picture-perfect vistas, that is Shibamata in Tokyo. How can you enjoy this area best? Find out where to go and what to eat in Shibamata.
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Tokyo Highlights and Hidden Gem Itinerary
Find out which 5 highlights and local areas should definitely be included on your Tokyo itinerary if you come here on your Japan tour.
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Kyoto Highlights and Hidden Gems Itinerary
Would you like to get some ideas for your perfect Kyoto itinerary? We listed our 5 favorite Kyoto highlights along with 5 lesser-known spots in Kyoto that really make you able to taste the local atmosphere in this beautiful city.
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Yame with its Picturesque Scenery
Yame is a small town near Fukuoka in Kyushu that is famous for its high-quality tea. Tea from Yame is the 6th largest brand in Japan, and it is well-known for its superior flavor and aroma.
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Nakano Broadway, Tokyo | a Town Full of Japanese Subcultures
Nakano Broadway is an amazing retro shopping center that is regarded as a sanctuary for ‘otaku’, the Japanese version of nerds. Learn more about this interesting hidden spot in Tokyo!
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Sunamachi Ginza, Tokyo | Great Street Food is Available
If you are a bit adventurous, the Sunamachi Ginza is a great alternative for crowded and popular places like Omoide Yokocho to get your local street food fix.
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Yanesen & Yanaka Tokyo | A City Full of Tokyo History
Yanesen in Tokyo is a great destination for travelers who are looking for a peaceful, local area with a traditional feel to it. Find out what to see and do in Yanesen!
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Monzennakacho, Tokyo | A town full of downtown atmosphere and humanity
Monzennakacho is a great area for a quick, local bite and tipple. There are many tiny restaurants that serve great food, and there’s a local temple with an interesting ceremony.
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Toyota, Aichi | A City that is at the Cutting Edge of the Car World
Toyota City is known for the great Toyota Museum and car factory, but did you know that the city also has an interesting history? Learn more about this city near Nagoya!
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Nagoya, Aichi | The Center of Japanese Industry
Nagoya doesn’t feature often on tourists’ itineraries, but If you would still find yourself in Nagoya, there are plenty of interesting places to see here. Find out where to go!
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The Izu Islands | Lots of Sea Activities and Seafood
What can you do on the Izu Seven Islands in Japan? A lot quieter than the usual beach resorts in Okinawa, you can enjoy hiking, ocean activities, and fresh seafood here.
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Okunoshima is Filled with the Cutest Rabbits in the world
Okunoshima is better known as ‘rabbit island’ for its many cute furry inhabitants. Learn more about this animal-lovers paradise near Hiroshima!