off the beaten path
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Kochi | Prosperous Agriculture and Beautiful Nature
Kochi is a major city in Shikoku, one of Japan’s lesser-known islands. But it is very much worth a visit with an original castle, a beautiful beach, and more!
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Matsuyama | A Beautiful Town that Flourished as a Castle Town
Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku and is especially famous for the beautiful Dogo hot spring that’s housed in a traditional building. What else is there to see here?
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Picturesque Shodoshima Island like the Mediterranean Sea
Sodoshima near Shikoku is a popular tourist spot for local people. There is beautiful scenery, olive trees, and special food products. The island was also the inspiration for a Ghibli movie.
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Takamatsu | the Transportation Hub of Shikoku
Takamatsu is home to Japan’s largest garden, Ritsurin-Koen. This garden is a fine example of landscaping, borrowing the pine-clad scenery of Mt. Shiun and making it a part of the garden.
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Setouchi Triennale | One of the Largest arts Festivals in Japan
Every 3 years, a large art festival descends on Naoshima and other islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is called the Setouchi Triennale, and very much worth visiting! Read our personal experience of the festival.
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Kotohira | the most Popular Shrine in Shikoku and Famous for its Udon Noodles
Kotohira is a small town in Kagawa Prefecture, which is famous for Kompirasan, Shikoku’s most popular shrine. Find out what else there is to do here!
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Iya Valley, Tokushima | A Secluded Place Surrounded by Mountains
The Iya Valley region is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges. Find out more about this hidden mountain region in Japan!
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Tokushima famous for the Awa Odori dance and the Nature’s Whirlpools
Tokushima City is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, and there are two reasons to go here; the Naruto whirlpools and the Awa Odori dance festival. Learn more about these attractions!
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Yamaguchi City | A town with a lot of historical heritage and great nature
Yamaguchi City is not a famous tourist destination, but there’s enough to see here. What would you think of a ride on a steam locomotive and a visit to some of the many historical temples?
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Sado Island | Experience Unique Culture and Nature
Sado island is a popular destination for local tourists because of its unique nature, history and culture. There are plenty of attractions; a gold mine, crested ibis forest, and old towns.
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Akiyoshidai & Akiyoshido Cave | Enjoy Nature on a day trip
The Akiyoshidai Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave are popular sightseeing spots for local tourists. The area is near Yamaguchi city, not so far from Hiroshima. Check out the pictures!
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Hagi, Yamaguchi | A hidden Gem of a Former Castle Town
Hagi in western Japan is a nicely-preserved former castle town with traditional walls. Local Hagi pottery, ranked among Japan’s finest, makes for great souvenir shopping.
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Okayama | a very livable and sunny place
Besides the famous Okayama Korakuen garden and the reconstructed castle, there are some great museums and a nice bicycle opportunity nearby. Find out what there is to do in Okayama!
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Kurashiki takes you back in time to Japan’s Feudal Era
The preserved canal town of Kurashiki is a great place to visit if you want to be transported back in history. But there is more to do in this town, find out where to go!
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Tsuwano | Beautiful Castle Town Boasting Traditional Crafts and Literature
Tsuwano in Shimane is a small castle town that prides itself on traditional arts, crafts, and literature. Find out what to see and do in this attractive town!
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Sakaiminato, Tottori | The city where Shigeru Mizuki was born
Sakaiminato is a small fishing town in Tottori Prefecture, but it attracts a lot of visitors from all over Japan. That is because famous cartoonist Shigeru Mizuki was born in this city.
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Takaoka City | A town with many Attractive Cultures
Takaoka in Toyama prefecture has plenty of attractions; beautiful scenery on the coastline, unique history, metal production, an anime museum, and more!
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Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple | Waterfall Meditation, a special meditation that can only be done here
Oiwasan Nissekiji is an off the beaten path Buddhist temple founded about 1,300 years ago in Toyama. Learn more about the ‘waterfall practice’ you can do here!
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Kurobe Gorge Railway with Spectacular Views
In the Kurobe Gorge in Toyama, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Kurobe Gorge Railway train. See what there is to discover in this beautiful natural area!
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Chichibu, Saitama | Various activities can be enjoyed
What fun activities can you do in Chichibu in Saitama? This pretty small mountain town has a lot more to offer than you would initially think!