off the beaten path
-
Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima | Kingdom of Agriculture
Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima is especially known for its delicious sake and long history of samurai culture.
-
Tono City, Iwate | Michinoku’s three best cherry blossom viewing spots
Tono City in Iwate is not on the tourists’ Golden Route in Japan, but if you love horses or folk tales, it is a must-see destination. Not far from there is a park that’s one of the best cherry blossom spots in the country.
-
Juniko Lakes, Aomori | Beautiful cobalt blue pond
The Juniko (12 Lakes) in Aomori are a place of scenic beauty in the middle of a forest area in the mountains. It is a great spot for hiking and discovering flora and fauna in the area.
-
Matsushima and Naruko Onsen, Miyagi | Beautiful scenery created by Mother Nature
Matsushima near Sendai on the northern Pacific coast, is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan while still being off the beaten path. Just a one-hour train ride away is resort town Naruko Onsen.
-
Yamadera: a Hidden Gem in the Mountains
Yamadera is a temple in a mountainous region of Yamagata. It was founded over a thousand years ago, and now it is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Some of the most amazing views of nature can be seen from Yamadera.
-
Yamagata City, Yamagata | A city surrounded by beautiful and magnificent nature
Yamagata City is a centrally located town within a short distance of famous sightseeing areas like Mt. Zao with its onsen, hiking spots, winter sports areas, and Yamadera.
-
Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, Nyuto Onsen, Akita | Some of the best hot springs in Japan
Akita is not on the top of the list for destinations within Japan for the average foreign tourist, which is in part due to its remote location. However, for nature-lovers and those interested in history, it is certainly worth the trek up north!
-
Oga Peninsula, Akita | Beautiful scenery of sea and mountains
Oga Peninsula, in the western part of Akita, juts out into the Japan Sea in the shape of an ax. Along its coastline are fantastic views of crags and boulders, and it is noted for its beautiful sunsets.
-
Kawayu Onsen, Hokkaido | Unusual volcanic hot spring
Kawayu Onsen is a resort of hot springs in the middle of Akan National Park in Hokkaido. It is a good place to stay if you want to discover the natural bounty of the surrounding park.
-
Asahikawa Area, Hokkaido | A city with the largest national park in Japan
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido. Early February each year the Ashikawa Winter Festival is held here, but there are more reasons to visit this cool city.
-
Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido | Beautiful wilderness formed by volcanic activity
The Akan Mashu area was formed by volcanic activity around 6000 years ago. Akan Mashu National Park is especially known for its 3 beautiful lakes; Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo.
-
Kushiro, Tsurui, Tokachi | Hokkaido’s beautiful wilderness
Kushiro is the largest city on the sparsely-populated eastern side of Hokkaido. The area is a treasure trove for those who love nature and gourmet food.
-
Shiretoko and Abashiri, Hokkaido | Nature that can only be experienced in the farthest reaches of the earth
Shiretoko in Hokkaido is a real nature paradise. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, an ice breaker boat, and a drift ice walk. Birding in winter is also a special experience.
-
Hakodate, Hokkaido | An important port town connecting Japan and other countries
Hakodate is well-loved by domestic tourists but often overlooked by foreign tourists which makes it a hidden gem. If you like green cities surrounded by beautiful nature, then Hakodate is a great place to visit.
-
Furano and Biei, Hokkaido | Beautiful rural scenery
Furano and Biei are located next to each other and are usually visited in one trip. Most people discover the area on a 4-5 day summer trip, and marvel at the colorful beauty of all the flowers.
-
Otaru, Hokkaido | Wall Street of the North
Otaru makes for a great day trip from Sapporo, or a nice stop along the way for those traveling to ski resort Niseko. The glassworks shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and shops are located in traditional buildings.
-
Yokoamicho Park, Tokyo | Center of the Sumo wrestling world
Due to the firestorm that tore through the eastern side of Tokyo after the great Tokyo earthquake in 1923, thousands of people died in the area that is now Yokoamicho Park.
