8 Hidden Japanese Gems You Must Visit

We hope that this collection of hidden jewels encourages you to travel outside of Kyoto's temples and Tokyo's glittering skyscrapers in order to discover more of Japan. Instead, look into Japan's lesser-known but nevertheless worthwhile tourism attractions. In exceptional circumstances, you could even be able to go back to Tokyo for dinner.

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1 . Nyuto Onsen

In the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in the Akita Prefecture of the Tohoku region, Nyuto Onsen is an Onsen district. There are many natural hot springs at this secret hot springs resort, which is tucked away deep into the forest. There are 8 traditional ryokan-style rooms with outdoor onsen baths available.

The Nyuto Onsen district is renowned for its nostalgic and rural mood as well as its classic northern rural appearance. The surrounding area is completely blanketed with snow in Akita Prefecture during the winter, and the views from outdoor spas are just breathtaking. Even if you don't have time to stay the night, the majority of Nyuto Onsen lodgings welcome day visitors who pay an entrance charge to use their baths. Having said that, it is highly advised to spend the night at one of the lodgings to experience the incredibly traditional Japanese inn and delectable regional fare.

2. Tottori Sand Dunes

Even though there are many surprises in Japan, we were surprised to discover a desert in the Tottori Prefecture. You can reach one of Japan's most intriguing undiscovered treasures, the Tottori Sand Dunes, by taking a three-hour train ride from Osaka (unfortunately, there aren't any bullet trains out here yet). The dunes are around one and a quarter miles wide and cover nearly 10 miles of shoreline within the Sanin Kaigan National Park. For breathtaking views and peaceful solitude, visitors can hike up the 164-foot peaks, or, as Robert Schrader from Leave Your Daily Hell advises, they can ride a camel. Yes, you can ride a camel in Japan. Additionally, there is a Sand Museum where you may view sand sculptures created by artists from all around the world.

3. Nakasendo Way

A Nakasendo Way walking tour is a remarkably intimate way to explore Japan. This seven-part walk connects Kyoto and Tokyo by traveling along an ancient trail from the seventh century across the center of Honshu (then known as Edo).

The walk, which covers a distance of about 310 miles overall, begins along Kyoto's Lake Biwa, crosses the highlands of Sekigahara, passes through what is now Nagoya, skirts the southern border of the Japanese Alps, and then proceeds down the Kanto Plain toward Tokyo. While you might do this trek alone, we don't advise it, especially if you don't speak Japanese very well (you'll frequently be in areas where there is no English). We advise signing up for a tour like this one offered by Walk Japan.

4. Mt. Haguro (Yamagata)

A revered natural landmark in Yamagata Prefecture is Mt. Haguro. Since ancient times, Japanese people have revered and traveled to this mountain, which has served as a key pilgrimage destination throughout history as a place of Shugendo devotion.

Historic structures, such as the Hagurosan Five-story Pagoda, which is formally recognized as a National Treasure, may be found on the 414-meter peak. Dewa Sanzan Shrine, which also includes shrines for nearby Mt. Yudono and Mt. Gassan, is located at the summit of the mountain.

It is also a well-liked hiking location that is simple to navigate even for new hikers. From Mt. Haguro's base to its peak, the most well-traveled hiking trail is roughly 1.7 kilometers long and takes around 1.5 hours to complete.

5.Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

In Kyoto, are the temples and shrines too crowded? Like these two temples, there are many other undiscovered locations in the city that are off the main tourist path.

The Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is situated in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was built as a Buddhist temple in 811.

Due to the temple's location on a hill and modest distance from Arashiyama, which is a popular tourist destination, not many people go there.

A short distance to the north of Adashino Nenbutsu Temple is located Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, which is a distinctive temple. Empress Shotoku founded the shrine during the eighth century.

The temple is well-known for its 1,200 stone "rakan" statues of Buddha's followers. These sculptures, which each have a unique expression, were given as gifts in 1981 to commemorate the temple's restoration. Most were done by novice carvers who were instructed by sculptor Kocho Nishimura.

6. Yakushima

Sometimes all you need to do is look at where the locals go to unwind in order to discover the best hidden gems in a nation. Welcome to Yakushima, a tiny island situated between the sandy and sunny island chains of Okinawa and Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan. Take the twice-daily, four-hour ferry from Kagoshima, or rent a boat from a company like Get My Boat, which also offers tours and is aware that this area is undiscovered by tourists.

7. Motonosumi Inari Shrine

One of the most picturesque temples in Japan is Motonosumi Inari Shrine, which is surrounded by the water and has over 100 gates. It is situated in Yamaguchi Prefecture, at the very tip of Japan's main island.

There are hot springs, mountains, lakes, and woods that are clothed with greenery and have running waterfalls. Those that make the journey can go on hikes through cedar and rainforest, swim in the warm seas for clear views of the marine life below, or paddle about the island.

8. Shikoku Island

Shikoku is the smallest major island in Japan, but it is abundant in beautiful scenery and natural beauty. This small island was abandoned for generations due to its remote location just off the coast of Honshu; nonetheless, three distinct bridges that connected Honshu and Shikoku were eventually constructed. This is a hidden gem that is frequently disregarded by travelers but is a must-see for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Beautiful citrus trees, castles, shrines, raging rivers that are great for rafting, and the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, the country's most well-known pilgrimage, may all be found here. Although the Shinkansen does not go there, you can travel there via bus, ferry, train, and airplane. For moving about the island, there are buses, limited express trains, and your own two feet.