BackFor a unique and authentic visit, discover Japan off the beaten path
Trade the traditional trip in the big cities for nature, art, and tradition. If you want a trip that feels personal, explore Japan off the beaten path: mountain towns, quiet onsen villages, island hideaways, and small cities where daily life unfolds at an easy pace. Start with this travel guide for unusual Japanese vacations and read on about seasons, adventures, and activities to inspire the route that fits your desires.
Below, you’ll find our top places that deliver a more local feel and plenty of excitement without the crowds.
- Hakone National Park
- Shikoku Island
- Takayama, Hida
- Miyajima Island
- Mount Koya, Kansai
- Matsumoto, Japanese Alps
- Naoshima Island
- Kanazawa
1. Hakone National Park 
You won’t believe that Hakone National Park lies less than 63 miles away from hectic Tokyo, with its epic mountain views (look out for Fuji-san on a clear day), forest-lined lake, and thermal hot springs.
True to Japanese style, the park is easy to navigate with an efficient and convenient transport system of trains, buses, cable cars, a funicular, and a boat cruise. In the vast expanses of Hakone, you can take in fresh air, explore at your leisure, and recline in the mineral-rich waters of onsen baths.
Hakone is lovely during the sakura cherry blossom and autumn, when the leaves turn rich reds and oranges. If you visit Japan during the summer, you can climb Mount Fuji between July and September. Read our When to Visit Japan guide for more details.
2. Shikoku Island
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands and home to areas of incredible natural beauty.
The Dogo Onsen hot springs here are the oldest in Japan, with traditional wooden bathhouses and ryokan guesthouses, while the intricate landscape gardens of Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu make for a peaceful and contemplative visit.
Shikoku’s star draw is the Iya Valley, where dramatic peaks rise over rugged cliffs. Fugitives once hid here, but today you can wind along mountain roads, cross vine bridges, and soak in riverside hot springs. Don’t forget to watch for the famous Peeing Boy statue!
3. Takayama, Hida
Tucked away in the lush forests of the Japanese Alps, the charming rural town of Takayama is almost a time capsule of the Edo period. The architecture dates back to the 16th century, and the narrow alleys of teahouses and sake breweries feel like a world away from Japan’s fast-paced metropolises.
Peruse artisan crafts at a morning market, sip on locally brewed sake, or take a cycle tour of the region for stunning alpine views. The three sister mountain ranges of Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi are said to be the home of mountain spirits, giving this destination in the Japanese Alps a celestial level of serenity.
Wayfairer Top Tip
To truly experience authentic Japanese hospitality, stay in a traditional ryokan guesthouse. A stay in a ryokan means onsen baths, kaiseki banquets of Japanese dishes, futon bedding and tatami mats, plus a unique cultural experience.
Tanabe Ryokan in Takayama, Japan
4. Miyajima Island
Off the coast of Hiroshima, bathing in the Seto Inland Sea, the little island of Miyajima makes for a popular day trip for those looking for a photo opportunity at the famous “floating” torii gate, which gives this place its nickname: Shrine Island.
However, once you’ve taken in the picturesque scene, explore what else the island has to offer; observe the friendly deer that call Miyajima home and take a cable car up to the peak of Mount Misen for breathtaking ocean views and cheeky monkey encounters.
5. Mount Koya, Kansai
Mount Koya (Kōyasan), tucked in the Kii Mountains, ranks among Japan’s most sacred places and is the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism. The monk Kūkai founded the vast monastery complex on the mountain’s plateau, choosing the site for its quiet forests and dramatic scenery. Pilgrims still walk the ancient routes across the Kii Peninsula to reach Okunoin and more than 100 temples. In 2004, UNESCO inscribed the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” as a World Heritage Site.
Today, you can visit the site and explore the greenery. If you wish, you can stay overnight at one of the temples, such as Shojoshin-in. Here, you can live as the monks do, eating vegetarian food and attending morning prayers.
6. Matsumoto, Japanese Alps
Another off-the-beaten-path alpine town to visit, Matsumoto is the gateway to hikes around the Japanese Alps. The city is known for its rich history and creative artisans. Built in 1594, Matsumoto Castle is one of the best-preserved original castles in Japan, and was designated a National Treasure in 1930.
A visit to Daio Wasabi Farm is educational (be sure to try some wasabi beer during your visit!). The Ukiyo-e Museum holds an extensive collection of woodblock prints, and a dish of soba noodles at Takagi is a must; the shop has been serving soba for over 130 years!
Wayfairer Top Tip
In Japan, city life is only half the story. The changing seasons and natural environments are still a big part of Japanese culture, from sakura viewing in spring to mountain onsen towns. The best way to experience Japan is by spending time in off-the-beaten-path rural locations.
Cherry blossom petals falling during sakura season
7. Naoshima Island
There’s no place quite like Naoshima. Once a small fishing island, it has become a creative hub with world-renowned artists, iconic sculptures, and thought-provoking architecture.
Whether you visit on a day trip from Honshu or stay overnight at the Benesse House art gallery, this open-air island museum may be well off the beaten path in Japan, but it's a must-visit for art-lovers.
8. Kanazawa
Historic Kanazawa is a great place to learn about Japanese history and culture. Escaping the destruction of World War II, the city still has many of its original structures, such as samurai lodgings and geisha teahouses.
The main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the trio. The gardens were once the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and provide ample opportunity to learn about Japanese landscaping theory and philosophy.
9. Kinosaki Onsen
There are many onsen towns across the country from which to choose. Many lie off the beaten path in Japan for tourists but are frequented by locals, offering an even more authentic Japanese experience.
Our favourite is the picturesque Kinosaki Onsen in the Kansai region, which is featured in our Japan Honeymoon itinerary, with a stay at the romantic and intimate Nishimuraya Honkan ryokan (see above video).
Kinosaki’s hot springs date to the 8th century, and the town still showcases its historic charm. Framed by mountain views, pretty streets lined with traditional buildings set the scene for an onsen retreat; soak, wander, and leave feeling completely refreshed.
Japan Off the Beaten Path with Wayfairer Travel
Escape Japan’s neon hubs for countryside cities, towns, and villages—perfect if you’ve already seen the classics or prefer quieter corners. Trade crowds for history, culture, and nature, and discover experiences that feel genuinely off the beaten path.
Visit our Luxury Japan Holidays page or browse our Rural Japan Explorer itinerary for more ideas on how to get off the beaten path in Japan. Our luxury travel specialists are always on hand to discuss holiday ideas and create a tailor-made luxury holiday catered to your needs and interests.
