You’ve mapped your Japan route, taking you from the neon glow of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and snow-capped Mount Fuji.
But that’s just the start of your adventure. Just off the beaten track, ancient forests and mountain villages whisper tales of the real Japan, and there are stretches of gorgeous coastline, rumbling volcanoes and piping hot springs to discover.
It’s all so easy to explore as well, with Shinkansen bullet trains ready to whisk you from bustling cities to Japan’s quieter corners.
The island nation may be famous for its spring clouds of cherry blossom. But visit in a different season and you can experience the icy wonder of a winter snow festival or the blazing leaves of autumn trees. After all, 66 per cent of Japan is blanketed by forests, inviting you to enjoy a serene rural escape where you can slow down and truly soak it all in.
The New Golden Route
The journey that links together blockbuster sights such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto is rightly famous, plunging you into the unique blend of modern and ancient Japan. But it’s also easy to add a little more to this itinerary to soak up the tranquillity of Japan beyond the cities.
The New Golden Route loops north, where you can soak in the thermal waters of Ikaho Onsen and spot snow monkeys doing just the same as they thaw out in the warm waters of Jigokudani Onsen.
A vintage railway in Kurobe Gorge provides a refreshing contrast to the bullet train in spectacular mountain scenery, and the city of Kurobe is perfectly situated between sea and mountains.
Travel south west to Kanazawa and explore the beautifully preserved old town and landscape gardens, before going on to the impressive sights of Maruoka Castle in Fukui, set on a hilltop and one of the oldest in the country. The route perfectly combines urban buzz with the rich traditions of rural Japan.
The snow-dusted Diamond Route
Looking for remote beauty just a short hop from Tokyo? Discover the untamed wildness of Japan’s north in this historically unexplored region.
From the politeness of the villagers in the charming alpine towns to the samurai culture long associated with the north, the so-called Diamond Route offers adventure-lovers an opportunity to see the real Japan.
Only two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo, the sparkling gems of the Ibaraki, Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures await.
Between them, they reveal a volcano surrounded by lakes, the Edo thatched town of Ouchijuku with no visible signs of modernity, and picturesque national parks with graceful bridges spanning the gorges and valleys between woodland shrines and mausolea.
Nikko, a spectacular mountain town, is the perfect base for hikers, with a range of trails taking you through forests to waterfalls and lakes.
Hot springs of Hokkaido
The northern island of Hokkaido is home to one of Japan’s best-known hot springs. Noboribetsu Onsen is the place to go for otherworldly landscapes.
In Hokkaido, you’ll also find some of the freshest seafood Japan has to offer. Early birds and food lovers can soak up the buzz and haggling of the early morning fish market in Hakodate, with its arcade of restaurants at Donburi Yokocho.
So much of this northern island is wild, a place to spot brown bears and deer, explore pristine forests and volcanic lakes, and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture. In winter, head here for skiing and the Sapporo Snow Festival, with its vast, frozen sculptures.
Ancient mountain culture and Kyoto
Plan a meandering journey between the handsome city of Takayama and Kyoto, and you can explore the mountain landscapes of the Japan Alps. Hidden among mountain ranges, traditional Alpine villages, blanketed with snow, are ready to welcome you.
Shirakawa-Go is nicknamed ‘the fairytale village’ for its ethereal prettiness, and Takayama itself holds centuries of timeless craft traditions with carving, weaving and quilting all on display in the ancient and well-preserved Edo-period buildings. From here, you can venture inside a mountain to the subterranean museum that houses the marionettes used in local festivals.
All this before going on to the floating world of Kyoto and encountering shrines, temples and imperial palaces as you wander between tea houses, taking in the art and culture of old-world Japan.
Okinawa coastline archipelago
Japan’s southernmost prefecture is a necklace of islands that was once the home of Ryukyu kings, and you can still visit their UNESCO-listed castle ruins.
With a distinctive subtropical climate, Okinawa also has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, with white sands, coral reefs, and clear blue water.
In autumn, the humidity dissipates, and this region comes alive with cultural events. There are festivals like Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri, famed for dazzling traditional eisa performances, and celebrations of the native martial art, karate. The sunny weather – still in the mid to high 20°Cs – makes it ideal for forest and mountain hikes as well as beach days.
Japan’s superb railway network and short-haul flights connect you to every unsung corner of the country, ranging from the picturesque vintage tracks in the mountains to the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train, transporting passengers quickly and efficiently between metropolitan hubs.
Take a detour from the familiar tourist routes to discover the diversity of this wonderful country, holding one of the richest caches of cultural and natural treasures in the world.
Find out more and plan your trip at japan.travel
