A decent, 2-week first time trip to Japan will normally take in the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima with time to visit Mount Fuji and (potentially) the Japanese Alps. You can see an itinerary that I'd recommend for a first time holiday to Japan by clicking here. But if you have longer to spend in this fascinating country, or you’re returning for a second visit, here are a few suggestions for places that are well worth seeing but aren’t on the main tourist trail. As such, it’s a bit more complicated to get there, but all you need is good planning and someone who has a good grasp of the extensive and highly efficient Japanese rail network (like me and my specialist suppliers!)
Matsushima. Considered one of Japan’s 3 most scenic spots, the beautiful 260 pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay have inspired poets and travellers for centuries. I travelled here with really high expectations on my last trip to Japan in November and I have to say that it certainly didn’t disappoint – it’s a gorgeous place and well worth the time it took to get here. You’ll need to base yourself in the city of Sendai and travel here by train and a scenic ferry ride. 3 of the islands can be accessed by footbridges from the mainland. Visit mysterious Oshima with caves carved out by ancient meditating monks and then stretch your legs with a walk across the 252-metre-long red bridge to Fukuura Island for a view of both the bay and the Matsushima coastline. Visit the lovely Zuiganji Temple and Entsuin Temple next door with its beautiful gardens. And around the ferry port are numerous small boutiques and fab restaurants where you can sample some of the local delicacies – such as tempura oysters.
Naoshima. This is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that’s well-known for its contemporary art museums, architecture and sculptures. This is where you'll find the 2 huge pumpkin sculptures that you've probably seen in photos. It's a lovely scenic island with a relaxed atmosphere and a rural feel. The majority of Naoshima's art was installed by the Benesse Corporation, which oversees all the art museums, installations and sculptures that are on Naoshima and on all of the neighbouring islands. Benesse's museums were designed by the well known Japanese architect Ando Tadao and include the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and all the buildings of the Benesse House. When I visited in the autumn, I stayed at the fabulous Benesse House Hotel - part art gallery, part hotel. I enjoyed my time on Naoshima Island but, in my opinion, if it’s outdoor sculptures that you’re really interested in, the Open Air Museum in Hakone has more to offer. See my blog post with details on my latest visit by clicking here.
Koyasan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Koya is a monastic complex located high in the forested mountains of southwest Japan, where you can shake off the city chaos. It’s home to the Shingon Buddhist sect, with red robed monks living among a collection of over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation for visitors and pilgrims. I stayed in temple lodgings when I visited in November – and although I enjoyed my stay, I have to say that I didn’t find the vegan food much to my taste. If I had my time again, I’d go out for dinner to one of the nearby restaurants. But staying in a temple meant that I could watch a goma fire ritual, performed by the monks to destroy negative energy by lighting a fire in the middle of the temple. You can also visit Okunoin Temple where Kobo Daishi (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) is buried – you’ll have to walk through the most amazing cemetery you’ve ever visited which dates from 816 AD. It’s the largest in Japan, with over 200,000 tombstones lining the 2km walk to the mausoleum. It was very atmospheric, particularly as we were walking whilst it was snowing!
Kanazawa. Of all Japan’s cities, Kanazawa is the most liveable — as well as being quite compact and easy to get around. The ruling Edo-period Maeda clan developed it to rival Kyoto as Japan’s city of culture and, more than 400 years later, it still does. Throughout the 16th century, artisans from across Japan were invited to work in Kanazawa, fusing traditional techniques with the samurai philosophy. This patronage of the arts has continued unabated for more than 400 years, resulting in the city’s nickname, the City of Crafts, and its status as a UNESCO Creative City. There are a variety of different tours available to visit some of the artisans in the city – and some where you can take a workshop, such as learning to create your own gold leaf chopsticks. In the Nagamachi Samurai district of the city, you can wander the narrow streets where you’ll find traditional residences lived in by samurai and their families during the Edo period. And Kanazawa is also home to Kenroku Garden - considered one of the best gardens in Japan.
Shikoku. You can cross to Shikoku island by train from Okayama, or board a boat through the archipelago from Hiroshima. The smallest of the country’s four main islands, Shikoku is often left off Japan itineraries. Yet this is one of the best places to experience the traditional side of Japan. It offers you the chance to explore historic castles, watch traditional Bunraku puppet shows, or walk part of the country’s best-known pilgrimage routes. There are 88 temples on the island associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). And the dramatic mountain scenery of the Iya Valley, beautiful coastlines and towering gorges beckon to be explored on foot. Shikoku is the perfect place to hike, canoe and climb in a remote and wild environment, including a nature trail that ambles alongside the Nametoko Canyon’s crystal-clear river. This little island is a great choice in Japan if you you're attracted by the paths less travelled.
Okinawa. Japan isn’t often thought of as a beach destination, but the country’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, might just convince you otherwise. The azure waters and bone-white sands of its laid-back, subtropical islands invite you to unwind on the shore or dive beneath the waves. Plus, the islands are home to the Ryūkyū culture that still thrives here, albeit merged with certain aspects of traditional Japanese culture. The islands didn't actually come under Japanese rule until the 19th century. Prior to that, the Ryukyu Kingdom was an independent dynasty. If you want to incorporate Okinawa into a holiday to Japan, it’s just a short flight from the mainland – so it’s easy to combine cities and beaches in one trip.
Hokkaido. At the other end of the scale is Japan’s most northerly island, Hokkaido. It’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to its powder snow and excellent resorts. Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city, is famous for Sapporo beer, Sapporo ramen and the amazing annual Sapporo Snow Festival where there are amazing, elaborate sculptures created from snow and ice (on my Bucket List to visit as it looks fab). Hokkaido’s mild summers provide relief from Japan’s humidity, and provide the perfect conditions for hiking and exploring the many National Parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with natural hot springs, volcanic lakes and unforgettable experiences. You can explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan, and travel to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer.
Have all these fabulous places got you thinking about planning a holiday to Japan? If so, get in touch and let's get the ball rolling with an initial chat - so that you can tell me about what you're hoping for from your holiday and the destinations that most appeal. Once I have a full understanding of your brief, I'll be able to get one of my expert, specialist suppliers to pull together a bespoke itinerary for you.
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