Located in the southwest of Japan, Kyushu is a perennial favorite among Japanese people and Japan enthusiasts for its food, natural scenery, and onsen (hot springs). Without further ado, we present our favorite off-the-beaten-path areas of Japan (not listed in order of preference – we love them all!): Read more on what you should know about the Japanese language.

It’s safe to say you’re likely to encounter fewer English speakers in more rural parts of Japan.

Trains in Japan are wonderful and the country has a comprehensive rail network, but in off-the-beaten-track areas it’s often easiest to explore by car (some travelers enjoy driving, while others prefer to have a private driver).

Even in less-visited regions most cities have hotels, but in very remote areas there may only be Japanese-style options.

Expect to stay in ryokans (Japanese-style inns) at least some of the time.

Here are a few key things you should know, which are generally applicable to the destinations featured below (and rural Japan on the whole). Traveling through the Japanese countryside is ultimately easier than many travelers imagine. Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on August 28, 2020.

(If you’re looking for even more inspiration, see our comprehensive guide to Japan’s best destinations). So to help you plan the most unique trip possible, we’re pleased to present a selection of the best off-the-beaten-path places in Japan. Yet even at popular times of year, you can almost feel like you have the beauty of Japan to yourself by venturing to more remote parts of the country. Particularly during peak seasons, it’s normal for iconic places to attract lots of visitors. It’s also a good way to minimize exposure to crowds. You’ll find the modern and ancient capitals in our sample trips, along with other renowned destinations, because they’re truly worthwhile.īut to complement your travels to what might be considered “essential” destinations, it’s also worth getting off the beaten track to spend time in areas of Japan that fewer travelers visit. Most people who visit Japan focus on more well-known places, like Tokyo and Kyoto - and with good reason.

If you’re the type of traveler who seeks out unique, non-touristy places, this short list of our favorite off-the-beaten-path Japan destinations is for you.

Free download non touristy islands