Japan is easily one of Asia’s most intriguing travel destinations, with its rich culture, vibrant cities and breath-taking natural scenery – not to mention a truly mouth-watering food scene that many visitors simply can’t get enough of.
While bustling and futuristic capital city Tokyo is the first stop on almost every itinerary, and the likes of Osaka, Kyoto and Mount Fuji also tend to feature heavily, the nation is home to a huge number of hidden gems recommended by the locals that you could easily miss without some insider information.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and charming fishing villages to spectacular scenery and stunning sandy beaches, Japan really does have it all. Here are three of the country’s best kept secrets to add to your itinerary for 2023 – but first, something to consider before you go.
Before you go
Japan is known for being one of the more expensive countries to visit in Asia, but that also means that you can enjoy a suitably luxurious experience, with comfortable high-speed bullet sleeper trains, lavish hotels and incredible restaurants all on the agenda. The local currency is Japanese Yen, but exchange rates can vary, so if you are looking to buy Yen in Australia, Austria or even Alaska then be sure to shop around for the best rate to ensure you get the most out of your money, and the trip itself.
Japan’s hidden gems
Okinawa
It might surprise you to learn that Japan is home to some truly stunning beach destinations – and Okinawa is arguably the best of them. Few people visit Japan for its beaches, because there’s so much else to see and do besides – but if needing a few days or rest and relaxation is the one thing stopping you from booking those flights then don’t let it stop you, because this is the perfect place to round off a busy trip.
This southern region comprises a trail of 160 sub-tropical islands, only 50 of which are inhabited, and is easily reachable via domestic flight from any of Japan’s major cities. And besides its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs, it has plenty more to offer besides, with a rich cultural heritage of its own. Verdant rainforests, picturesque waterfalls and scenic walking trails make it a nature lover’s dream, and with great food and wellness scenes too, you could spend an entire trip to Japan simply immersing yourself in the magic of Okinawa.
Shizuoka City
If you consider yourself more of a city slicker then you’ll be spoilt for choice in Japan, but if Tokyo isn’t your vibe then Shizuoka might be the perfect alternative. Although it’s located along the popular ‘Golden Route’ tourist trail, it has somehow managed to remain relatively untapped – but if you’re coming from Tokyo or Kyoto then it’s an easy stop to add onto your journey, and one that will be well worth your while.
Here, former base of the ieyasu shogunate, Shizuoka City is home to some interesting ruins and other historic sights, including remnants of the Sunpu castle stronghold, which can be found at the heart of a pretty green park in the city’s centre.
You can also enjoy some awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji from Shizuoka – so if you’re looking to get the ‘perfect shot’, then head to the Nihondaira park and make your way to the top of Mount Udo – a manageable ascent that will reward you with incredible 360-degree views down over Shizuoka and Fuji itself beyond.
Izu Peninsula
A favourite haunt amongst the Tokyo locals, the Izu Peninsula is a mountainous region along the Pacific coast, and the preferred resort town of city dwellers looking to escape the throng for a few days of calm.
Reachable within two hours from the capital if you opt to travel by train, here, you’ll find plenty to see and do, including pretty beaches, quaint towns and onsens – natural hot springs fuelled by volcanic activity, where you can take a relaxing dip. Ito and Atami are some of the most popular hot spring towns within the region, and are well worth a visit.
To the south of the peninsula, you’ll find some thoroughly Instagram-worthy waterfalls, reachable by scenic walking trails Jogasaki and Kawazu Nanadaru. The west also offers up a variety of lovely nature trails, from which you can enjoy some more great views of iconic Mount Fuji.
