Exploring Japan: Top 5 off-the-beaten-path travel tips
Japan is an enchanting destination for tourists looking for a mix of traditional and modern experiences. However, it’s easy to fall into tourist traps and miss out on unique experiences while traveling. Off-the-beaten-path travel is an excellent way to experience Japan’s culture, history, and hidden gems. Here are our top five off-the-beaten-path travel tips for exploring Japan.
1. Visit the Rural Villages
One of the best ways to experience Japan’s rich history and culture is by exploring its rural villages. Places like Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, located in the Japanese Alps, offer picturesque views of traditional thatched-roof houses and beautiful landscapes. The Iya Valley in Shikoku also offers visitors the chance to experience life in a remote mountain village.
2. Take a Food Tour
Japan is known for its mouth-watering cuisine, and taking a food tour is an excellent way to explore some of the country’s lesser-known culinary offerings. Consider taking a tour of the Yanaka neighborhood in Tokyo, where you can taste some of the city’s street food. Alternatively, head over to Osaka to indulge in some of the city’s best local dishes, such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.
3. Attend a Traditional Festival
Japan has a ton of traditional festivals year-round, and attending one offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition. Consider attending the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima, where locals dance through the streets in elaborate costumes in the middle of August. Alternatively, head to Kumano in Wakayama prefecture to witness the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route Festival in October.
4. Visit the Countryside During Sakura Season
Everyone knows that cherry blossom season in Japan is a big deal, but you don’t have to stick to crowded city parks to enjoy it. Consider heading to the countryside for a more peaceful cherry blossom viewing experience. Some of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in the countryside include Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture.
5. Explore Abandoned Places
Japan has a fascination with abandoned places; hence there are a ton of them all over Japan. These places offer a glimpse into the country’s past and can be a great place for photographers and urban explorers. Consider exploring Hashima Island off the coast of Nagasaki or the abandoned railway tunnels in Gunma Prefecture.
Conclusion
Exploring Japan off-the-beaten-path is an excellent way to experience the country’s unique culture, history, and hidden gems. By taking a food tour, visiting rural villages and traditional festivals, exploring abandoned places, and heading to the countryside during cherry blossom season, you’ll experience Japan in a way that most travelers never do. So go out there and explore!
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