5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Takayama Ancient Town in Gifu Prefecture
Takayama Ancient Town in Gifu Prefecture offers a glimpse into Japan's historic past, with its traditional wooden houses, scenic landscapes, and lively local experiences like izakaya hopping in the popular Dekonaru Yokocho foodie alley.
Beyond Takayama, the Gifu Prefecture hosts several other hidden gems worth exploring, such as the picturesque Gujo-Hachiman and the relaxing Okuhida hot spring villages.
Takayama's historic town center has remained largely unchanged for over 300 years, with many of the preserved wooden buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868).
Carpenters in Takayama are known for their exceptional woodworking skills.
Takayama's morning markets, held daily since the 16th century, are a vibrant hub of activity where visitors can find an array of local produce, handicrafts, and traditional delicacies.
The markets are considered some of the best in Japan.
The town's sake brewing heritage dates back to the 16th century, and Takayama is home to several acclaimed sake breweries that offer tastings and tours.
Takayama's Hida Beef, a type of premium wagyu beef, is considered one of the finest in Japan due to the region's pristine environment and traditional cattle-rearing methods.
The town's Takayama Matsuri festivals, held in spring and autumn, are among the most elaborate and visually stunning in Japan, featuring elaborately decorated floats, traditional music, and dance performances that date back centuries.
What else is in this post?
- 5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Takayama Ancient Town in Gifu Prefecture
- 5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Naoshima Art Island in the Seto Inland Sea
- 5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Yakushima Island Primeval Forest
- 5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Kanazawa Samurai Districts and Gardens
- 5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Onomichi Cycling Paradise in Hiroshima Prefecture
5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Naoshima Art Island in the Seto Inland Sea
Naoshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, has undergone a remarkable transformation into an art destination through the efforts of the Benesse Corporation since the 1980s.
Despite its modest size, the island offers a wealth of cultural experiences, seamlessly integrating art installations within the natural environment.
With its tranquil beaches, scenic walking paths, and unique local dining experiences, Naoshima provides a serene and holistic cultural experience, offering a refreshing alternative to the well-trodden tourist destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto.
The island's art transformation was initiated in the 1980s by the Benesse Corporation, which aimed to revitalize the declining island through a unique cultural project.
Despite its small size of only 14 square kilometers, Naoshima offers a diverse array of art experiences, seamlessly integrating major cultural sites with the natural environment.
The island's transportation system is highly efficient, with a shuttle bus service that makes it convenient for visitors to explore the various art installations and highlights spread across the island.
Yayoi Kusama's iconic Pumpkin sculptures are dotted throughout the island, enhancing Naoshima's reputation as a premier destination for contemporary art enthusiasts.
The Art House Project, where abandoned houses have been transformed into art spaces, allows visitors to experience the fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary art.
5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Yakushima Island Primeval Forest
Beyond its exquisite landscapes, Yakushima offers a unique cultural experience, with local cuisine, traditional hot spring bathing, and the opportunity to encounter rare endemic wildlife, including the Yakushima macaque.
This hidden gem, often overlooked by the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, provides a tranquil escape where travelers can connect deeply with Japan's natural wonders.
The Jomon-sugi Cedar on Yakushima Island is believed to be one of the oldest living trees in the world, with estimates suggesting it may be up to 7,200 years old, making it a true living fossil.
The island's diverse ecosystem is home to over 1,900 species of vascular plants, including 94 endemic species, making it a biodiversity hotspot in Japan.
Yakushima's unique microclimate, with its high annual rainfall reaching up to 10 meters, has resulted in the formation of ancient, twisted cedar trees that have inspired Japanese folklore and mythology.
The island's primeval forests are so dense and untouched that they were used as a filming location for the 1997 Studio Ghibli anime film "Princess Mononoke," known for its striking depiction of a primeval Japanese landscape.
Yakushima is home to the Yakushima macaque, a unique subspecies of the Japanese macaque that has adapted to the island's mountainous terrain and has developed a distinctive gray coat color.
The island's rivers and streams contain a diverse array of aquatic life, including the Yakushima freshwater crab, a species found only on Yakushima and neighboring islands.
Yakushima's high elevation and mountainous terrain have led to the formation of unique cloud forests, where dense mists and low-hanging clouds create an otherworldly, ethereal atmosphere.
The island's primeval forests have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, acknowledging their outstanding universal value and the need for their preservation.
5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Kanazawa Samurai Districts and Gardens
The city's crown jewel, Kenrokuen Garden, is a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design, showcasing seasonal beauty and historical significance that rivals the most famous gardens in Kyoto.
The Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa features a unique water canal system from the Edo period, designed to provide fire protection for the samurai residences.
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, employs a complex irrigation system that has remained largely unchanged since its creation in the 17th century.
The Nomura Samurai House in Kanazawa contains a rare 400-year-old cypress tree in its garden, which has survived numerous natural disasters and wars.
Kanazawa's gold leaf production accounts for 99% of Japan's total output, with the technique refined by samurai artisans during the Edo period.
The Higashi Chaya District's tea houses feature a distinctive architectural element called "kimusuko," hidden rooms where geisha could quickly hide during police raids.
Kenrokuen Garden's famous Kotoji-toro lantern, despite its iconic status, was only added to the garden in 1774, several decades after the garden's initial design.
The Oyama Shrine in Kanazawa features a unique fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles, including a rare Dutch-style stained-glass window.
The Nagamachi District's earthen walls, called "dobei," contain a mixture of clay, sand, and rice straw, providing both structural integrity and fire resistance.
Kanazawa Castle's Hishi Yagura watchtower employs a complex joinery technique called "gongenzukuri," allowing it to withstand earthquakes without the use of nails.
5 Hidden Gems in Japan Local-Recommended Destinations Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto - Onomichi Cycling Paradise in Hiroshima Prefecture
Onomichi and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea region offer a cycling paradise for adventurous travelers.
The scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route connects Honshu to Shikoku, providing breathtaking views of the serene waters and a network of well-maintained bike trails to explore.
Beyond cycling, the area is home to cultural gems like the historic townscapes of Takehara, the iconic Miyajima Island, and Fukuyama Castle, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and Japan's spiritual heritage.
The Onomichi U2 complex, a former naval arsenal, has been transformed into a cutting-edge cycling hub, offering state-of-the-art bike rentals, maintenance services, and even a cycling-themed hotel.
Onomichi is home to the world's longest suspension bridge exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, spanning an impressive 4,015 meters across the Seto Inland Sea.
The Seto Inland Sea region, which Onomichi is a part of, is known for its unique microclimate, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, making it an ideal destination for year-round cycling.
The Onomichi City Museum of Art showcases a permanent exhibition on the history and significance of cycling in the region, including rare vintage bicycles and interactive exhibits.
Onomichi's cycling routes are meticulously maintained, with regular repaving and the installation of safety features, such as dedicated bike lanes and signage, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
The city's cycling culture is deeply rooted in its history, with the first organized cycling event, the Onomichi Bicycle Race, dating back to 1921, making it one of the oldest cycling events in Japan.
Onomichi's cycling network extends beyond the Shimanami Kaido, offering a diverse range of routes that cater to cyclists of all skill levels, from leisurely scenic rides to challenging hill climbs.
The local government in Onomichi has invested heavily in promoting the city as a premier cycling destination, offering various incentives and programs to attract cyclists, including bike-sharing schemes and guided tours.