Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more

Attraction
Miyazaki

Aoshima

Aoshima - Subtropical Island and Devil's Washboard

A small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, surrounded by unique wave-eroded rock forma...

Miyazaki, Japan
Temple
Kyoto

Kennin-ji

Kyoto's Oldest Zen Temple in the Heart of Gion

Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. Founded 1202 by Eisai, who brought Zen and tea to Japan. Twin Dragons ...

Kyoto, Japan
Historic Site
Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Former Imperial Residence in a Spacious National Garden

The former residence of Japan's Imperial family for over 500 years until 1869, set within the exp...

Kyoto, Japan
Garden
Hyogo

Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Hilltop Herb Garden with Panoramic Ropeway Views

Hilltop herb and flower garden reached by a scenic ropeway ride from Shin-Kobe Station, offering ...

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Attraction
Kyoto

Philosopher's Path

A serene canal-side walking path in Kyoto lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanz...

Kyoto, Japan
Landmark
Wakayama

Engetsuto

Small Island with a Hole the Sunset Shines Through

A small island in Shirahama Bay with a wave-carved hole through its center. During equinoxes, the...

Shirahama, Wakayama, Japan
Park
Ibaraki

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park draws visitors with sweeping hillsides of blue nemophila in spring and fiery...

Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan
Castle
Hyogo

Himeji Castle

Japan's Most Spectacular Castle

Japan's best preserved feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the White Heron Castl...

Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
Attraction
Aomori

Lake Towada

A pristine caldera lake straddling Aomori and Akita prefectures, renowned for its deep blue water...

Towada, Aomori, Japan
City
Tochigi

Mashiko

A Charming Pottery Town with Hundreds of Kilns

One of Japan's most famous pottery towns, home to over 300 kilns producing the rustic Mashiko-yak...

Mashiko, Tochigi, Japan
Park
Nara

Nara Park

Historic park home to over 1,000 freely roaming sacred deer and several UNESCO World Heritage tem...

Nara, Japan
Neighborhood
Aichi

Osu Shopping District

Nagoya's Vibrant Retro Shopping Arcade

A lively covered shopping district with over 1,200 shops spanning electronics, vintage clothing, ...

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Attraction
Hiroshima

Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

A 70-kilometer cycling route across six islands connected by spectacular bridges over the Seto In...

Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan
Attraction
Kumamoto

Amakusa Islands

Hidden Christian Heritage Islands in the Amakusa Sea

Scenic archipelago with Hidden Christian heritage, dolphin watching, pristine coastline, and fres...

Amakusa, Kumamoto, Japan
Onsen
Gunma

Ikaho Onsen

Stone Staircase Hot Spring Town

Famous onsen town built around a 365-step stone staircase, known for its iron-rich 'golden waters...

Shibukawa, Gunma, Japan