Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more

Attraction
Wakayama

Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails

UNESCO-listed ancient pilgrimage trails through sacred mountains, linking grand shrines of the Ki...

Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan
Temple
Kochi

Chikurinji Temple

Temple 31 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, on the wooded hill of Godaisan above Kochi city, founded in ...

Kochi, Japan
Attraction
Aomori

Lake Towada

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

Towada, Aomori, Japan
Onsen
Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Onsen

Hokkaido's Premier Hot Spring Resort

A volcanic hot spring town with nine different types of natural thermal water and a dramatic Hell...

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
City
Osaka

Osaka

Osaka - Japan's Kitchen and Soul

Japan's second city, famed as the nation's kitchen for its street food obsession, warm and outgoi...

Osaka, Japan
Attraction
Kagoshima

Sakurajima

Sakurajima Volcano

One of Japan's most active volcanoes rising from Kagoshima Bay, accessible by a short ferry ride.

Kagoshima, Japan
Landmark
Hyogo

Himeji Monorail Memorial

Preserved Cars from Japan's Abandoned Monorail

Preserved cars from the Himeji Monorail (1966-1974), a futuristic transit system that operated fo...

Himeji, 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
Museum
Kanagawa

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

A Retro Food Theme Park Celebrating Japan's Ramen Culture

An indoor food theme park recreating a 1958 Tokyo streetscape, where ramen shops from across Japa...

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Market
Wakayama

Tore Tore Market

Western Japan's Largest Seafood Market in Shirahama

One of western Japan's largest seafood markets where visitors can buy fresh fish, dine at seafood...

Shirahama, Wakayama, Japan
Shrine
Shimane

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Okuninushi, god of marriage, so couples come h...

Izumo, Shimane, Japan
Historic Site
Hokkaido

Tobetsu Trappist Monastery

Japan's First Trappist Monastery, Near Hakodate

Founded in 1896 in Hokuto, the first Trappist monastery in Japan and home to the monks who create...

Hokuto, Hokkaido, Japan
Attraction
Miyagi

Zao Fox Village

Unique Park with Over 100 Free-Roaming Foxes

A one-of-a-kind sanctuary where over 100 foxes of six different species roam freely in a forested...

Shiroishi, Miyagi, Japan
Museum
Osaka

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

The Birthplace of Instant Ramen

An interactive museum where Momofuku Ando invented chicken ramen in 1958, featuring hands-on work...

Ikeda, Osaka, Japan
City
Fukuoka

Kitakyushu

Industrial Heritage City with Night Views from Mt. Sarakura

Major port city known for Kokura Castle, the spectacular night views from Mount Sarakura, and the...

Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan