Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations for Adventurous Travelers in Japan

Every traveler planning a trip to Japan will have certain key destinations planted firmly on their itinerary, including the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Mount Fuji and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima are also typical tourist hot spots.

However, for adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences, Japan offers a wealth of hidden gems. From the thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku in Fukushima to the Nyuto Onsen hot springs in Akita Prefecture, these off-the-beaten-path destinations provide a window into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic local life.

What’s more, it’s easy to get to most of these unique destinations using a JRPass on Japan’s extensive rail network. So, let’s take a closer look

Offbeat destinations for adventurous travelers in Japan
Offbeat destinations for adventurous travelers in Japan

Ouchi-juku Edo-Period Village for travelers in Japan

Ouchi-juku, located in Fukushima Prefecture, is a remarkably preserved Edo-period post town that offers a glimpse into 17th-century Japan. This picturesque village features over 40 traditional thatched-roof buildings lining an unpaved main street, creating an authentic atmosphere of a bygone era.

Ouchi Juku Edo Period village - a great addition for your trip to Japan
Ouchi Juku Edo Period village – a great addition for your trip to Japan

The key attraction is the restored Honjin, the principal inn for high-ranking officials, now open as a museum showcasing Edo-period artifacts. You should also climb the steps to Takakura Shrine for stunning panoramic views over the village.

While in the village, you can indulge in local specialties such as soba noodles eaten with a leek instead of chopsticks, and char fish roasted on sticks. If visiting in July, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the Hange Mid-Summer Festival, a seasonal event that features locals in period costumes. There’s also a Snow Festival in February.

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa in Japan
Lake Biwa in Japan

Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, is a great alternative to the tourist-saturated Miyajima Island, as it boasts its floating shrine. Located in Shiga Prefecture, this ancient lake is surrounded by mountains, dotted with islands, and home to historic temples and shrines, such as the “floating” Ukimido at Mangetsu-ji Temple.

You can find stunning views of Lake Biwa from spots like Biwako Valley’s ropeway, and from cruises across the water itself, as the Michigan Paddle Steamer offers scenic tours of the southern part of the lake.

You can also engage in a number of water activities on the lake, such as stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and banana boat rides. Additionally, the Biwaichi cycling route encircles the lake, covering about 200 kilometers and offering a unique way to explore the area.

Takamatsu’s Megijima Island

Megijima Island
Megijima Island

Megijima, a small island just 20 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port, offers a unique blend of folklore, nature, and contemporary art. Known as “Onigashima” (Ogre Island), it’s associated with the popular Momotaro legend and features caves said to have been the ogres’ fortress.

The island’s attractions include Onigashima Cavern, a cave system with cartoon ogre statues depicting scenes from the Momotaro story, and a pristine beach. Additionally, visit Washigamine Observatory for 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.

The island is also an ideal spot for cherry blossom viewing in Japan, as over 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring, usually around early April. The island also hosts several permanent and temporary art installations as part of Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival.  You can explore the island by renting bicycles or taking a bus to the cave

Nyuto Onsen Hot Springs

Nyuto Onsen hot springs in Japan
Nyuto Onsen hot springs in Japan

Nyuto Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Akita Prefecture, is a collection of seven traditional hot spring ryokans, or traditional inns, each with its own unique mineral composition and healing properties.

The name “Nyuto” means “nipple” in Japanese, derived from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto rather than the milky appearance of the hot spring water.

The highlight of Nyuto Onsen is Tsurunoyu Onsen, the oldest and most famous inn, which dates back over 300 years and features mixed-gender outdoor baths surrounded by thick forest. However, if you want to bathe in all seven baths for a single fee, you can purchase a Yumeguri Pass.

Ryokans are known for serving traditional Japanese cuisine, and the inns at Nyuto Onsen are no different: you can try local specialties including kiritanpo nabe (rice dumpling hot pot) and dishes made with mountain vegetables and freshwater fish.

Aso-Kuju National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park, established in 1934, is one of Japan’s oldest and most diverse national parks, spanning over 70,000 hectares across Kumamoto and Oita Prefectures in central Kyushu.

The park is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest calderas, with a crater 18 km east to west and 25 km north to south. It’s also home to the Kuju Mountains, the highest peaks in Kyushu, and numerous onsen hot spring towns.

The park’s volcanic activity is closely monitored, with the Aso Volcano Museum offering real-time views of the Nakadake crater. While experiencing the park’s geological wonders and traditional Japanese hot spring culture, you can also enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.

This post  and its images are a contribution from a writer who is a native of Japan. She takes pride in recommending the offbeat destinations in her country with the aim of introducing travelers to the nation's diverse cultural and natural wealth.

Show some love and share the post

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.