Traveling Japan Without Tourists
Discover Kyoto’s best-kept secret: Rakusai Bamboo Park, a serene escape with towering bamboo groves and no tourist crowds. Far from the bustle of Arashiyama, this hidden gem offers peaceful walks, stunning photo ops, and a rare glimpse into Japan’s bamboo culture—perfect for travelers craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
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Looking for a unique onsen experience near Nagoya without the tourist crowds? Kakitsubata Onsen, located at Kariya Highway Oasis, offers natural hot springs, open-air baths, and saunas in a convenient stop along the E1A expressway. Whether you’re traveling from Nagoya, Tokyo, or Shizuoka, this hidden gem lets you soak in mineral-rich waters, enjoy Aichi’s famous miso katsu, and even visit the Iwagike Park amusement area nearby.
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In Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Tojinbo (東尋坊) is one of three places in the world where you can see cliffs with pentagonal and hexagonal columns formed by volcanic action and marine erosion. In addition to its geological beauty, the place is shrouded in legends that add a touch of mystery.
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The Sakamoto Funicular (坂本ケーブル), the longest in Japan, connects the base of Mount Hieizan (比叡山) with the upper station, offering access to the historic Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺). Its 2-kilometer route passes through the mountain’s lush vegetation, offering spectacular views, although it is not recommended for those with vertigo as the angle of ascent and the heights can be shocking.
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Enryakuji (延暦寺), located on the summit of Mount Hieizan (比叡山), is a Buddhist temple complex with over 1,200 years of history and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located between Kyoto and Shiga, this place combines serenity, nature and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for lovers of spirituality and natural beauty.
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In the mountainous region of Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Echizen Onojo Castle (越前大野城) surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Ono Valley, is famous for a unique phenomenon that transforms it into the “Castle in the Clouds” (天空の城).
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Nestled in the mountains of the picturesque Ohara (大原) region of Kyoto Province (京都), Jakko-in (寂光院) is a Buddhist temple steeped in history and serenity. Surrounded by lush nature, this shrine offers a completely different experience from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s more popular temples.
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