Traveling around Japan without tourists
Discover the best places to go from Kyoto City (京都市)
Looking for a stunning nature escape near Osaka without the tourist crowds? Kuronodo Park (くろんど園地) is a hidden gem offering breathtaking waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, and serene forest trails. Hike through lush landscapes, visit Ukimi-do (浮見堂), and enjoy a peaceful retreat just an hour from the city!
Read More
Discover Futami Okitama Shrine (二見興玉神社) – a hidden coastal gem in Mie Prefecture where legend, nature, and spirituality merge. Walk along stone paths between cliffs and the sea, witness the famous Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩) “wedded rocks,” and uncover the mystical Kaeru Iwa (かえる岩). A breathtaking, crowd-free escape near Ise!
Read More
Located in Fukuchiyama (福知山), Fukuchiyama Onsen Yōrō no Yu (福知山温泉 養老の湯) is a hidden gem in Kyoto Prefecture, offering one of the most relaxing and scenic hot spring experiences in the Kansai region. With its expansive open-air baths (rotenburo, 露天風呂), traditional Japanese gardens, and various therapeutic baths, this onsen is perfect for those looking to unwind in nature, away from the usual tourist crowds.
Read More
In Kyoto Prefecture (京都府), there is Mukō Jinja (向日神社), a shrine that combines history, natural beauty and serenity. Founded in 718, this shrine is a haven of peace that is almost unknown to mass tourism, despite being located on the top of a small mountain, surrounded by the city of Kyoto and Mukō (向日市).
Read More
Immerse yourself in mystery and nature in Oeyama (大江山), a place full of history and legends about Oni demons. Discover the Demon Museum (日本の鬼の交流博物館), walk among rocks full of myths such as the famous Oni no Ashiato (鬼の足跡). A destination that combines culture, nature and tradition!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More