There's never a shortage of things to do in Japan! And while you've probably already had the likes of Universal Studios in Osaka, shopping in Shibuya, or interacting with the deer of Nara on your shortlist, sometimes some of the best places to visit in Japan are more off the beaten path.
If you're a fan of out-of-the-ordinary activities and hidden gems, keep reading because we've checked every nameless street and un-Googleable building for these easy-to-miss places you might not have heard of or considered for your upcoming trip to the land of the rising sun. Get ready to answer your friends' “What?”, “Where?”, and “How?” questions once they see your stories of these lesser-known spots!
Exploring the Best Places to Visit in Japan
Before we get to the hidden gems on this list, we need to first figure out how to literally get to those places. Though we love Japan’s trains and buses, a lot of these gems that are “off the beaten path” are actually also physically off the beaten path, meaning they may not be as easily accessible via public transportation as the more popular areas.
That’s why, especially when you’re exploring Japan's more provincial areas, your best bet might be to charter your own private car service for a day or even rent and drive a car yourself!
Booking a Car Rental in Japan
Booking a car rental in Japan is actually a lot easier than you’d think- you can even do it from the comfort of your own home! You can easily book a rental on Klook, simply input the necessary information (the car rental dates, your choice of car, your driver information, and, any other add-ons such as a toddler seat or English GPS) and your rental will be ready on the date of your selected pick-up!
Klook tip: Remember to have cash and small change with you as some toll booths may only accept cash and even exact payments!
Requirements for Driving a Car Rental in Japan
Make sure you have the following documents on you when you pick up your car rental or anytime you drive in Japan:
- A valid passport
- A valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
- A valid driver’s license from your country of origin
- A valid and functioning credit card
- A printed voucher for your rental
You must also be over the age of 18 to drive in Japan!
Klook tip: Make sure you never get lost while on the open road by getting an eSim or portable WiFi, so that you can stay connected to Google maps at all times.
Hidden Gems in Japan
Shirakawago
Ready to go down the road less traveled? Read on for our recommended list of underrated, overlooked, and irreplaceable activities and destinations in Japan!
Yellow Spring Road in Japan
Do you want to have that perfect Instagram-worthy picture to capture your Japan trip? Luckily for many tourists, Japan has multiple “yellow spring roads”, which are scenic locations that feel like they jumped straight out of a storybook.
These “yellow spring roads”, or “Kibuna no Michi”, are walking paths that are adorned with distinct yellow rapeseed flowers, which, when in full bloom, create a stunning visual that you won’t forget- which is why we recommend visiting these roads if you’re in Japan from late April to early May. You can find these roads in many prefectures in the country, such as Hokkaido, Shizuoka, and Nagano.
Smart Aquarium in Shizuoka
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the ocean and learn more about nature, animals, and the environment at Smart Aquarium Shizuoka! Perfect for the young and the young-at-heart, this smart aquarium not only highlights incredible sea life but also lets you learn through hands-on activities and interactions with the staff, fish, and aquarium itself!
Shirakawa-go Historic Village in Gifu
Want to immerse yourself more in Japan’s past culture, art, and history? Visit the historic areas of Gifu Prefecture! From Takayama’s incredibly preserved streets from the Edo period to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go with its iconic Gassho-style houses, you’ll be amazed by what this quaint little area has to offer.
It’s quite tricky to get to Shirakawa-go via train, so some usually take the bus route or drive instead.
Klook tip: There are parking lots for visitors visiting via car! If you’re looking for somewhere to park in the area, start with the Serasegi Park Parking Lot and attendants will assist you from there.
Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama
Nachi Waterfall will take your breath away. Located in Higashimuro County, aside from its incredible natural beauty, Nachi Waterfall also holds immense cultural significance as a sacred site in Shintoism. Visitors will be able to explore the Nachi Taisha Shinto shrine and the Seiganto-ji Temple and experience a serene combination of nature, history, and culture of the local area.
Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine
Treat yourself to a transformative and culturally important experience with this hike and tea ceremony tour at Hiroshima! This 3-hour tour begins at Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, where you'll learn more about Japan's rich history and heritage.
Next, you'll climb the sacred steps of the Kinko Inari shrine, beginning your adventure into the lush and serene Mt. Futaba. It'll take 500 steps to reach the picturesque Peace Pagoda, but it'll be worth it as you get the view of not only Hiroshima City, but the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima Island as well! Finally, you'll conclude your journey with the Nodate, an open-air tea ceremony at Okumiya Shrine!
Kyushu Mojiko Fireworks Festival in Fukuoka
The Kyushu Mojiko Fireworks Festival is an incredible, awe-inspiring one-night event where visitors will be treated to an out-of-this-world display of light and sound that you should definitely make the trip to Fukuoka City for! Even if your schedule doesn't line up with the festival, you can still pay a visit to the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park where you can have heart-pounding fun riding the amusement rides or choose a more leisurely pace in the flower parks that are in bloom all year round.
Mount Aso in Kumamoto
A must-visit area for outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Aso is an active volcano area that offers breathtaking views and unforgettable sights! Mount Aso is one of the largest calderas in the world and, depending on the availability, visitors can make their way up to the summit to see the immense crater emitting smoke and steam with their own eyes. Aside from Mount Aso, visitors will also be able to take in the stunning and lush greenery and valleys that can be found in the area.
Important: As of May 15, 2024, the Mount Aso Crater is currently a no-entry zone due to increased volcanic activity. You can check this website to learn more.
If you want to take a break from the usual cityscapes that Japan has to offer, Mount Aso should be one of your top considerations to add to your itinerary!
Beppu City Hot Springs in Ōita
Photo Credit: Han Sen on Pexels
Beppu is a seaside town that you probably never have heard of, but you'll definitely never forget once you've visited! Most famous for its onsen or hot springs, Beppu is sprinkled with vents throughout the city that release steam, making it a truly interesting sight.
Photo Credit: Belle Co on Pexels
Aside from the usual hot spring experience, Beppu also has seven famous distinct hot springs notorious for their size, heat, and temper! You can also try out the sand bath experience where you'll be covered up to the neck in sand heated by sodium chloride spring water that relaxes the body and promotes good health.
Once you make the drive all the way up to Beppu, you can more leisurely explore the city via bus!
From Hokkaido all the way down to Fukuoka, we hope you’ll be able to use this guide to plan your ultimate road trip and discover all of Japan’s hidden gems! For more destinations, deals, and more, sign up with Klook and get the freshest ideas and promo codes too!
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