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Hidden Gems of Japan: Where to Go If You’ve Already Been to Tokyo

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2026-02-19T12:06:59.356Z

Hidden Gems of Japan: Where to Go If You’ve Already Been to Tokyo

Japan is more than Tokyo’s neon lights, Kyoto’s geishas, and the deer of Nara. The real magic begins where the tour buses stop. If you’re craving Japan without the crowds, without selfie sticks, and with that “this place is just for me” feeling - here’s a list of hidden spots worth adding to your itinerary.

Tashiro - The Cat Island

Where: Miyagi Prefecture, northeast Japan

Time needed: 1 day

How to get there:

Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Ishinomaki (about 2–2.5 hours), then a ferry (45–60 minutes). Ferries don’t run frequently, so check the schedule in advance.

Good to know:

There are almost no shops - bring food and water with you. Overnight stays are possible, but options are limited. This isn’t a “content park” - it’s a real village. Be respectful (and don’t feed the cats random food).

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal. Summers are hot and humid, winters are windy.

Shirakawa-go - An Alpine Fairytale

Where: Gifu Prefecture Time needed: 1 day or overnight

How to get there: Buses from Kanazawa or Takayama (about 1 hour). No direct train.

Tips: The best view is from the observation deck (10–15 minutes uphill on foot). If you want to stay overnight in a traditional house, book at least 2–3 months in advance. In winter (January–February), evening illuminations look unreal - but expect more visitors.

Pro tip: Arrive around 8–9 AM or stay after 4 PM - that’s when the daytime tour buses leave.

Iya Valley - Wild Japan

Where: Shikoku Island, Tokushima Prefecture Time needed: 1–2 days

How to get there: Train to Oboke Station, then bus or rental car (the latter makes life much easier).

What to do:

Cross the Kazurabashi vine bridge Visit a mountain onsen with canyon views Hike along river trails

Important: Public transportation is limited. If you don’t enjoy logistical puzzles, rent a car.

Takayama - Cozy and Crowd-Free

Where: Hida region Time needed: 1–2 days

What to do:

Walk through the old Sanmachi district. Try Hida beef (expensive, but worth it) Visit the morning Miyagawa market

Bonus: Takayama fits perfectly into a route between Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Shirakawa-go.

Why Explore Japan’s Hidden Places?

-Fewer tourists - more atmosphere

-Authentic contact with local culture

-A chance to see Japan beyond the Instagram version

-More reasonable prices

Final Thoughts

If you’ve already seen Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s time to go deeper. Japan’s hidden places reveal the country as it truly is: quiet, philosophical, sometimes strange - but always breathtakingly beautiful. And yes, the best way to build your route is with the Download FindGuide - it will show you Japan from a completely different angle. Download it and start your journey.