A Different Side of Japan
@donnyjkimball
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Donny Kimball is a Japan-based blogger who writes about local travel tips and hidden gems. Follow along to take part in the adventure!
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Joined February 2022
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The view of the cherry blossoms from Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi this morning was absolutely to die for...
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As you may have already heard, the famous Lawson in Kawaguchiko with the view of Mt. Fuji will be implementing measures to block all vantage points of the ever-photogenic peak.
Unfortunately, the attention that the spot has garnered with tourists has led to a sharp increase in…
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Happy Spring Equinox everyone! In celebration, here are some of the amazing flowers that bloom around this time of year in Japan!
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If you’re in Kyoto and trying to get a shot like this, be sure to get up crazily early. From the looks of it, half of the world is right now in Japan’s ancient capital. A better option though is to get off of the beaten path and explore a different side of Japan this spring…
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Just about anywhere you go in Tokyo at this time of year is magical...
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If you’re going to go to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata, you absolutely need to stay overnight in one of the many ryokans. After the sun goes down for the day, the entire hot spring town lights up with romantically nostalgic gas lamps. It’s truly a spectacle to behold!
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The Fuji Shibazakura Festival in Yamanashi is a must-see if you're visiting Japan from mid-April to mid-May. Here, over 800,000 moss phlox flowers burst into a sea of pink that is set against the backdrop of magnificent Mt. Fuji.
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Narai-juku was an important post town on the Nakasendo trade route that connected Kyoto with Edo (what is now modern day Tokyo). If you want to experience what Japan was like centuries ago, definitely consider coming here.
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If you want a great place to see the early blooming Kawazu-zakura, head on over to Nishihira Park in Matsuda sometime in the middle of February.
Here, you can find Kawazu-zakura set against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji as well as a slide that goes under the cherry blossoms!
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This is Manai Falls in Miyazaki's Takachiho Gorge. Known to be one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, this 17-meter-tall torrent of water will leave you breathless. Be sure not to miss Amano Iwato Shrine if you’re ever in this part of Japan!
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I was showing a family member around the Hakone Open-Air Museum today and just happened upon that random moment of time when no one is in the shot so here you go…
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While Ibaraki is often thought of as the prefecture with the least appeal, nothing could be further from the truth.
This part of Japan is a treasure trove of hidden allures like Mt. Tsukuba that definitely deserve to be on the bucket lists of repeat visitors.
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The post towns of the Kiso Valley are some of the most amazing parts of central Japan. If you’re looking to experience what life here would have been like centuries ago, swing by the likes of Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku and Narai-juku!
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If you’ve never been to Kanazawa before, you really need to add it to your next Japan itinerary. It has all of the historical charm that people go to Kyoto for but without the overwhelming crowds that Japan’s former capital tends to draw.
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Should you be heading to Hiroshima and want to get a little off of the beaten path, consider swinging by Iwakuni. It’s only a few minutes away from Miyajima and is absolutely spectacular when the cherry blossoms are out.
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Here’s a reminder that there’s more to Kyoto than just the main touristy areas. For example, the ever-beautiful Amanohashidate can be found out on the prefecture’s seaside sections. While enchanting all year round, the sandbar is especially gorgeous during the spring.
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As hard as it is to believe, the city of Kyoto is even more beautiful during the springtime. Be sure to check out some of the lesser known spots though as Japan’s ancient capital can get quite crowded when the cherry blossoms are out!
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If you want to see a side of Japan that few foreigners even experience, head on down to Tokushima Prefecture. This extremely rural region is a far cry from the neverending neon lights of Tokyo and Osaka.
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These days, Ginzan Onsen needs no introduction. While it was once a hidden gem, the town has grown in popularity thanks to social media.
If you’re going to go, be sure to reserve one of the ryokan. Otherwise, you’ll only have a few minutes for the evening illuminations!
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Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, you’ll find the castle town of Matsumae. Here, on the former fortress’s grounds, you’ll find thousands of cherry blossom trees. Moreover, since the space is home to many different species, Matsumae has a longer season than other spots.
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While Aomori is a prefecture that is at its best during the months of spring and autumn, it is also quite picturesque during the wintertime too!
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Happy New Year from Japan everyone! 🎉
Here's to 2023 and another epic series of adventures in this amazing country.
If you're planning a visit this year, let me know where you intend to go with a reply!
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Located just 30 minutes north of Kyoto in Shiga Prefecture, the lakeside hamlet of Omi-Hachiman offers the chance to slip back in time to a bygone era of Japan's past. Should you happen to visit, be sure not to miss the nearby La Collina!
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As the sun sets on the main cherry blossom season in Tokyo, here’s a reminder that the annual festivities continue on much longer in the north!
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Starting next week, Yasukuni Shrine will be holding its Mitama Festival from July 13-16. If you’re in Tokyo, you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on this summertime celebration. The entire shrine grounds are decked out in beautiful lanterns that will leave you breathless!
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There are the sides of Nara that you know and then there are the ones that you don’t…
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Cherry blossom season is now largely over here in Japan unless you go up to the northernmost reaches of Hokkaido.
That said, the exiting of the cherry blossoms paves the way for the hydrangeas in June.
Who is hyped?
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Despite already ranking as one of the top three most beautiful vistas in Japan, Matsushima is even more breathtaking during the months of spring.
By the way, this shot is from Saigyo Modoshi-no-Matsu Park, an elevated bluff that is covered in cherry blossoms.
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Yes, it's Kyoto. Yes, it’s mainstream. Yes, you should definitely go during autumn…
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Kyoto hit's different when there's snowfall. If you’re in Japan now and can get yourself over there during this surge of chilly weather, you really ought to!
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Name a more iconic springtime duo in Japan 🍡🌸
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RIP to the Sannenzaka weeping cherry blossom tree. You will be missed... 🥺
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If you’re looking for a great alternative to Okinawa this year, consider going to Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture. It has all of the same island allure that Okinawa has but with far fewer people!
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Kyoto hits way different when it’s covered in snow…
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If you’re looking for an awesome spot to check out the cherry blossoms that is also off of the beaten path, look no further than Tateyama down in Chiba Prefecture! Both the local Awa Shrine as well as the former castle are exquisite during the springtime!
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If you want to see a side of Japan that few foreign tourists ever do, head on down to Kagawa. In addition to the yummy udon, this prefecture is home to a number of picture perfect allures that will leave your jaws on the floor.
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If you’re looking for a killer spot to experience the cherry blossoms this year that is also off of the beaten path, consider heading down to Wakayama’s Kumano Hongu Taisha. In addition to having the largest torii in Japan, this location is also one of the most important shrines.
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Though the cherry blossoms are indeed the kings of spring, one other often-forgotten flower is the azalea. Should you find yourself in Tokyo during early April, be sure to budget a few hours to swing by Nezu Shrine for its annual azalea festival!
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While Fukushima is definitely worth a visit during any season, the prefecture is even more alluring when the pretty pinks are in full bloom. Should you be in Japan following the end of the main cherry blossom season in Tokyo, consider heading north to Fukushima for round two!
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If you want to check out an amazing hidden gem, look no further than Yahiko Shrine. Located in Niigata, this spacious shrine sits at the foot of Mt. Yahiko and is said to have over a millennia of history to it. Should you ever be in the area, definitely check it out!
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As a result of the borders again being open, Kyoto is already too crowded to enjoy the quaint and historic vibe that it is famous for. That said, you can find moments of tranquility if you adjust your timing. Both the late evening and early morning are largely free of tourists.
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In case you needed a reminder why autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan...
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Behold the adorable Slope Car that takes visitors up from Miyagi’s Shiroishi Riverside to the Funaoka Castle Ruins Park where the Funaoka Heiwa Kannon Statue is located. Talk about when the transportation becomes the attraction!
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It’s no secret that Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s top spots for cherry blossoms but be sure to budget enough time to stay until after sundown. After darkness envelopes Hirosaki Park, the trees are lit up, transforming the space into an even more ethereally beautiful spectacle.
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If you’re looking to add a new spot for cherry blossom viewing to your list for 2023, check out Tenshochi Park in Kitakami, Iwate. Along with the likes of Hirosaki Park in Aomori, it’s one of the Tohoku region’s top three spots and is bound to blow your mind.
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As June rolls around, Japan enters its rainy season. While this can often mean that things get wet, it also heralds the arrival of Japan’s hydrangeas. There are many places across the nation to see these magnificent blossoms but few places can compare to Kamakura’s Meigetsu-in.
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Autumn might very well be the best time to visit Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture...
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If you’re looking for a kill spot for the cherry blossoms this year, consider swinging by Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture. The funkily-shaped crag has some of the most dramatic rock formations in Japan and the mountain’s slopes are home to thousands of cherry blossom trees.
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While Japan has an endless amount of amazing locations to see the cherry blossoms, few can compare to Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi.
Located in Kumagawa on the banks of the Arakawa River, this 2-kilometer long stretch of cherry blossom trees will leave you breathless.
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While there’s a ton of places in Japan to hunt for cherry blossoms, let me add one more amazing spot to your list. Pictured here is Ryuganbuchi down in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Fuji City. As you can see here, it offers great views of both the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji!
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In addition to the cherry blossoms, the azure nemophila are also one of the wonders of spring in Japan. Should you be here when they are blooming, you absolutely need to swing by Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki. Just be sure to prepare yourself for a crowd…
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Why the hell do people think that Japan is a place where they can get away with being a nuisance and breaking the law?
Don’t mistake politeness for being meek when it comes to punishing people who do stuff like this.
People like this really piss me off 😤
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As June comes to an end and the hydrangeas start to fade, it’s now the season for lavender. As seen here, one of the best places to enjoy the famous flora is along the shores of Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji in the background. Don’t miss it if you’re in Japan this summer!
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This is Nara’s Nakatanido Mochi Shop. The owner, Nakatani Mitsuo is widely known as the fastest mochi pounder in Japan and is able to reach speeds of up to three per second on average.
Should you ever find yourself in Nara, be sure to swing by for some delicious mochi!
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It's been almost two whole years since I originally wrote this article but the only thing that has changed is that I am even more in love with this amazing place...
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If you’re looking to check out a hidden gem in Tokyo, consider swinging by Todoroki Ravine. Located in the middle of the densely populated Setagaya city ward, this valley is like a slice of natural heaven in Tokyo’s neverending urban sprawl.
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In case you didn’t already know, June is an absolutely beautiful time of the year to visit Japan…
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Random eye-catching photo of Japan during autumn aside, it’s important to know that overtourism is quickly becoming a significant problem in Japan. Just last month, Japan saw more inbound travelers than before the pandemic.
Simply put, the major attractions are now so…
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Matsumoto Castle up in Nagano Prefecture is one of the best day trips that you can make from Tokyo. Moreover, for those visiting during the months of winter, you’ll often be able to behold the spectacle of the snow-covered keep against the backdrop of Central Japan’s mountains.
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With the cherry blossom season now largely behind us (unless you go north), we’re quickly now coming up on the rainy season. While that means it can get wet, this time of year also means that the hydrangeas again flower into beautiful balls of color.
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While the cherry blossoms may indeed take the proverbial flower crown, they are not the only blossoms to behold during spring. Should you have the time, be sure to check out the likes of Ashikaga Flower Park for wisteria too!
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While Kumano Nachi Tashi is the most well known thanks to its magnificent waterfall, the shrine is actually part of a trio known as the Kumano Sanzan.
In addition to Kumano Nachi Taisha, there’s also Kumano Hongu Taisha with its massive torii as well as Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
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Here's a handful of reasons why you need to visit Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture...
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Of the ancient trio of Kumano Sanzan shrines, Kumano Nachi Taisha is by far the most breathtaking. Set against the backdrop of Nachi Falls, this impressive shrine is worth the epic journey required to get there.
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Anyone planning on chasing the cherry blossoms all the way up to Hakodate or beyond this year? While the “main season” for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is often in the end of March, you can continue to see Japan’s iconic blossoms if you head north.
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While it’s no lie that Koyasan has become quite mainstream in recent years, an evening stroll through the Okunoin cemetery grounds must still be one of the most solemnly spiritual things that you can do in Japan…
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Matsuda’s Nishihirabatake Park is home to many Kawazu-zakura cherry blossom trees. These burst out from their buds far earlier than their Somei Yoshino cousins.
As a result, Nishihirabatake Park's annual cherry blossom festival kicks off super early in the middle of February.
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There are a lot of great spots for cherry blossoms in Kyoto but not many international travelers know of Sewaritei. Located on a strip of land that sits between the Uji and Kizu Rivers, Sewaritei (and the nearby Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine grounds) rank at the top of the list!
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As the summer starts to come to a close here in Japan, the season of autumn is heralded first and foremost by the blossoming of the hauntingly beautiful Higanbana.
Known in English as the “Red Spider Lily,” these enchanting flowers are deeply symbolic in many East Asian…
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Out of curiosity, who is coming to Japan this year for cherry blossom season?
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No matter how many times you go back, Nikko NEVER fails to deliver…
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If you haven't already heard, the great torii of Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine has finally been restored as of early 2023. Be sure to visit the sacred island and the rest of the Setouchi region when you’re next in Japan.
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If you’re looking to experience a different side of Japan, head on up to the seaside city of Obama in Fukui.
Regularly referred to as “Nara by the Sea,” Obama was once an important node connecting Japan with Asia.
Thus, it has many more gems than a town of its size should.
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If you’re looking to experience a tranquil side of Japan that few foreign tourists ever see, swing by Koke-no-Sato and Yunokuni-no-Mori up in Ishikawa Prefecture’s city of Komatsu.
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Nagasaki is truly home to some of the most impressive glimpses of Japan to be had. No matter where you go, you’re bound to stumble across a jaw dropper!
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Soooo… If you haven’t already heard, the 2024 cherry blossom forecast is out! While this is going to be subject to change in the coming weeks, it should give you a good base to start planning on.
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Following the cherry blossoms, it’s often thought that there isn’t much to do until the summer festivals roll around but this couldn’t be further than the truth. In addition to the wisteria, there are also other breathtaking allures such as the tea fields of Shizuoka.
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There’s no greater time to go to northern Gifu than during the months of winter when the likes of Shirakawago are blanketed by a thick cover of snow.
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If you want to slip back in time to the Edo period (1603-1868), swing on by Edo Wonderland in Tochigi Prefecture!
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Found in the hills of Hiroshima Prefecture, the sleepy town of Kumano is responsible for producing nearly all of Japan’s calligraphy brushes. What’s more, Kumano also makes makeup brushes too which have become extremely popular all over the world.
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Chiba Prefecture’s Nokogiriyama is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. Located on the western coast of the Boso Peninsula, this mountain was an important quarry for Japan’s capital and is also home to a 1,300-year-old temple complex called Nihon-ji.
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When it comes to dreamy wintertime destinations, few places in Japan can compare to Ginzan Onsen. Nestled in snowy Yamagata Prefecture, this onsen town boasts truly charming ryokan, some nearly a century old. Even if you don't stay overnight, the hot spring hamlet is worth a…
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Behold the absolutely stunning grounds of Fuki-ji during the months of autumn. Located on Oita’s Kunisaki Peninsula, this temple's main hall is currently the oldest surviving wooden structure in Kyushu and is part of a set of Amida-do Halls along with Chuson-ji and Byodo-in.
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When it comes to places to view the ever-majestic Mt. Fuji, it’s hard to beat Yamanashi’s Oshino Hakkai and this is even more true during the months of autumn.
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If you’re looking for a great place to check out the early blooming Kawazu-zakura, head on down to the Yodo Suiro Waterway. Located by a mere 30 minutes from the center of Kyoto, this place explodes with pink during the month of March.
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Here's a picture of Horyu-ji that was taken from a hill far away. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get permission to shoot inside wher ethe oldest wooden building in the world is so this is the best you are going to get 🫣
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These days, the likes of Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima are crowded to the point that overtourism is becoming a real issue.
Rather than content with the legions of tourists at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, do yourself a favor and opt to explore a different side of Japan up…
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While Fushimi Inari Taisha is the most well known, it’s not the only spot in Japan where you can get that “endless torii” fix.
If you’re looking to see a different side of the country and a picturesque hidden gem, consider heading down to Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Yamaguchi.
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There is so much more to Fukuoka than just ramen and food stalls. Next time you’re in town, swing on over to the coastal area of Itoshima for the white sandy beaches and the ever-beautiful Futamigaura Torii of Sakurai Shrine!
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It doesn't get any more magical than Togakushi Shrine...
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While it’s only the middle of January right now, the first cherry blossoms of the year are just around the corner down on the Izu Peninsula.
Unbeknownst to many overseas visitors, the Kawazu-zakura variant is famous for blooming far earlier than the standard trees.
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One of the best ways to ring in the new year is to watch the sun rise from Oarai Isosaki Shrine.
If you time it right, you can catch the very first rays of sunlight of the new year as they shine through the seaside torii.
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If you haven’t already heard, the repairs on the ever-iconic torii of Miyajima are finally done. If you’re going to swing by Hiroshima, be sure to add this legendary island to your itinerary!
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There is so much more to the city of Hiroshima than just the spots related to World War II. Next time you’re in town, consider swinging by the likes of Hiroshima Castle or Mitaki-dera. Both of these spots are excellent during autumn and combine well with the Atomic Bomb Dome.
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With Japan’s borders now again open to the world, here’s a friendly reminder to get off of the beaten path when traveling to this amazing country.
On that note, welcome back to Japan everyone. We missed you…
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Golden Week is often a terrible time to travel in Japan because so many other people are also on the road.
Luckily, there are a ton of amazing day trips from Tokyo (and other big cities) like Kashima Jingu in Chiba Prefecture that can be reliably reached only on local trains.
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