Japan is a paradise on earth that is blessed with wonderful natural spots and cultural traditions, so many visitors visit its iconic landmarks and attractions every year. However, of you wish to take the path less taken, fret not. There are many less-known fantabulous places that will still give you a whale of a time and let you enjoy good vibes at your heart’s content. Here are 16 places off the beaten path that you should check out. 

1. Noboribetsu Onsen [Hokkaido]

Soaking in an onsen is one of the best ways to experience Japan. To experience piping hot waters that yield a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head over to Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, which is derived from the Ainu word “Nupurupetsu” (dark, cloudy river). Stand transfixed at Noboribetsu Onsen as it furiously spews 10,000 tons of muddy water daily from the nearby Jigokudani Valley, an old crater created by a volcanic eruption around 10,000 years ago. You can thus rest assured that these hot spring waters are freshly delivered to you from Mother Nature! 

Also, immerse in these muddy waters joyfully because they comprise nine types of water, including salt/saline springs, sulphuric springs and radium springs! Treat your skin to this rejuvenating detoxification and emerge from the onsen waters, feeling totally cleansed. To complete your trip, you may want to sign up for a night cruise and witness Jigokudani be illuminated and transformed into an eye-catching dreamscape at night. 

2. Risshakuji Temple [Yamagata]

Yearning for a place that will offer you spiritual solace and physical activity? Situated in the sky-piercing mountains northeast of Yamagata City, Risshakuji Temple encourages you to have a good workout since you need to climb up 1015 stone steps from the mountain entrance before you reach it. Feel the immense awe building inside of you when you reach the temple and savor a bird’s eye view of the majestic mountains. Take in a deep breath, pray to the gods at the temple and feel a sense of bliss that can only come from being so close to the Heavens above. 

Aside from its novel location, Risshakuji Temple's claim to fame is a rock inscription of a poem crafted by Japan's most famous haiku poet, Basho. Apparently, Basho stopped over at Risshakuji temple in the late 1600s and composed this haiku, struck by the poignant silence of the area. If Risshakuji struck Basho’s fancy and ignited his imagination, it must possess ethereal vibes surely. So visit there now to recharge yourself both mentally and spiritually!

3. Frost-Covered Trees of Zao [Yamagata]

Winter enthusiasts will feel right at home in the region of Zao, which is a volcanic mountain range that borders Miyagi and Yamagata. When you visit Zao from mid-January to late February, you will observe an extraordinary phenomenon that will make your spirit soar. Imagine seeing fir trees heavily covered with snow for as far as your eyes can see! The snow on these trees is naturally curated by the northwest Siberian wind, thus acting as a stunning cloak.

To obtain a panoramic view of this awesome visual feast, it would be best if you take the Zao Ropeway which will transport you to the Zao-Sancho Station. Once there, savor the sight of these snow-covered trees standing tall and proud for miles and miles. This spectacle looks so unreal that they are known as the Zao Snow Monsters. After you get your fill of these monsters, prolong your feelings of bliss by engaging in winter sports like snowboarding and skiing. Skiing in and out of these monsters will heighten your adrenaline level and make you feel like a character in an adventure film.

4. Ashikaga Flower Park [Tochigi] 

If you enjoyed watching James Cameron’s “Avatar”, why not make a trip down to Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi so that you can admire the real-life version of the mythical land, Pandora? Its multifaceted appeal is not difficult to grasp. In fact, CNN thinks that this flower park is worthy of acclaim and nominated it as one of the world’s top ten dream destinations in 2014. So, come every April and May, pay it a visit and let your spirits soar as you take in the majestic sight of 350 trees in bloom. A spectacular riot of colours awaits you, including blue, pink, white, violet and yellow wisterias.  

Also not to be missed is an old hundred-year-old fuji tree that is so huge that its thick branches have to be supported to create a breathtaking umbrella of blue fuji flowers. This is the height of authentic experiences, so don’t miss out on the astounding display that awaits you at Ashikaga Flower Park.

5. Mount Kano [Chiba]

For travellers who wish to make Tokyo the focal point of their trip but spend some quality time with nature as well, Mt. Kano will be the answer to your prayers. Mt. Kano is Chiba’s second highest mountain at 379 meters high and provides breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. What’s more, you don’t have to engage in strenuous trekking as it is conveniently accessible from Tokyo via train and bus rides. This helps you spend a wonderful time outdoors without stressing about which trekking gear to bring for the trip. 

One memorable place you should include in your itinerary is the Mt. Kano Kujukutani Observatory Park. Overlooking the nearby Kujukutani Valley, this deck offers you first row seats to admire the “sea of clouds'' that usually appears in the mornings from late autumn to early spring. Be arrested by the thick mesmerizing clouds of mist that float over Kujukutani Valley and give rise to this ethereal sight. Witnessing such splendor will recalibrate your mind and soul, helping you forge forward with renewed energy.

6. Sado Island [Niigata]

Hiking enthusiasts will gravitate towards the idea of trekking at Sado Island, an island that is chock full of natural attractions. Situated 45 kilometres off the coast of Niigata, it allows you to immerse yourself in verdant forests and crystal-blue seas. Be sure to hike at Ishina Natural Cedar Walkway as it gives you the chance to observe various unique birds and flowers that are not typically seen elsewhere. This walkway is also home to ancient gigantic sugi  (cedar) trees, some of which are over a thousand years old and lend an otherworldly and mystical touch to the surroundings. Breathing in cool fresh air can’t hurt either!

Sado Island offers a microcosm of Japanese history, which will amaze history and culture buffs. For instance, it was employed as a gold and silver mining location. So, you can explore the remnants of these mines and visualize how life must have been like for these determined miners during the Edo era. Traditional arts like Noh theatre and taiko drumming also flourished then, which offers you a glimpse into how people in the Edo period entertained themselves.

7. Koke no Sato [Ishikawa]

Koke no Sato contains a huge vibrant moss garden that will transport you to a transcendental setting that will not be out of place in a Studio Ghibli movie. These heart-stopping stretches of green moss have been lovingly tended by the village of 30 residents for generations, thus ensuring their vitality. In fact, they curate the land such that 48 kinds of moss not only coexist seamlessly on this land, but also juxtapose nicely against each other to create a harmonious feel.

In fact, Koke no Sato receives so much acclaim that the former Japanese emperor personally planted Hiyou Cedar trees during the 66th National Planted Tree Festival. This is the best endorsement for its charming appeal - to prompt the emperor to take time out of his schedule to make a grand appearance here. These towering cedar trees add to the greenery. Since green is said to be therapeutic for your eyes, why not visit this place and be enveloped by the warm embrace of Mother Nature?

8. Karasawa Cirque [Nagano]

Mention autumn in Japan and most people will think of Kyoto, where maple leaves complement shrines magnificently. However, if you prefer to have a picturesque place all to yourself, Karasawa Cirque in Nagano would be an ideal destination from late September to early October. Avid and athletic trekkers would particularly enjoy the challenge to trek 30 kilometers that is required to reach Karasawa Cirque. As it is located 2300 meters above sea level, you can rest assured that the maple leaves will dazzle your eyes with vivid hues of red, yellow, orange and green. Consider it nature’s palette of colors. 

One thing to note. The trek typically takes about six hours, so you might want to either pitch your tent or stay overnight at Karasawa Hyutte and Karasawa Goya, both of which are mountain huts. This is to allow you more time to soak in the tranquillity of Karasawa Cirque. Either way, don’t forget to order a piping hot bowl of oden (Japanese fish cake stew) from the mountain huts so that the warm food going down your throat contrasts nicely with the winds caressing your face. Simply heartwarming!

9. Hamamatsu Flower Park [Shizuoka]

Idyllic sakura sights are not uncommon in Japan but what if there’s a place that enables you to admire the beauty of tulips at the same time? If this piques your curiosity, read on. Located on the edge of Lake Hamana, the Hamamatsu Flower Park contains not just one, but two kinds of cherry blossom trees that regale you with their raw beauty in spring. Viewing 1300 Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) sakura trees that bloom at the same time in April will surely inject a good dose of endorphins and dopamine into your system. 

Not only that, Hamamatsu Flower Park boasts a humongous expanse of tulip fields whose colors span the rainbow. These red, white, yellow and pink tulips complement the sakura trees brilliantly, thus elevating the atmosphere of cheerful exuberance. 

10. Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces [Mie]

Enamoured of the divine taste of Japanese rice? If so, you might be interested to find out more about how it is grown. Head over to Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces, an agricultural wonderland that demonstrates the ingenuity of the Japanese people as they leverage the local climatic and environmental conditions to grow their rice. Indeed, these terraces rise 100m up the sides of the hills, so it is a feat that they manage to carve about 1,340 rice paddies of all shapes and sides into the formidable hills. You are bound to develop a profound sense of appreciation of these farmers’ hard work and resilience.

Some of you might crave for social interactions with the farmers, so you will want to time your trip such that you can visit Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces around mid-May. Relish the delightful sight of the local farmers wearing their traditional farming attire and performing dances to pray for a bountiful harvest. Who knows, you just might be inclined to join in their dance! 

11. Adachi Museum of Art [Shimane]

Both art and nature rejuvenate your soul, so what better way to recharge yourself than visiting an attraction that combines the best of these two fields under one roof? The art aficionados and nature lovers among you will feel right at home at Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane. This interesting museum enables you to develop a profound appreciation of Japanese-style aesthetics as it boasts a huge collection of artworks by arguably one of the greatest masters of Japanese painting, Taikan Yokoyama. 

Its Japanese garden is also in a league of its own as it has been selected as the No. 1 Japanese Garden in Japan for many consecutive years by a US magazine that specializes in Japanese gardens And no wonder. Looking out of the windows from the museum makes you feel that the garden is like a pretty painting that portrays the marvels of nature. This adds to the magic evoked by Adachi Museum of Art, so come experience how art seamlessly intertwines with nature to bring about peace and serenity!

12. Kojima Town [Okayama]

With the exquisite care Japanese craftsmen pour into making their products, it might be worth your time to visit a town that showcases the production of a superior Japanese-style product. If you are keen on fashion, you are in luck because you can visit Kojima Town in Okayama, which has made a name for itself as the go-to place if you wish to buy jeans that are imbued with a unique sense of Japanese-style aesthetics. In fact, your journey begins right when you arrive at JR Kojima Station. Feast your eyes on the many pictures of denim jeans imprinted on coin lockers and vending machines and enjoy spending time at the birthplace of Japanese-style denim jeans.

Be sure to hop on a ‘Kojima Jeans Bus’ and alight at Kojima Jeans Street. Once there, you can spend a leisurely afternoon strolling down the streets and marvelling at the sights around you. For one, you can observe diverse kinds of jeans flapping in the wind on the electrical lines above you as if they were trying to vie for your attention and affection. You will be enticed to buy various pairs of jeans as souvenirs. There are also galleries that display avant-garde products related to denim jeans, so this affords you a holistic picture of the history of denim jeans-making in Kojima as well as future emerging norms.

13. Akiyoshi Cave [Yamaguchi]

Mention outdoor activities in Japan and you will probably think of mountain climbing, especially since Mt. Fuji is so etched into your consciousness. But do you know that Japan provides equally exhilarating thrills underground? Stretching under the karst Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi, Akiyoshi Cave enables you to take a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life - all 8,900 meters of it. It is well-known as the largest undergood limestone cave in Asia and arrests your breath with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

And that’s not all. Akiyoshi Cave displays some exclusive formations that you will find hard-pressed to find elsewhere. For one, there is a formation that looks so much like Mt. Fuji that it is affectionately dubbed the underground “Mount Fuji”. In addition, a rock formation called  “Hyakumaizara” (hundred saucers) will surely stop you in your tracks as you gape in awe at how these “saucers” are stacked so spectacularly on top of each other. It is a great way to not sweat the small stuff and be reminded of the fact that great things take time. After all, these natural masterpieces were painstakingly sculptured by Mother Nature for a few hundred thousand years!

14. Onomichi City [Hiroshima]

Cat lovers will rejoice at this recommendation. Onomichi City in Hiroshima boasts a huge cat population. In fact, the cat population is such an integral part of the city that the tourism authorities once launched a project that enabled visitors to use Google Street View and explore its streets through the lens of a cat. That’s such a novel perspective, isn’t that? Suffice it to say that you will have a whale of a time strolling down the streets and taking in the adorable kittens and cats that encompass various species. 

As if in homage to its cat inhabitants, Onomichi City also has a Maneki-neko Museum. The maneki-neko is an indispensable figurine in Japanese culture as its raised paws are said to symbolize good luck and prosperity for businessmen. Hence, a visit to this museum is not to be missed as you can gather authentic insights on how the maneki-neko is prized among Japanese people. What’s more, this museum showcases about 3,000 maneki-neko objects, some of which are valuable imported items and period artefacts. Have fun viewing these items and absorbing the good vibes that radiate from them! 

15. Tsujunkyo Bridge [Kumamoto]

Kumamoto is home to not just Kumamoto Castle - one of Japan’s top 3 castles - but also, Tsujunkyo Bridge that is situated in Yamato City. Tsujunkyo Bridge comprises three towering stonge aqueducts and is truly a sight to behold as water is discharged at high velocity from the central section of the stone aqueduct. Many people hence head over to Tsujunkyo Bridge every weekend from May to November to behold this magnificent “waterfall” in action. 

Originally constructed in 1854 to provide water to stimulate the growth of crops, Tsujunkyo Bridge still transports 15,000 cubic meters of water daily. Although these gallons of water are not needed for irrigation nowadays, they are still useful in flushing silt out from the aqueducts so that Tsujunkyo Bridge can be maintained in tip-top condition. 

16. Gunkanjima [Nagasaki]

If you wish to explore an abandoned island up close and personal, look no further than Gunkanjima, otherwise known as Battleship Island. Located a mere boat ride from Nagasaki, Gunkanjima used to house a prosperous mining town. It attracted aspiring miners far and wide, who built so many reinforced-concrete apartments and industrial buildings that Gunkanjima came to resemble the warship “Tosa”. 

Unfortunately, all this hive of activity came to a stop when the mine was abandoned in 1974, thus causing the buildings to deteriorate under the natural elements. These buildings eventually became dilapidated, which ironically attracted interest for the eerie and otherworldly vibes it evoked. Films like “Skyfall” have already leveraged Gunkanjima for their shooting, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit Gunkanjima to experience the air of mystique for yourself!

Closing Remarks

From onsens to islands to quaint towns and flower parks, Japan has something for everyone, ranging from the intrepid adventurer to the nature lover and the arts aficionados. This is exactly the sort of idyll that entrances visitors worldwide. You will definitely find at least one attraction in this list that makes you want to visit. Do incorporate these lesser-known but equally mesmerising attractions into your trip so that you can develop a nuanced perspective of Japan that most travellers are not privy to!