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Kanazawa: A City of History and Art
When it comes to cities that are on the up in terms of popularity, Kanazawa takes the crown. A long favourite with local's, Kanazawa is just starting to really show up in the foreign tourist scene. So now is definitely the time to go before it gets any busier!
Located on the western coast of Japan, this city as about 3 hours from either Kyoto or Tokyo. That may not sound on the way, but you can easily make your 'there and back' trip between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka into a triangle to include Kanazawa on either the way there or the way back.
If you have a JR pass and are coming from Kyoto, just take the Thunderbird Limited Express and you'll be in Kanazawa in no time. Or from Tokyo, just hop on the Hokuriku. If you don't have the JR pass, just buy a ticket at the nearest JR train station!
Some must do's are:
- Visiting the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- Visiting Kenrokuen (one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens)
- Taking a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Higashi Chaya District where you can immerse yourself in the world of geishas
- Check out the samurai houses, preserved as they were back in the day
- Eat some local seafood at Omicho Market (the seafood bowls are to die for)
For what else to eat in Kanazawa—gold leaf ice cream! Or really, just gold leaf anything as Kanazawa is known for its edible gold leaf creations. Unfortunately, the gold doesn't add much to the taste (if anything if kind of takes away from the taste because it tastes like nothing and blocks an otherwise flavourful bite...) but it's fun to eat things with gold on them!
Shirakawa-go: Step Into a Fairytale
This one is a perfect day trip if you're already in Kanazawa (another reason to add Kanazawa to your list!). The iconic Gasho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steeply thatched roofs are enough to make me want to go, and is really the draw of this place. So wander Ogimachi village, and just enjoy. You can also hike up to Shiroyama Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the town!
For the must eat item in Shirakawa-go, try Hoba Miso. It's a miso soup with hoba leaf and fresh local vegetables and is one of those soups that just warms your soul. Perfect for a chill day in a town from the past.
To get to Shirakawa-go, you can book a bus ticket for 1,850 yen each way (3700 yen total or about $25 USD) at the Kanazawa Station Transport Information Center. Or if you want to book a tour with an English speaking guide, it's not too much more expensive than just booking the bus tickets yourself (just over $50 USD) and some of them (like this one!) include lunch. If you also want to go to Gokayama or Hida Takayama in the same day, a tour is the easiest option or else renting a car.
Nikko: Where Nature and Spirituality Unite
If you're a nature lover seeking a spiritual escape, Nikko is the place for you. Only a few hours north of Tokyo, I know some people who've made a day trip out of it, but I recommend staying over night in a ryokan if you can! There's so much to so with UNESCO World Heritage sites and breathtaking natural landscapes, Nikko is worth spending a couple days and taking in at a slower pace.
To reach Nikko, you can use your JR pass to take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, and then transfer to the local train. You can also take the Tobu-Nikko line from Asakusa and it's only 7 stops from there! If you do this route, there is a Nikko pass you can buy that will cover this train, as well as local buses and trains once you are in Nikko. The busses within Nikko are weirdly expensive, so I really recommend the pass as it will definitely save you money.
But fair warning, some of the best spots are a bit tough to get to so if we have a license, Nikko is a great place to drive to. To drive in Japan you do need an International Drivers License, or a Japanese Drivers License, so make sure to prepare in advance as you can only get the international license in your home country!
For things to do, the number one place to go is Toshogu Shrine. It's beautiful and has a lot of shrine's in the area, so definitely take your time here. But I also recommend:
- Going hiking, especially if you are in Nikko in spring or fall!
- Check out the area around lake Chuzenji, particularly Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls being a highlight
- If you are on the waterfall trek, I recommend going the extra mile and walking up to Yudaki Falls as well because the hike there is amazing and the falls are really something else ✨
- Stay at a ryokan (Japanese style hotel) and bathe in an onsen (hot spring!)
The must try dish here is yuba, a local specialty made from tofu skin. Sounds maybe weird if you're not used to tofu, but trust me it's worth a try!
Kamakura: Surf, Sand, and Serenity
Kamakura has A LOT to offer, and it's so close to Tokyo it hardly counts as a day trip. About an hour south of Tokyo, this cute little coastal town offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation. And in the summer, a beach! Though pro tip, if you have a little extra time and the beach is your main priority, check out Zushi just one more train stop down the Shonan-Shinjuku line. But for the whole package, Kamakura is the place to be.
To get to Kamakura, you can use your JR pass and take the Yokosuka Line from Tokyo. You can also catch the Shonan-Shinjuku line from either Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ebisu. There's a lot to do in Kamakura and it's borderline walkable, so I recommend either renting a bike, or bringing some good walking shoes. The top things to do are seeing the iconic Great Buddha, visiting Yuigahama Beach, and strolling the little shops leading up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine. If you're a craft beer fan there's a couple good spots to check out as well such as Vana Vasa Beer + Gallery or Yorocco Beer Pub Sasameza.
The food to eat here is definitely fish, specifically shirasu. Shirasu are tiny, translucent fish and you can usually get them served over rice. They're pretty good and you're by the ocean so give it a go!
Pro tip: Kamakura is famous for it's hydrangeas with are in peak bloom in June.
Hakone: Where Nature Meets Relaxation
Hakone's another good, little day trip from Tokyo that can easily be turned into a weekend. Famous for onsen (hot springs), Mount Fuji views, and for Evangelion fans, Lake Ashi!
To reach Hakone, you can use your JR pass to take the Shinkansen to Odawara, and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line. But to be honest this isn't the best way to get there, so if you don't mind to pay or you don't have the JR pass, then take the Romance Car from Shinjuku instead. It goes directly there, and if you sit at the back it's fully windows and offers a great view!
My favourite part of Hakone is onsen. And if you have tattoo's, your in luck because my favourite tattoo friendly onsen is also actually in Hakone. Even if you don't have tattoo's, check out Tenzan Onsen, you won't be disappointed.
The food to try here is black eggs. They get their from being boiled in the sulfur-rich waters of Owakudani. They taste like regular eggs to me, but it's still fun because of the colour and who doesn't like eggs anyways?
Enoshima: A Seaside Paradise
For another coastal option close to Tokyo, check out Enoshima. Enoshima is a lot more walkable than Kamakura, so if you want a bit of a slower pace then it's the place for you! The surfing here is also really good, so if you're a surfer I recommend renting a board and coming here. Located just south of Tokyo, it's actually a small island with cute little streets, a gorgeous temple and great seafood. For Slam Dunk fans, if you leave the island, can you see the inspiration for the famous train opening scene. It's a well known photo spot though, so expect it to be pretty busy.
To reach Enoshima, use your JR pass to take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Fujisawa, and then transfer to the Enoden Line. Then you have to walk across the bridge to get to the island. Once you arrive, prepare to be enchanted, it's the kind of place that doesn't really feel real. You can visit Enoshima Shrine from great views of the surrounding coastline, explore Samuel Cocking Garden and eat everything at all the little food stands along the way.
Enoshima is really close to Kamakura, so they share the same must eat being shirasu. But I also recommend tako senbei! (octopus cracker).
Himeji: THE Castle
Himeji has a lot to offer, but let's start with the big one—Himeji is home to one of Japan's (if not the most) most spectacular castles, Himeji Castle. One of the few castles that was not rebuilt, even surviving air raids from WWII, Himeji Castle originally dates back to the 1300's with the current complex dating back to 1609. The more castles you see in Japan the more impressive this is as most are re-constructions built in the past 100 years. With its stunning architecture and immaculately preserved structures, Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for history lover's and architecture enthusiasts alike.
To reach Himeji, you can use your JR pass to take the Shinkansen from Osaka or Kyoto and it takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, you can explore the Castle! I'm a big history fan, so castles always have a special place in my heart and are usually the first place I go if a castle is an option. You can explore the intricate network of hallways, climb to the top of the main keep for a panoramic view, and immerse yourself in centuries of history.
For the must eat's in Himeji, try kuro-kei ramen, a local specialty featuring black-colored noodles, and Himeji beef!
Sendai: Food, Drinks, Seaside's and Mountain Tops
Sendai is a really under-appreciated city in my opinion. It has so much to do, but hardly anyone visits! With great food, a really fun nightlife district, gorgeous ocean views, historic temples, onsens and mountains I don't know why this city hasn't taken off yet. Located in Tohoku only an hour and a half north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is a super easy addition to any itinerary and well worth the trip.
To reach Sendai, you can use your JR pass to take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo. When you get there, go grab some drinks in Kokubuncho. I'd describe this area like Kabukicho is it was less way touristy and didn't have high rises. Take a day trip to Matsushima Bay and take a boat tour to see all the cool rock formations and little islands, a place also said to be one of Japan's three most scenic views (it's gorgeous, can confirm). You can also day trip the other way to check out Yamadera Temple, one of my absolute favourites thanks to the beautiful surrounding scenery. There are some great onsens nearby as well, and if you're looking for a ryokan to stay at I highly recommend the Sakan.
For the must eats when in Sendai, you have to eat gyutan. Gyutan is grilled cow tongue, which might freak some people out but I promise it's delicious. And interestingly, it actually is better in Sendai. I find a lot of places have a signature dish but sometimes don't find it noticeably different than if I ate it other places. Still good of course, but not that different. Sendai's gyutan though is actually different and it's so good. Try Tanyaki Ichiryu or Umami Tasuke for my recommendations, but at this point I'm convinced anywhere would be good so just give it a go!
Ikaho Onsen: Soak, Relax, Repeat
Japan has a lot of famous onsen towns, but a lot of them are not very easy to access making it tough if you're just going overnight. So my recommendations for onsen towns that are easy to access from either Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka are Kinosaki Onsen (about an hour and a half away from Kyoto), Hakone (written about above) or Ikaho Onsen (about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Tokyo).
Ikaho is a great option for those looking for somewhere a bit more remote and affordable than Hakone, but who don't have time to trek the 4 hours all the way to somewhere like Kusatsu or Shima Onsen. And for any Initial D fans, Ikaho Onsen is a real life location from the show. So for the anime pilgrimager's out there, this is a must see! You can also find a custom manhole cover in collaboration with the show as well.
To reach Ikaho Onsen, you can use your JR pass to take the Shinkansen to Takasaki, and then transfer to the local train or bus. Once you arrive, it's onsen time. But that's not all their is to do!
My favourite activity was actually going skating. At the top of the ropeway is a huge, outdoor skating rink. They play music and you can skate the day away! There's also an indoor rink as well that was completely empty when I visited, so ideal if you're learning and don't want to run into anyone, or want to skate more seriously.
For the must eat food in Ikaho, it's udon. There's actually even an udon street where all the restaurants are udon restaurants. You'll have to take a bus a bit out of town, but it's worth it!
Okutama: A Nature Lover's Paradise
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If you're an outdoor adventure kind of person, Okutama is your paradise. Located on the western edge of Tokyo, it's super easy to get to and is the perfect day trip or more.
To reach Okutama, use your JR pass to take the Chuo Line from Tokyo to Tachikawa, and then transfer to the Ome Line. Once there, get ready to explore the great outdoors! Hiking is a big activity here, same with just hanging out by the river. Or for the more adventurous, you can go canyoning or rafting as well. I've tried the rafting tours and it was so much fun, I highly recommend it if you're up for a bit of an adventure. I booked through Big Wave if you want to try the same one!
And after a day of adventure (or during if you're also the hang out by the river type), check out Vetere. Vetere is a craft beer brewery out of Okutama and has a bottle shop and a tap room in Okutama. The patio has a gorgeous view of the river too so it's worth staying for a pint before bringing some cans down to the riverside!
Conclusion: Hit the Must See Spots, Then Come Back for More
And there you have it, fellow wanderers—ten of my top recommendations of where to explore beyond the Golden Route. All of which are easy to get to from either Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo! So, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover some of the hidden gems that Japan has to offer. And if you can't make it to them all remember, this is just one trip! Embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in the culture, eat everything and know that you can always come back for another unforgettable experience down the line.
If you need some more help with your Japan itinerary, check out my article on the best 3 week itinerary for Japan (with options!), the best 2 week itinerary for Japan if you have less time, or for Tokyo, my ultimate 5 day Tokyo guide. I also have an article on where to stay in Tokyo because let's face it—Tokyo is massive and can be completely overwhelming!
My last recommendation is to get an e-sim. If you're going to be going off the beaten track, it's going to be harder to get around. Google Maps and Google Translate will be your best friends! I usually use Airalo when I travel, it's super easy, the rates are pretty good, and the service quality is good too.
Now get out there! Explore some new places, and wander on friends ✨
