{"id":30152,"date":"2018-10-17T01:00:44","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T14:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=30152"},"modified":"2025-03-04T04:07:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T17:07:18","slug":"cool-places-in-japan-new","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/cool-places-in-japan-new\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: 6 underrated spots to visit in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Roughly the size of California, there is an overwhelming amount of things to do and see in \u2018the Land of the Rising Sun.\u2019<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

I spent two months exploring as much as possible with <\/span>my partner, and we left feeling like we hadn\u2019t even scratched the surface. After experiencing the ultra clean everything, delicious eats and uber polite people, we knew we couldn\u2019t stay away from Japan<\/a> <\/strong>for long.<\/span><\/p>\n

While most visitors hit the entertaining Robot Restaurant in Tokyo and gorgeous Arishiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto before catching a flight home, Japan has dozens of hidden gems just a few hours from the major hubs. So take a bullet train<\/a><\/strong> or short\u00a0<\/span>plane ride<\/span> to any of these special spots and you won’t regret it.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Nikko<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"cool<\/a>Ride the <\/span>Tobu Railwa<\/span>y a few hours (don\u2019t worry, there\u2019s free wifi) from Tokyo to get to this charming historic town. For decades, diplomats and dignitaries have escaped the Tokyo heat to summer on Lake Chuzenki. <\/span>The British Embassy Villa<\/span><\/a> is an ideal place to stop for a spot of tea and a scone with carrot jam as tour boats loop around the picturesque lake. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nikko is surrounded by nature, including several jaw-dropping waterfalls. Visit the powerful Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls in one trip. On your way, you\u2019ll pass by the famous Shinkyo Bridge perfect for a fall photo shoot. Within walking distance of the bridge is the wildly ornate, bordering on baroque, Toshogu Shrine. <\/span><\/p>\n

How to visit:<\/strong> Explore Nikko, Tokyo and Kyoto<\/a> on Intrepid’s 9-day Japan Express<\/a> <\/strong>adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Furano<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"cool<\/a>About two hours from Sapporo, located on Hokkaido (Japan\u2019s northernmost island), is Furano. Though it does get tourist traffic, the tiny town surrounded by mountains and lavender fields\u00a0and is certainly worth a visit. <\/span>Farm Tomita<\/span><\/a>, the area’s most famous lavender park hits its peak from mid to late July where the rolling valley painted with rainbows of cockscomb and sunflowers dot the hills. We missed the lavender by just a few weeks but the fields full of color made up for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Furano and the neighboring town of Biei (45 minutes by train, but renting a car with your International Driver\u2019s License is highly recommended,) are often visited together. Biei has a larger, and less-visited farm called <\/span>Shikisai-no-oka<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> lush with bright blooms well into August. If you miss the summer months, both areas have phenomenal ski resorts to traverse come winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

SEE JAPAN’S WINTER BEAUTY ON INTREPID’S 8-DAY ‘JAPAN WINTER FESTIVALS’ TRIP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Osaka<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"cool<\/a>Osaka is like Tokyo\u2019s grittier, more rebellious cousin. It\u2019s also known as Japan\u2019s kitchen. The city is famous for creating beloved dishes like kushikatsu, fried meats, veggies and cheese on stick and yakitori, rice flour balls filled with octopus (I could do without this one). I tried all of Osaka\u2019s classic dishes on an night tour<\/a><\/strong> with Urban Adventures\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span>through the city’s alleyways.<\/span><\/p>\n

READ MORE: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT OSAKA, JAPAN’S BEST CITY FOR FOODIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Apart from eating <\/span>all<\/span><\/i> the food, which I highly recommended, the neighborhoods of Dontonburi and Shinsekai are full of picture-worthy spots like the famous Glico Man sign that that lights up like Times Square. But be prepared for crowds in these areas, I meant it when I said it was like Times Square.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cool<\/a>How to visit:<\/strong> Explore the delights of Osaka on Intrepid’s 12-day Southern Japan Experience<\/a><\/strong> trip or Hike, Bike & Kayak<\/a> <\/strong>adventure.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL TIPS, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Kamakura <\/b><\/h3>\n

This idyllic coastal town can be reached by train from Tokyo in under an hour. If you visit in the summer, you\u2019ll find swaths of city dwellers escaping for a weekend getaway at Enoshima Beach. But year-round the city has historical monuments and ornate temples to visit, including the Great Buddha.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a major political center in Japan, it is now one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. If you\u2019ve seen enough temples for one day, check out quaint Komachi Dori Street for some local souvenirs. Surrounded by mountain, Kamakura is also a prime hiking destination with Mount Fuji views.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to visit:<\/strong> Venture to Kamakura, as well as Tokyo and Kyoto, on Intrepid’s 7-day Japan Highlights<\/a><\/strong> trip.<\/p>\n

2. Takayama<\/b><\/h3>\n