Japan

Japan

Picturesque Japanese village street, wooden buildings, mountains Gentle
Autumn

Okawachiyama: Pottery Village

The little village of Okawachiyama, in the remote mountains of Saga prefecture, was one of the cradles of Japanese ceramics. Founded by a samurai clan, its manufacturing secrets were well guarded!

Wind Chime Festival
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Rishiri Islands Volcanic Majesty: Towering Peaks, Serene Lakes Hard hike
Hokkaido

Rishiri Island

This wild island with its rich and protected fauna and flora is a nature lovers’ paradise. Guided tour available.

Quiet
Full day at minimum; 2–3 days recommended if you want hiking (e.g., Mount Rishiri) and to explore multiple viewpoints/trails.
Graceful dancer leaps, industrial backdrop, mystical energy Off the map
Ibaraki

Abandoned Akeno Strip Club

Hushed visit to a haunted strip club with its mysterious red thread apparition ...

Difficulty
Risk
Kanazawas Cherry Blossom-Lined Geisha District Street Easy walk
Ishikawa

Kanazawa Spring and Winter

A city of heritage and history, Kanazawa offers a charming stroll through the Japan of yesteryear. From sakura to snow, a guided tour in two stages.

Busy
Full day for Kanazawa highlights (about 6–8 hours). Half day (2–4 hours) if focusing on either Higashi Chaya District or Kenroku-en only.
Snowy Magome-juku: Preserved Japanese Post Town Charm Easy walk
Autumn

Magome for All Tastes

Discover the picturesque little village of Magome at all seasons. Whatever the weather, this place isn’t lacking in charm!

Some crowds
Half day (2–4 hours) for the village; full day if pairing with a Nakasendo walk (e.g., toward nearby post towns).
Ine traditional boathouses at night, Japan coast town Easy walk
Kyoto

The Funaya of Ine

Nestled on a strip between land and sea, this picturesque village with its houses on stilts offers a landscape of rare beauty.

Some crowds
Half day for a walk along the bay and photos; Full day if you add the bay sightseeing boat trip and/or stay overnight in a funaya guesthouse.
Quaint Canadian village replica, rural Japan Nostalgic
Hokkaido

Nostalgia for Canada at Hokkaido

Welcome to a Canadian ghost town in the heart of Hokkaido. Formerly a theme park reproducing the fictional village of Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables has long gone.

Difficulty
Risk
Takayama Inari Shrine Easy walk
Aomori

Takayama Inari Shrine

Follow the Senbon-Torii path through the red gates to meet the foxes and the goddess Inari ...

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half day if combining with other Tsugaru/Aomori sights or allowing for slower travel connections)
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Some hiking
Kumamoto

The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cypress forest. Take the path with stone torii gates and discover this timeless place.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site including the climb and visit to Ugetoiwa)