Kanazawa: The 'Little Kyoto'
Often called 'Little Kyoto', Kanazawa offers a rich taste of feudal Japan without the overwhelming crowds. This city on the Sea of Japan coast was spared from World War II bombing, preserving its historical districts. You can wander through the Nagamachi
samurai district, with its earthen walls and canals, or explore the Higashi Chaya District, one of the city's beautifully maintained geisha districts. The crown jewel is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, offering stunning views in every season. Spend a couple of days here to fully appreciate the blend of history, art at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and fresh seafood from the vibrant Omicho Market. Easily accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kanazawa is a perfect entry point to a different side of Japan.
Naoshima: The Art Island
For lovers of art and architecture, Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea is a must-visit destination. What was once a sleepy fishing community has been transformed into a world-class center for contemporary art, featuring stunning museums designed by architect Tadao Ando. The Chichu Art Museum, built mostly underground to avoid disrupting the natural scenery, houses works by Claude Monet and James Turrell. Benesse House doubles as both a museum and a hotel, allowing you to sleep among incredible artworks. Beyond the museums, the island is dotted with open-air sculptures, including Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins, creating a unique landscape where art and nature merge. Getting there involves a train to Okayama followed by a ferry, but the journey is part of the adventure.
The Kiso Valley: Walk the Nakasendo Trail
Step back in time to the Edo period by walking a section of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic highway that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, the Kiso Valley preserves some of the most scenic parts of this ancient route. The most popular hike is the 8-kilometer stretch between the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago. This gentle walk takes about two to three hours and winds through forests, past waterfalls, and alongside charming farmhouses. These towns have resisted modernization, with telephone poles and power lines hidden to maintain their authentic atmosphere. Staying overnight in a traditional 'ryokan' (inn) here offers a deeply immersive experience of old Japan.
Yakushima: The Primeval Forest
For a true escape into nature, head to Yakushima, a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu. A designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, its ancient cedar forests are mystical and breathtaking. One-fifth of the island is registered as a World Natural Heritage site. The island is home to ancient Japanese cedar trees, known as 'yakusugi', some of which are over 1,000 years old. Hiking trails wind through the dense, moss-covered landscape that famously inspired the animated film 'Princess Mononoke'. Besides hiking, you can enjoy seaside hot springs and spot wildlife like monkeys and deer. In the summer, the island's beaches become nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles. Reaching Yakushima requires a flight or ferry from Kagoshima, making it a remote but profoundly rewarding destination for nature lovers.
