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7 lesser-known spots to visit in Japan.

Words and photos by Jason Trudel.

Most people who travel to Japan usually choose to visit these cities- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. But there are many other spectacular places just off the beaten tourist track where you can experience a bit of this fascinating culture filled with mountains, castles and celebrations. Here are a few places and events not to miss when visiting Japan…

1. Tejikara Fire Festival

In Gifu prefecture, north of Nagoya city, there’s the Tejikara Fire Festival where men carry portable shrines on their shoulders; some light firecrackers around their feet and the rest carry the shrines to the temple. This event has been held every second Saturday in April for over 300 years.

2. Takayama

Next is a small city called Takayama. This town is famous for its old style houses. It’s most famous export is the plates of food used in restaurant displays. Many towns and cities have day and night markets where you can buy local crafts and food. There are lots of interesting things to be found at these markets alongside the usual tourist trinkets.

3. Inuyama

One thing to note about Japan is the plethora of castles everywhere. This castle is in a small city north of Nagoya city. Inuyama means ‘Dog Mountain’ in Japanese. I was never able to find out why this town was called Inuyama, but it is a lovely little castle town worth a visit. Also check out the Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower!

4. Himeji castle

Moving west, we visit Himeji castle; a world heritage site. This is one of the two best examples of genuine Japanese castles. Many castles in Japan have burnt down and were rebuilt into museums, so not many originals are left, especially this size.

5. Dogo Onsen

On the smaller island of Shikoku, a little south and west of Himeji, is yet another small castle town. There is a fun ski lift ride up to this castle. Matsuyama is a small city with many other things to do along with the castle tour. Dogo Onsen is the perfect place to go for a hot spring bath. This onsen is one of the oldest and most traditional places to go after a long day of walking around looking at the sites.

6. Miyajima

Miyajima is a small island with a picturesque town and a beautiful hiking path up the tallest mountain. For the less-active, you can take the ropeway to the top. There are tame deer you can feed and monkey’s that will steal your things to keep you entertained while walking around this island. During high tide this Torii gate appears to be floating on the water. Behind this gate is a temple that many people use as a venue for weddings.

7. Limestone Cave

Close to the western most part of Honshu (the main island of Japan) is a large limestone cave. It is over a kilometer long and has many different geological formations that you can enjoy in a cool and damp underground world. It’s a bit of a trek to get here, but well worth the time and effort to get here.

Also, every year at the beginning of April, Japan celebrates the coming of spring with Sakura (cherry blossoms) viewing parties. You can find Cherry blossom trees everywhere in Japan, so if you come at the right time of year you will be sure to find a group of people willing to let you join their group for the afternoon.

Japan has so much culture and scenery that even if you stick to the more common places, you will feel enriched for having seen it. If you are looking for a less common experience of Japan, hopefully I have given you a good place to start with these locations.

Jason lived and worked in Japan for over 8 years, follow his current adventures in Malaysia here- What’s that I said?

Have you visited any of these events or places in Japan and what was your experience like?

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