5 Hidden Gems in Japan

The power of a picture is not just philosophical. It can have the come-on of a polished ad. Scroll through these pictures, and you’ll see that ‘gem’ is not such a misplaced word.

Kinkaku-ji and Meiji Shrine are impressive places but they are always thick with people. Why not go against the grain of popular advice? Visit the least talked-about, those ends and corners of Japan that require some hours of travel from your base—for modern convenience, likely to be Tokyo or Osaka—and delight in uncrowded photos.

Shirakawa Village in Ono District, Gifu

This UNESCO World Heritage site is an authentic collection of gasshō-zukuri houses.

Mifuneyama Rakuen in Takeo, Saga

The elaborate azalea garden gives a bonus view of Mt. Mifune.

Kurashiki in Okayama

For anyone who’s ever complained of a frantic life, this countryside idyll is the equivalent of therapy.

Beppu in Ōita

Beppu houses the largest hot springs in Japan. Even an aerial view is clouded in steam.

Mount Tateyama in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, Chūbu

This alpine area is best visited in winter, when road-clearing produces a 15 to 20-meter snow corridor.

See more beautiful photos of Japan.

2015-10-24 #places #location #japan #kurashiki #shirakawa #beppu