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REMOTE JAPAN:
​EXPERIENCE THE FULL RICHNESS OF THE COUNTRY VIA SOME OF ITS DEEPER CUTS

Japan is a country where rich rewards await those who venture off the well-beaten path. From Hokkaido in the far north to Kyushu and Shikoku in the south, the nation abounds with hidden gems, authentic experiences, and the allure of relatively underrated destinations. Here are some of our favorites for 2024. 
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HOKKAIDO’S HEAVY HITTERS

Lake Akan

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, captivates with its diverse landscapes and cultural highlights. Renowned for its hot springs, winter sports, and delectable cuisine, the island promises an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and adventure. Otaru, a charming coastal city, boasts historic canal-lined streets and the Otaru Music Box Museum. Other picks in and around the city include Mount Tengu Ropeway, Old Aoyama Villa, and the nearby Nikka Whiskey Distillery. In Furano, a picturesque town surrounded by lavender fields and rolling hills, visitors revel in nature's beauty. Akan National Park, a pristine wilderness, showcases volcanic landscapes and the iconic Lake Akan. Indigenous Ainu culture adds a unique touch, with traditional villages like Ainu Kotan providing insight into their rich heritage.

Suggested Itinerary: Central Hokkaido for Adventurers

SPIRITUAL SOLACE ON SHIKOKU

Naruto whirlpools

Stunning nature is one of the main drawcards of visiting Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. Pilgrims have walked clockwise around the island for more than a millennium, following in the footsteps of Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi. Visitors who make the effort to visit southern Japan usually feel blessed too. Pilgrims traverse the island, visiting temples nestled in scenic landscapes, fostering inner reflection. Shikoku is also home to the captivating Naruto Whirlpool, where the Seto Inland Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This mesmerizing natural phenomenon, best observed from Naruto Bridge, showcases colossal tidal currents creating swirling whirlpools, adding another layer of enchantment to Shikoku's spiritual and natural treasures.

Suggested Itinerary: Authentic Japanese Culture on the Islands of Kyushu and Shikoku

SOUTHERN COMFORTS ON KYUSHU

Yakushima island

Kyushu is one of Japan’s most overall appealing areas. Active volcanic peaks such as mighty Mount Aso pour down to the rocky, lush, and near-tropical coastline, while attractive cities such as Fukuoka and Nagasaki provide a cosmopolitan urban edge. Fukuoka is a burgeoning metropolis with all the modern conveniences of a contemporary conurbation. Conversely, it is also one of the most venerable places in Japan, with a trading history dating back some 2000 years. Visitors can soak in the history first-hand at the city's Edo-era castle. Other visceral highlights of the city can be experienced at the sparkling Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka and via an excellent dining scene. Another of Kyushu’s greatest assets is Yakushima, a subtropical island located just off the coast. This forest-covered haven is a perfect fit for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, while Sankara Hotel & Spa provides first-class accommodation. Elsewhere on the island, Kirishima is famous for its volcanos, deeply rooted Shinto folklore and unique properties such as Wasurenosato Gajoen and Tenku No Mori.

Suggested Itinerary: Exploring Japanese Culture, Kyushu-Style

SOULFUL SOAKING AT KINOSAKI ONSEN

Nishimuraya Honkan

One of our favorite onsen towns is Kinosaki Onsen, which is conveniently located near Kyoto and Osaka in central Honshu. Nishimuraya Honkan is one of its best traditional ryokans. It offers 34 guest rooms, all designed in the traditional Japanese style. Guests at this establishment can indulge in the relaxation of three private hot spring baths and also enjoy complimentary access to all seven public hot springs in the charming Kinosaki Onsen town. Additionally, guests have the option of savoring traditional kaiseki dinners through in-room dining services. Leave the property to explore the historic Onsen-ji, the primary temple atop a hill, which provides panoramic views. Access the heights via a ropeway, while at the foot lies Moto-yu, an onsen sanctuary, which completes the rejuvenating experience.

Stay at: Nishimuraya Honkan

TOHOKU’S TRAIL LESS TRAVELED

Kabushima shrine, Michinoku Coastal Trail

When people think of Japan, they don’t tend to consider Tohoku. In ancient times, the region in the far north-east of Honshu was dubbed ‘Michinoku’— meaning ‘the end of the road’. Its appeal to outsiders has barely grown over the intervening centuries. The 2011 tsunami — which devastated communities along the Tohoku coast — briefly caught the attention of a global audience. But it swiftly retreated into obscurity. Today, fewer than 2% of foreign travelers make their way to Tohoku. As a result, the region remains a land apart: a wild and untamed land steeped in history, mythology, and folklore. A decade after the tsunami, a new hiking route — the Michinoku Coastal Trail — is helping locals reclaim the coast and heal from tragedy. Extending 1000km along the Tohoku coastline, the trail was devised as a way of revitalizing coastal communities.

Suggested Itinerary: Colors of Autumn in Tohoku

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