10 Unique Japan Travel Spots - Hidden Gems & Off-The-Beaten-Track Locations For Your Next Trip

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Holy cow it's actually out! For the past 4 months I've been spending all of my time creating Beyond The Tourist Trail, my brand new Japan hidden gems travel guide with over 120 hidden gems included. If you liked this video, I'm pretty sure you're going to love it! Check out more info here: geni.us/beyondthetouristtrail

[@Veradis]

*Purchased*💟

[@Veradis]

I'm flying over next week!

[@lschantz64]

Congratulations Hannah, this is very cool and I have shared it with my friends that go to Japan often.

[@chilly2171]

thank you

[@aprilfoolsy]

Purchased, now to start planning for my 6th trip to Japan

[@vincentt2975]

I usually dont like youtubers "off the beaten track" recommendations as they often are not really original, but here you got a solid selection! I've been to most of them and I totally agree with your recommendations! Well done!

[@MajorAddiction]

Dope!

[@dc-wh7ww]

As fun as Tokyo can be, I loved the smaller cities and towns the best. Can't wait to get back there.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I agree. There's so much character and charm in the countryside.

[@marryingacheese6283]

3:27 wait! Andrew from the blender tutorial Andrew?! What a surprise!! Love this video by the way.😂

[@HeavyMetalLegend217]

Came to the comments just to see if any one else recognised the blender man. Makes sense they're both aussie

[@chenxima3]

I didn’t even realized, what a surprise 😂

[@homesweethome-iw5bt]

The best guide to Japan on KZbin. Simply Amazing research.

[@winir6473]

What?!

[@Sunder-bird_]

I’m Japanese originally from Osaka. This video is obviously correct. It will help tourists to understand the places and locations.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Literally just purchased! Cannot wait to go through properly over the coming weeks but it looks lovely, especially on my iPad! Great job!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you so much! I really hope you enjoy the guide and the beautiful places it’ll take you to!

[@ce2513]

after six weeks in tokyo, i am stoked to use your new guide to help me with planning the rest of my adventure. thank you! and looking forward to seeing what's next.

[@ToldByAbe]

I love Hakone so much, you can see Mount Fuji, experience onsen from the mountain or even coffee onsen! a very interesting Hydrangea train, go down the big lake with big Torii Gate, and go up to the sulphuric Owakudani mountain which apparently sells black egg that believed can make you stay on earth for 7 years longer 😂 plus there’s Hakone open air museum.. haven’t been to Nikko, but i think Hakone is hard to beat tho! 🤭

[@robynmalvi]

We are planning our trip to Japan and your videos are literally not only saving us so much time in researching, but also amazing tips for sightseeing the authentic Japan and amazing travel strategies! Definitely grabbing the app as our go-to travel survival guide for Japan! Thank you

[@alexswedenborg1856]

tanoshii desu ne.

[@ronisamurp]

Does anyone else wonder how crowded touristy places get to be that way?

[@JBUHJBUH]

​@@ronisamurp Through people following recommendations like this lol. It's either word of mouth or a tour operators/ travel agents pipeline funnelling folk to those places - especially if they're 'Instagrammable' (photogenic).

[@chiiefington5801]

Definitely buying your guide! Both my partner and i are dairy intolerant so your guides are truly perfect not to mention i hate crowds. What a gem! Also as an Australian whos never been and has been doing plenty of homework your guide has just saved me soooo much time 😎🤙🏽

[@Gatekeeper009]

Thanks for adding oita, it’s quite hidden down in the bottom of Japan, it’s definitely somewhere I wanna visit for work like farming and making things thanks for including it

[@SabroJoe]

Doing last minute planning for how I want to spend the last 4 nights of my two week trip...this video is just what I needed!

[@halilozel1903]

“Such a fantastic guide to Japan’s hidden treasures! 🌸✨ These spots are perfect for anyone looking to escape the usual tourist crowds and dive into the country’s true charm. 🗾❤ Definitely adding these to my travel bucket list! 🚶‍♀📷 #JapanAdventure”

[@shumatsuopost]

Wow, these are some really amazing hidden gems in Japan! I love discovering new and unique places to visit, and this video has definitely given me some great ideas for my next trip. It's always great to see lesser-known spots that offer a different perspective of a country's culture and history.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Glad you liked them!

[@Setetoto]

I wasn’t sure about Kyushu but you made me pick Beppu and Aso! Looks absolutely stunning

[@jagodabrie411]

I am so happy you released this ebook! I've been following you for maybe 3 years and have been waiting for something like that from you. Definitely going to purchase closer to my Japan trip! Congrats and keep being awesome and real 💪

[@Nynke_K]

Woop woop! All of these places look lovely. Congratulations on publishing the guide! I'll go buy it and recommend it to my vegetarian friend who's visiting Japan next month 😊

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thanks for the word of mouth! Yeah it’s tricky for us vegetarians but not impossible! Hopefully my tips with smooth it all out for you!

[@Ohceedeeme]

I was so excited about Nikko until you brought up the dreaded Yuba. Definitely an acquired taste! Just returned from Japan and am already dreaming of our next trip so this video is great - thanks!

[@bluemarvel5970]

OMG I'm so glad you started with Beppu! I love Oita so much. I hope you're situation in Japan has flattened out now Hannah. Big fan of your stuff.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Yesss I loved my time in Beppu! Such a cool vibe in that city.

[@AmericanTouristAbroad]

Japan is beautiful. Glad to have some new places to visit.

[@KenshoQuest]

We love Hokkaido in both summer and winter! 💜 We haven’t been to the igloos yet. Next time we want to make it to the snow festival. ❄️ Heidi

[@savanna751]

Wow. The clips made me tear up. Looks so beautiful. Hoping to go to Japan next year

[@Liv9e4s]

I just found ur channel, and i really appreciate the quality of ur content, and that u highlight things that arent repeated in every channel. Quality can only be matched by Abroad in japan, Sharmeleon, and Tokyo lens, but u stand out in a good way 👌keep it up, when i go to japan i will buy ur book first, i also like how u only advertise for ur own brand

[@TravellingSunglasses]

My first “Let’s go” was at 0:33 seconds :D the first of many! Buying your guide as soon as the video ends, we’re hoping to travel next year with our 4-year-old :)

[@dreamsnotthings]

Loved Japan! Absolutely fantastic. We got some spectacular footage and more importantly created amazing memories!

[@youssefhossam17]

i am adding lots of hidden jems and non visited destinations to my list to be there someday rather than the usual touristic spots in japan!

[@shaunaobrien2763]

Love this! I have been to a few of the places on your list - Nikko a few times. Shirakawago was magical, it snowed a bit when I was there. I also recommend nearby Hida Takayama. Beppu was so lovely, and I loved visiting the art galleries in nearby Oita City, too. Ouchi-juku was beautiful in the autumn. I had such a nice day there. I loved the whole Aizu area of Fukushima, and stayed in an amazing vegan-friendly guest house in an old school, called Dana Village in Nishi-Aizu. So so recommended. I lived in Japan for a few years and this year am going back for the first time since leaving. I have visited every prefecture, but Nachi Falls is still high on my list! Maybe this time. Just to echo your tip to rent a car - please do! I loved driving in Japan. It was so easy, as I'm from the UK, so used to driving onthe left, all the cars are automatic and the roads are really good. You see sooo much beauty. Aso San was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever done. I really loved it there. Also, you get to stop at roadside service stations and pick up lovely local souvenirs and local produce. Can't wait to come back, you have really inspired me ❤️

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh I see you’ve really done a lot of travel in Japan too! I just added Dana Village to my maps 😄 Thanks for the recommendation!

[@lwajun5681]

Great video. Japan is rich in tourism resources, and Japanese people frequently travel within the country. Each region has its own specialties and offers delicious meals and souvenirs that make the most of these specialties. As a volcanic country, Japan has hot springs all over the country, and bathing in hot springs while enjoying nature is a regular trip for Japanese people.

[@真季野口]

If travelers would like to challenge to go to deep place of Japan courageously, I recommend them to go to Dewa sanzan, especially Haguro mountain in Yamagata prefecture where mountain preasts called Yamabushi or spiritual psychics train on the mountain. Travelers can also experience their ascetic and a little severe practices wearing characteristic white clothes.

[@Pvemaster2]

I was in Tsuruoka during the snow storm so unfortunately couldn't go, seems like an amazing place

[@shaunaobrien2763]

This was one of my favourite trips in Japan. We stayed in a shukubo (temple stay) on Haguro San. Loved seeing the beautiful pagoda, climbing the 2,446 stone steps and seeing the Yamabushi (mountain monks) with their conch 🐚 Yamagata is such an underrated prefecture. I recommend Yamadera if you're visiting the area, too!

[@真季野口]

@Pvemaster2 Oh,That was a shame.You seemed to be so close to Mt.Haguro.I hope you could walk up to the mountain next time. The many steps to the pagoda and shrine are sorounded by clear sacred air and very tall old ceder trees. I think little waterfall also still exists one the way to the shrine.

[@真季野口]

@Shauna O'Brien It's great!! you made it!! As you tell us, I think Yamagata is one of the hidden good tour destinations in Japan. Especially, their beef, ramen, fruits, sake, vegitables, imoni potato soup and soba are very good taste. Yamadera is also wonderful place which temple is on the mountain.

[@真季野口]

@Eversteijn Oh,that's great.Thank you for adding it to your maps. Mogami river cruise and Japanese cherry picking might be also interesting.

[@Ben_Poetic]

I just bought this guide and WOW!!!! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. This is absolutely amazing. Thank you for putting this together. I am headed to japan for 2 weeks in april and I'm already going to Tokyo, Kyoto, and probably Kanazawa. But I had a couple extra days I needed to fill and I wasn't sure where to go. So this guide has been a life saver. Thank you for putting it together. And I encourage anyone thinking of going to japan to buy it!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

That’s so great to hear! 😍 I’m so excited to start seeing people travelling to these places!

[@alwaysinsearch]

Did you go in your trip? What were your must see places?

[@Ben_Poetic]

@@alwaysinsearch I did go on my trip! It was great. I spent time in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa. All three places were quite different. I liked Kyoto more than Tokyo. In fact, Kyoto is a city I could see myself living. Kanazawa was also AMAZING, and sort of a hidden gem. My favorite place I went was Lake Shoji which is one of the 5 lakes near mount fuji. I got an absolutely epic picture of myself with Mount Fuji. The weather was perfect, but that isn't always the case (sometimes the mountain isn't even visible because of the clouds). Fair warning, if you take a bus to lake shoji I think there are only 2 per day, and it makes trying to connect to the train very difficult. If I had to do it again I would stay at a hotel that is near Lake Shoji (you can google it).

[@Kalsino]

We will use all your information, we are planning a trip to Japan. Thank you so much. Yours Sincerely The Danes

[@GL-GildedLining]

4:34 Wowww, what season do I have to go to see the waterfall running in reverse? Ah, I bet I'll need to buy the ebook for that, huh. (In all seriousness, the guide looks enticing and splendidly well composed. Which is no surprise at all when it's coming from you!)

[@PassportDates]

We're in the beginning stages of traveling to Japan, and appreciate this so much! Thanks

[@frasermackie19]

Congrats on the net book (I don’t know the right word for digital books. Infact, it’s probably that). You really are a credit to Japan, I hope they notice that. I’ll fire in to the book on payday haha. Keep on the awesome work you do

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you so much! I really hope you like it. Also I believe the kids are calling them "e-books" :P

[@somethingelse25]

My sister and I liked this video! Japan is a wonderful place!

[@yusniesamsudin6525]

I'm glad KZbin suggest me this vlog. Makes me wanna go back to Japan instantly, ahaks... TQ for sharing, I really appreciate it.

[@kanrekipapaCH]

Nice to meet you, good morning. It was a very fun travel video👍 As a Japanese, I was very happy. Thank you very much. Have a nice trip🥰

[@sprinkledsunshine]

Bought and downloaded while watching! So excited to read this while planning my next trip to Japan

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@carbon-structure]

If you ever visit Kyoto, there is a kawadoko restaurant (Ryori Ryokan) Hirobun just north of the city you can take a train and bus/taxi too that makes for a fun side trip to eat somen straight out of the flowing water. 日本が とても大好きだ!!

[@wolfgangwagner7251]

Hi Hannah! I’ve been watching your videos for years and I’ve been saving them and keeping notes and finally this year is the year I get to visit Japan(:

[@TheEftimies]

Its good to see some hidden gema of Japan. We already add some in out map. Thank you!

[@greenslead]

Thanks for the tips! I'm sure you're well aware and beyond this now - including a brief overview map shot of the locations would help greatly.

[@markblacker9425]

This was very good. I love japan. Great job presenting the information

[@sumyoshi]

さすがです。紹介内容が濃い。映像はいつもとってもすてきです。

[@EllisReed]

This is fantastic! Just what I was looking for, for my Japan itinerary! Thank you!

[@sho-p2l]

Hi!Hannah! I think your picture is beautiful! Always looking forward to it.😊

[@nomthandazohlongwane2477]

I enjoyed watching this video with my student . Great job and you're vibey

[@LamaKabbani]

Very nice video and well organized content! When is the best time to go to Japan? Some ppl say during Cherry blossom but that’s during Easter which is usually very crowded. Thank you

[@pinkymoemox]

Wow that travel Guide sounds amazing! I have a question regarding traveling with small children: Which island would you choose: Ishigaki, Amami or Okinawa? Thank you so much in advance!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

If you’re travelling with a car, then I’d recommend Amami or Ishigaki but if only using public transport then I think that Okinawa main land will be easier.

[@PETEYBOY954]

Bought your guide! This video and the guide have helped SO MUCH in planning me and my friend's trip. I leave Sunday! Im really looking forward to it!!!! THANK YOU!

[@nicholasbrown1748]

Was the guide helpful? How was the trip?

[@flashflair]

I just love that you say the Japanese names properly. Love love love that!!!

[@_y_aiueo]

These recommendations are AMAZING!!! As someone who has lived in Japan for a long time, just thinking of researching transportation and translating is overwhelming lol I'm surprised you didn't include Tohoku. Highly recommend Towada-ko and Oirase-Keiryu if you haven't been there! Also all the small islands like Tsushima and Hachijo-jima

[@tamerebel]

I'm living in Tohoku region now, thanks for the tips!

[@PangThaoCha321]

This is such a great and informative video. Love all the things on your list!

[@newlifein360]

Thanks for sharing, currently planning our trip to Japan in 2025 an hour video gave us some really good idea's and places to add to our trip

[@phoneix24886]

Sumimasen. Arigato. The only two Japanese phrases that can get you through entire japan. And yes, Google translate and google lens :)

[@antant06]

Just bought your travel guide Happy that I am able to support you as a long time subscriber :)

[@ryudragon7]

Man, if I ever get enough money to go to Japan. I definitly need to remember to buy this guide. Also, stunning locations.

[@ofthenearfuture]

Chefs kiss! Planning to be in Japan in 2024 so looking forward to checking out your guide for all the tips!

[@joshuabenevides1264]

Any reccomendations for someone who is planning on going to japan in 2026 and loves the architecture of old japan?

[@najeehaamid5194]

U may want to look up the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi prefecture. It’s previously an old Samurai township so u get to see a lot of beautiful traditional architecture. Mostly have been restored and under conservation rules

[@self-worried-person]

Good evening. I always feel that the impressions of various parts of Japan that foreigners have visited are very stimulating because the perspective is fresh. I'm going to Kyoto next week, but I can't make such an attractive video. Please continue to travel to Japan. I do too Oh, I have to study English too. ^^

[@utopiangem]

Was that Blenderguru?? Also beatuifully helpful video Hannah, will definitely be back when planning a Japan trip!

[@KaratedudeYT]

Perfect for exactly the kind of travel I enjoy. Thank you so much for the dream fuel the past few years, and congrats on the release. I'll be enjoying it!

[@Komainu959]

Tip for those of you who seek out a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere but still want to see the "popular" spots. For those popular sites that are open at night- go then. Some examples: Asakusa- night time is much more quiet, especially if you go when the stalls are mostly closed...as a bonus some of the food stalls will offer discounts. Fushimi Inari- Grounds are open 24/7 I believe so if you go at night and bring a flashlight it makes for a great walk with almost nobody around. Kaiyukan- Also open at night, it of course does close but it's way less crowded at night. Of course some of the experience with going to some of these places is experiencing the temple itself which will probably be closed, this is especially so if you wanted to get something from the temple such as a Goshuin in your book. But I try to visit in the afternoon so i can still get these items AND experience some tranquility.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Such a great tip!

[@alwaysinsearch]

If I'm going for 2 weeks what's the "must see places?"

[@lalail61]

Thank you for this awesome information. Definitely will include those hidden gems on our next trip. Do they allow guests with tattoo to use the onsens? Added this video to my library and will purchase the e-book.

[@simonekadak]

Thanks for that video🥰 so helpful

[@PVTKR]

すっごいすっごい勉強になります！Better than ANY guidebook! Arigato gozaimasu!!

[@theboringkaren]

Congrats on the travel guide, Hannah!! So happy for you!! 🎉🎉 I can't wait to finally visit Japan one day to get it!

[@ellstration]

Congrats Hannah! 🙌 A travel guide from you makes SO much sense with all your experience and beautiful photography. I hope to be able to travel Japan by car in the future as well.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you so much! It feels like finally I can put all of my past experience to good use 😃 I really hope you enjoy it!

[@johnbwill]

Great videso. Just bought your off the trail guide. heading to japan for first time at xmas - we have two weeks and four days - so hopefully can add a few of your 'gems' to our trip. Thank you.

[@ChristinaClarke]

Absolutely love your channel. Just discovered you just now. 😮I’m so interested in all these places.

[@alisongood9572]

thank you thank you thank you thank you. I love secret off the beaten path places.

[@ndtrnc]

What a great video, thanks Hannah

[@michaelbalsley6041]

This is amazing that you did this❤️❤️❤️ We will definitely be using this!! Thank you 🙏

[@thejaebeing]

So much insight and amazing b roll. You are so talented advenurer with a purpose.

[@EnnameMori]

Kinda proud that I've been to two of these on my own. Shirakawago for the win!

[@totaleclipse99]

Just purchased a copy of your book. I think I will enjoy reading it. Good job!

[@Like_a_flowing_wind]

Going to do a little of the Kumano Kodo this year and I CAN'T WAIT to see the Nachi Falls.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

It’s such a beautiful area! I think you’re going to love it 😍

[@tedcurtis6417]

Just came across this. Will be going to Japan Fall 24. Look forward to learning on this site

[@coloursofjapan]

I love your content! We also try to cover hidden gems in Tokyo, but Japan is filled with wonders and beauty! Thank you for visiting, and hope you come to Japan again soon(:

[@nellyowings7222]

I will definitely invest in your travel guide I'm so happy to see another japan video from you please post more and I hope the visa is fixed. Another great video good job

[@sumugu161]

Out of all the places I have only been to Nikko, thank you for this lovely video..Would love to travel these places soon,,

[@travelmurmur]

All of these places look amazing 🤩 Thanks for all the great tips 💗

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

I'm happy to see that you included the Kurashiki Bikan district, it's my favourite city destination in Japan. I always recommend it to visitors to Japan, especially those who want somewhere other than as you refer it 'the golden triangle' of tourist sites to visit.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

It's so cute hey! And so easy to get to from Osaka :)

[@77AlexS]

Yess! Thanks for including our prefecture of Okayama 😊😊😊 we are often over looked 😂

[@itisriley]

Instant grab for me, it may be a while before I can go but will be happy to look through for inspiration and supporting your channel at the same time thank you for this! :)

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you! I hope you get super inspired by some of the locations!

[@tineejohnston9737]

So happy to find your channel thank you so much for doing all these hard research and then sharing , I just have to be your new subs 😀 appreciate all the info 😇😎❤️

[@markblacker9425]

I've been to Nikko and enjoyed it there. Stayed in the wrong location perhaps not much around but was still very beautiful

[@TheEbbemonster]

Nice list of locations and great blending between advertisement and actual advices.

[@xrpvegas5407]

I will get this guide… I can’t wait

[@icchannel11]

Thank you for your video. It was very helpful for the local resident as well ☺️

[@farisan6664]

I just bump into this video and thank you for covering such OUTSTANDING places in Japan. ❤❤ i love Japan but some of the places i didn’t know. Someday i want to visit japan but here i have a question.....can you please tell me which season is best in japan if i want to go there for short time like a month or so???? 😊

[@LemifromJapan]

Even as Japanese, I've only been to 1 place (Chapel on the water) among your list of places. Thank you for the information, Hannah chan✨🙏😊

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh really? I’m surprised it’s Chapel on the water also because that place is quite far away! So beautiful though!

[@LemifromJapan]

@@CurrentlyHannahYes! I went there for my cousin's wedding, otherwise I didn't know. 😊

[@CurrentlyHannah]

@@LemifromJapan Ooooh that must've been lovely! It's actually the only location I ever saw and thought "I wanna get married there!" hahah

[@LemifromJapan]

@@CurrentlyHannah hehe Sounds great😆✨💕

[@cloudjin893]

i went for a month trip last october by myself and that was a wonderful experience. i picked a direction and went there. i planned pretty much everything on the spot and booked hotels like 2 days before at the earliest before moving to another city. Your guides are gonna help me out so much when i go in march so i can dodge most of the tourists and have a relaxing time. a lot of my friends don't seem to understand that there's more to japan that tokyo, kyoto, and osaka so i kinda want to show them the other cool parts of japan.

[@pruchi]

Congrats on the new guidebook!

[@gmooney1111]

You're the goat. Booked a few from this video. tyty

[@maloledon]

Many thanks, I'm going to Nagano next month. Let's try this awesome onsen !

[@SparrowA1]

Thanks for making this Hannah, I've been looking for something like this. As a repeat visitor, it's nice to see something other than the typical golden route.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

You’re very welcome! 🥰

[@OzRiderCam]

Thanks so much for this Hannah, very cool and hope to make use of it for our trip in July! I was wondering if you included any information about how to rent a car in Japan, in advance (online) before a trip from Australia? I am having so much trouble finding a reliable way to book a hire car. Our whole trip is regional based mostly and we really need a car to make it work. Any suggestions, gratefully received, thanks in advance!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

In the past I’ve just searched online for a car rental place nearby where I’m flying into but you can also try searching by car brand and then rental car, like “Sapporo Toyota rental car” or something like that should bring up good options!

[@kmikc909]

We are planning a big trip in January, does your book convey things to do and places to go in winter?