4 beautiful, overcrowded places in Japan

For most first time visitors, it is easy to lean towards Japan’s most famous, famous cities: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. During Tokyo weekends, visitors are often encouraged to venture beyond these areas and discover hidden aspects of Japan where the landscape, historic town landscapes and cultural treasures are awaiting. The country’s railway network makes it easier to take risks – especially Japan Railway (JR) Passit provides convenient access to a variety of train routes including Shinkansen at a fixed price.

With the Japan Railway Pass, it’s easy to have a deep and immersive travel experience, head to faraway areas and watch the landscape fly by the windows. this Japan Railway Pass Booking Website Even offer A series of sample itineraries To help you plan your trip. One of the routes we will explore below is a 14-day route through some of the most beautiful parts of western Japan, covering the historic Tokai region, Shikoku, Kansai and Kyushu. To take a closer look, you can watch YouTube videos highlighting the route.

The four destinations highlighted below provide a deeper, more delicious look to the cultural landscape of Japan. Everyone can find a rich local culture and unique regional specialties – from the Edo-era post town and black beef steak to hand-forged knife and grilled flakes. With the Japan Railway Pass, travelers following this route can save over 60,000 yen on train tickets.

(Curious about how the Japanese Railway Pass works? We will break it down at the end of the article.)

Tokai Region: Nakamura, GIFU Prefecture (Magome-Juku)

Hidden on the forest hills of Gifu Prefecture, Magome-Juku feels like a step back in the past. It once followed the postal town of the historic Nakasendo Trail – the old route connecting Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto – it is an important resting point for the feudal House of Lords, merchants and travelers. Today, it still retains most of the Edo-period charm and has views of the streets of slate streets, wooden hotels and surrounding mountains.

The town’s charming cobbled streets, waterwheels and traditional lattice window buildings (houses, cafes and souvenir shops) provide an atmospheric window for Japanese history. On the stroll, visitors can enjoy the lasting legacy of their natural environment and the journey of centuries-old history.

Visit the Toson Memorial Museum, built by town residents, to commemorate the Mingji era literary idols Toson Shimazaki and Magome Waki-Honjin, which shares the history of the town through artifacts. For a natural escape, a part of the Nakajima Trail was hiked to the neighboring postal town of tsumago-juku, a journey that will take you through forests, waterfalls and peaceful rural landscapes.

In Magome-Juku, make sure to try Gohei Mochifamous local cuisine. They are grilled cakes, skewed together and covered with sweet flavour sauce. Some people think that the Edo period food was eaten by lumberjacks, hunters and mountain workers, while others think it is a dedication to the gods.

Kansai area: Himeji, Noogo County (Himeji Castle)

While most tourists insist on visiting Kyoto and Osaka, the Kansai area offers many other spectacular cities. Himeji is only 30 minutes away from Shin-Osaka Station in Shinkansen) is one of the must-see destinations for Kansai. It is home to the magnificent Himeji Castle, which was registered in 1993 as one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The impeccable preserved structure, which retains its original structure, is nicknamed “Shirasagi-Jo” (“Shirasagi-Jo” (“White Heron Castle”) (“White Heron Castle”) to make its evocative shape evocative to recall its elegant white egret egretret.

Apart from the castle, Himeji has a Rocky Mountain, an extensive art collection and a tranquil temple that has a history of a thousand years. Located on the top of Shosha Mount Shosha, Engyoji Temple is accessible via the scenic Ropeway Ride and offers experiences like Zen Meditation and Sutra replication.

When in Himeji, make sure to try Akashiyaki. This is one of the most delicious local delicacies in Nogo County, which originates from the coastal city of Akashi. Made of egg-rich batter, the soft octopus is very similar to the composition of Seven Chapters, appearance and shape. However, Akashiyaki is leached with Bonito or Kelp broth instead of being covered with sauce.

Shikoku: Tosa Uchihamono

Kochi Prefecture, located on the Pacific coast of Shikoku, is known for its natural beauty, rich traditions and hidden cities. Kochi City is the star of the group, full of natural wonders and local charm. Getting there is part of the experience: With the Japanese Railway Pass, travelers can take JR Shikoku’s Limited Express Nanpu, crossing the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, offering views of the scattered islands.

Monet’s Garden Marmottan is one of the most famous attractions in Kochi Prefecture. It replicates the artist’s former residence in Giverny, dotted with lily pads. Kochi Castle in Kochi City is one of the few remaining wooden castles in the country, maintaining its original structure and also making a charming visit, and the Ryugado Cave in Kami City is also one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan.

Kochi is also known for its Sunday market, which has a history of more than 300 years. Among hundreds of stalls, you will find vendors showing Tosa forged knife called “Tosa Uchihamono“In Japanese.

Of course, you also have to try the city’s local cuisine. One of Kochi’s most famous cuisine is かったこだきたいます (Baked thin slices): Bonito sashimi thick slices with baking edges. Kochi Prefecture has the highest level of Bonito consumption in Japan and is most commonly enjoyed by fish during early summer and late autumn.

Kyoto

Even among the countless movie landscapes and cultural attractions in the Kyushu area, Kagoshima City stands out. The city is often called “Oriental Naples” with its bay landscape and mild subtropical climate dominated by the impressive presence of Sakurajima, a lively volcano that shapes the scenery and local life. In addition to its dramatic background, Kagoshima is also known for its long-term hot spring culture.

One of the most symbolic attractions in the city is Sengan-en, a spacious Japanese landscaped garden and historic villa overlooking Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. The stately house was built in 1658 and is one of the residences of the Shimadzu family, surrounded by picturesque ponds and flora, shrines, bamboo forests and hiking trails.

Kagoshima is known for its “black” meat, especially Kurogyu (Black Bull), highly praised for its tender marble pattern and deep taste. One of the best ways to experience this local specialty is to be the perfect steak to make the beef shine with its natural umami and buttery texture. Many of Kagoshima’s restaurants offer cuts of premium Kurogyu and offer the flavor of one of Japan’s most famous Wagyu varieties.

Train trips in Japan are one of the most enjoyable ways to see the country. Routes across the coastline, mountains and rural towns offer ever-changing views from your seat. Along the way, you will encounter local specialties, regional dialects and landscapes that change dramatically between counties. With the Japan Railway Pass, whether you are chasing historic sites, scenic detours, or just seeing the tracks’ advance, you can easily cover long distances and build a flexible itinerary.

How to use the Japan Railway (JR) Pass

What is a Japanese Railway Pass?

Japan Railway Pass is a convenient travel option Foreign tourists There are also some Japanese nationals living abroad (confirm Qualification Requirements).

It allows unlimited travel on most JR-operated trains nationwide, including local routes, limited Express Services and most Shinkansen bullet trains. Although the fastest services, namely Nozomi and Mizuho, ​​they can be accessed separately by upgrading tickets.

There are two types of passes – one for green cars and the other for standard cars. Green car in Shinkansen (bullet train) and Tokkyu (limited express trains), and tend to be more spacious and comfortable.

Japan Railway Pass Price and How to Book

Green Car Adult Pass Options and Prices:

• 7 days: 70,000 yen
• 14 days: ¥110,000
• 21 days: 140,000 yen

Regular Automotive Adult Pass Options and Prices:

• 7 days: 50,000 yen
• 14 days: ¥80,000
• 21 days: 100,000 yen

For more details on the price, click here.

You can purchase your pass online through an official Japan Railway Pass Booking Website. This provides additional benefits such as the ability to book a seat (one month in advance), the ability to choose a seat preference (window or aisle), and the options to choose Reservation space for extra large luggage.

Useful links

Japan Railway Pass Official Website

Japan Railway Pass Booking Website

Extra large luggage policy: Bags exceeding the standard size require reservation.