Kyoto > Yoshida Jinja (吉田神社): The Hilltop Shrine Tourists Skip”
Yoshida Jinja (吉田神社) in Kyoto, near Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), hides on a forested hill. A quiet Shinto gem overlooked by tourists!
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No Tourists Japan
Traveling Japan Without Tourists
NTRanking 7
Kyoto > Rakusai Bamboo Park (京都市洛西竹林公園): A Hidden Bamboo Paradise Near Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s best-kept secret: Rakusai Bamboo Park, a serene escape with towering bamboo groves and no tourist crowds. Far from the bustle of Arashiyama, this hidden gem offers peaceful walks, stunning photo ops, and a rare glimpse into Japan’s bamboo culture—perfect for travelers craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
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Aichi > Onsen Kakitsubata (天然温泉かきつばた): Relax in a Hidden Onsen Along Japan’s Highways
Looking for a unique onsen experience near Nagoya without the tourist crowds? Kakitsubata Onsen, located at Kariya Highway Oasis, offers natural hot springs, open-air baths, and saunas in a convenient stop along the E1A expressway. Whether you’re traveling from Nagoya, Tokyo, or Shizuoka, this hidden gem lets you soak in mineral-rich waters, enjoy Aichi’s famous miso katsu, and even visit the Iwagike Park amusement area nearby.
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Fukui > Tojimbo Pillars (東尋坊): There are only 3 places like this in the world.
In Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Tojinbo (東尋坊) is one of three places in the world where you can see cliffs with pentagonal and hexagonal columns formed by volcanic action and marine erosion. In addition to its geological beauty, the place is shrouded in legends that add a touch of mystery.
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Shiga > Sakamoto Cable Car (坂本ケーブル): Take the Longest Cable Car in Japan
The Sakamoto Funicular (坂本ケーブル), the longest in Japan, connects the base of Mount Hieizan (比叡山) with the upper station, offering access to the historic Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺). Its 2-kilometer route passes through the mountain’s lush vegetation, offering spectacular views, although it is not recommended for those with vertigo as the angle of ascent and the heights can be shocking.
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Shiga > Enryakuji (延暦寺): The spiritual heart at the top of Mount Hieizan
Enryakuji (延暦寺), located on the summit of Mount Hieizan (比叡山), is a Buddhist temple complex with over 1,200 years of history and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located between Kyoto and Shiga, this place combines serenity, nature and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for lovers of spirituality and natural beauty.
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Fukui > Echizen Onojo (越前大野城): The Castle in the Clouds
In the mountainous region of Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Echizen Onojo Castle (越前大野城) surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Ono Valley, is famous for a unique phenomenon that transforms it into the “Castle in the Clouds” (天空の城).
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