Hidden Gems and Secret Spots in Japan You Can't Miss - Go on an expedition to uncover Japan’s treasures.

Tashirojima, or Cat Island, is an unique island in Miyagi Prefecture that is away from the busy towns and popular tourist destinations. The island is home to a sizable colony of wild cats, as its name suggests. These cats, which are said to bring luck, roam freely, and there are huts that resemble cats that guests can stay in. It's the perfect island for cat lovers and urban dwellers looking for peace and quiet.

Yakushima is a secret haven for nature lovers. This tiny island is renowned for its old cedar forest, which contains trees that are more than a thousand years old. On clearly indicated hiking trails, explore the ethereal woodland that is home to the historic Jomon Sugi, a 7,200-year-old cedar tree. The island's lush beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect location for rest and relaxation.

An abandoned love hotel in Himeji serves as a fascinating and eerie urban exploration location. The Hotel Cosmo, an abandoned structure, blends surrealistic elements with a nod to nostalgia for the 1970s. Even while it might not be a typical tourist destination, it provides a fascinating look into Japan's past and an exhilarating trip for those who enjoy the unusual. Consider staying at Travelodge Honmachi Osaka to enjoy the comfort and friendliness of Japanese hospitality. This conveniently situated hotel in Osaka, Japan, provides welcoming lodging and quick access to the city's attractions. It's the perfect starting point for discovering undiscovered treasures like Osaka's picturesque lanes, lively street food vendors, and exciting entertainment districts.

The Iya Valley is a secluded and stunning location for tourists looking for unspoiled beauty, hidden in Shikoku. The valley is renowned for its vine bridges, which the early residents of the area utilised to cross the treacherous terrain. A few of these original vine bridges still exist, providing visitors with an authentic experience, even though some of these bridges have been replaced with more durable replacements.

Yanagawa, a picturesque town in Fukuoka Prefecture, is often overlooked by tourists. However, it provides a singular canal experience that is exclusive to Japan. Take to the canals in a punting boat, driven by a boatman dressed in traditional garb. The town's antique structures and willow-lined rivers provide a peaceful ambiance evoking a bygone period.

Few travellers have the opportunity to see the spectacular sight that is located at Nokogiriyama, a hidden location in the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture. Nihon-ji Daibutsu, a huge figure of the Buddha, is carved into the mountain's rock face. What makes this Buddha statue truly remarkable is its reclining position. This 31-meter-long sculpture, often shrouded in mist, creates an otherworldly atmosphere, making it an enchanting and little-known gem for those willing to explore off the beaten path in Japan.