Japan is a country bustling with activity, but beyond its megacities lie places steeped in ancient traditions and breathtaking natural beauty. Away from the noisy crowds are hidden landscapes filled with pristine forests, crystal-clear waters, and majestic mountains that bring tranquility to the mind and radiance to the mood. Fortunately, there are many underrated travel spots in Japan where you can embark on a journey and find serenity in nature.
Travelling Underrated Japan
Scroll through this article and find sustainable cities to visit during your stay here in Japan!
Yanagawa in Kyushu
Hakushu Festival Water Parade. Image Credits: Yanagawa City Tourism Association
Nestled in Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa is a city known for its intricate network of canals. On a warm summer day, you can definitely feel you have arrived in the “Venice of Japan” because of its soothing environment that blends tradition with nature and greenery. With its rich history traced back to the Edo period, Yanagawa became one of the most scenic places in the country, where even the renowned poet Kitahara Hakushu found inspiration while writing his masterpieces.
In Yanagawa, you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride accompanied by the gentle rhythm of the oars. As you navigate through the pleasant-looking waterway in a traditional Donko boat, the boatmen will tell the story of the town and sing melodic songs for your entertainment. The good thing is that you can ride the boat any time of the year in all four seasons!
Of course, Yanagawa is not all water and canals, for you can also visit historical landmarks such as the Mitsuhashira Shrine and Yanagawa Castle ruins to satisfy your curiosity about the place. Another must-see spectacle in Yanagawa is the Hakushu Festival Water Parade, which is held every year to promote the city’s tourism and establish the locality as the birthplace of Hakushu poetry. In this festival, the locals showcase drum performances, choral choruses, and brass bands. What makes it even more enticing to visit is the view of lanterns floating in the water, a parade unique to the Suigo Yanagawa. If you want to visit, check out their official website.
Teshikaga in Hokkaido
Lake Mashu in Teshikaga. Image credits: Photo Ac
Situated in the heart of Hokkaido, Teshikaga boasts its towering mountains and vast forests adorned with spectacular views for your eyes. It is known for its twin jewels– the Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo, which are both caldera lakes full of calmness for your own peace of mind. This place is renowned for showcasing Ainu culture’s rich history, traditions, and worldview. The Ainu are an Indigenous people native to Northern Japan, though their population has significantly decreased. Visitors to this town can explore and gain a deeper understanding of Ainu heritage through cultural experiences, including learning about their deep connection with nature.
Balancing nature and human history, Teshikaga witnessed a transformation when Japanese settlers arrived in the 19th century. With their arrival, the town experienced changes from hunter-gatherer societies to the establishment of a sulfur mine and the beginning of agricultural development– all while valuing what nature has in store for the Ainu. To understand more about their history, going to the Kawayu Eco Museum Center would be the best way to learn more, followed by going to Mount Io to observe an active volcano up close! After a day trip, one can enjoy a nearby onsen, or hot springs, around the area. To learn more about the activities and scenic spots in Teshikaga, you can visit their official website here.
Kamaishi in Iwate
Kamaishi Mine Ruins. Image credits: Photo Ac
Stumble upon the Pacific in Kamaishi, Iwate prefecture’s coastline, and dotted picturesque bays at least once during your stay in Japan. Boasting its rich ecosystem overflowing with marine life complemented by the mountainous terrain in the land, Kamaishi is one of the must-see sustainable tourist destinations in Japan. Aside from the city being a culinary seafood paradise, Kamaishi also boasts its industrial heritage background. It is the birthplace of Japan’s modern steel industry, and one UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site, is also situated in the city.
In Kamaishi, you can visit the Kamaishi Daikannon—a large statue of the Buddhist ‘Goddess of Mercy’ that towers over Kamaishi Bay and is believed to protect the city. The good news is that you can climb 13 floors to the observation platform, where you’ll get a view of both the city and the coastline. Aside from that, you can also visit the Kamaishi Iron and Steel History Museum to learn more about its history. To learn more about the city, visit the Kamaishi Official Website and begin preparing your travel itinerary!
Japan Beyond the Metropolis
Kamaishi JR Line. Image credits: Photo Ac
From the waterways of Yanagawa to the wilderness of Teshikaga and the coastline of Kamaishi, Japan offers a sense of harmony with nature beyond the noise of the metropolis. Along with its rich history, this destination provides a unique opportunity to explore the countryside’s culture, offering a nurturing experience for the wandering traveler.
If you want to know about the more sustainable destinations in Japan, visit the Sustainable Destinations Japan website and begin planning your itinerary with family and friends!
More reads:
- Sustainable Travel: Where and How to Travel in Japan
- Cycling Towards a Greener Future: Shimanami Kaido
- Coco Farm & Winery: Sustainable Farming and the Special Team Behind It
Featured image credits: Yanagawa City Tourism Association
