Japan Travel Secrets: Travel Like the Locals for an Authentic Experience

Written by Kelly, Voyages Japan Creator

When planning your trip to Japan, you're going to find plenty of lists recommending must-see shrines, sushi spots, and tourist favorites. But this guide takes a different approach – consider these your insider tips on remarkable experiences you don't want to miss, based on my frequent visits to this amazing country.

Now don't worry, I'm not going to rattle off a predictable checklist of sights. I want to help you dive deep into Japanese culture and discover hidden gems few travelers experience. Click on the red links below to start planning an adventure that's full of cultural delights, stunning scenery, and local discoveries.

Leave the typical Top 10 lists behind and get ready to start planning a trip filled with moments you won't want to miss. Let's begin!

“Japan is endlessly, endlessly interesting to me. I don't think I've even scratched the surface and I don't think I ever will.”

Tourist Tendency #1: Just Sticking to Temples and Shrines – Embrace Japan’s Quirky Side

It’s easy when visiting Japan to focus only on temples, shrines, and traditional culture. But you’d be missing out on what makes Japan so fantastic – the melding of ancient traditions and cutting-edge quirkiness.

Now this may sound a little 'tourist-y', but in order to prove to your friends and family at home that you really went to Japan, you have to make your way to Shibuya to experience the controlled chaos of the world-famous crossing. Just don't stop there - you have to dive into the surrounding vibrant neighborhoods overflowing with pop culture, neon cityscapes, and uniquely Japanese experiences waiting to be uncovered.

After visiting the iconic Shibuya intersection, don't miss these one-of-a-kind spots just steps away:

  • Nonbei Yochoko: Also known as Drunkard's Alley, it's a charmingly nostalgic area that transports you back in time. There are two super narrow lanes for walking, and this area is packed with tiny bars and eateries, each with its own unique charm. Some of these establishments can only seat five or six people, which makes for an intimate and memorable experience.
  • Bunkamura: This is an underground art hub in Shibuya that's a perfect getaway from the city buzz. It was designed by famed architect Fumihiko Maki, and it hosts intimate concerts, avant-garde theater, art house cinema, and rotating gallery exhibits. You can look through niche art books in the library café or catch an obscure film screening. There are a number of different creative mediums all in one spot, and Bunkamura is a beautiful sanctuary for arts lovers.
  • Inokashira Park: Now this is an absolute find! It's just minutes from Shibuya Station and it's truly an oasis in the middle of the City. Strolling along its pathways, you're surrounded by towering trees that provide a canopy from the city. Cross the wooden bridges and you'll find locals picnicking by the ponds. In the heart of the park is the Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine, a nice place to stop and reflect. Inokashira Park offers a calm break from the busy streets of Tokyo. It's a genuine piece of Japanese life, right in the city.
  • Takeshita Snack Street: This is my favorite place to wander in Tokyo. It's a lively alley packed with Japanese snack stalls and sweet shops. Locals call it "Snack Street" and it’s a stretch of Takeshita Street focused just on food (the rest of the street is known for fashion). Grab steaming meat buns, crispy tempura, creamy purin pudding, matcha green tea donuts, and towering swirls of cotton candy. Or try the latest wacky flavors of KitKats and soda. With new items constantly debuting, it’s the perfect place to discover unique Japanese snacks and sweets.
Rainbow Cheese Sandwich, Le Shiner, Takeshita Snack Street

Next, make your way to Harajuku to discover the neighborhood's famously quirky street fashion and pop culture. Seek out a colorful Harajuku cosplay shop like Alice on Wednesday and transport yourself into the world of Wonderland. It's an absolutely magical place!

You can also browse manga comics, anime figurines and merchandise at stores like Kiddy Land Harajuku to take home unique otaku souvenirs.

And don't miss the iconic purikura photo booths at Purikura no Mecca, where you can take plenty of IG-worthy photo stickers of yourself with huge sparkling anime eyes. It's a quintessential Japanese teenage experience.

Kiddy Land, Harajuku

When you need a moment of tradition, escape to serene shrines like Meiji Jingu Shrine or Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. But then dive back into the city lights - belt out J-pop tunes at a karaoke club like Karaoke-kan or Shidax Village, or lose yourself in the retro gaming paradise of Super Potato in Akihabara.

Beyond Tokyo, make time to discover your own offbeat gems, whether that's neon-lit Dotonbori Canal in Osaka, manga shops in Osaka’s Den Den Town, or the chill gaming cafes of Kyoto like Taito Station or Nicolai.

You could also visit a cool themed cafe like the owl cafes in Akihabara or the robot-operated Henn-na Cafe in Ginza. Or explore the futuristic tech showrooms of Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, known as Japan's electronics and gaming capital.

The key is blending both sides of Japan for an experience that defies expectations. Contemplate temple rituals, then sing till dawn at a Roppongi nightclub. Sip ceremonial matcha, then join the dance party pulsing through the streets. Lose yourself in the neon-lit alleyways, then rediscover serenity in a quiet shrine. I'm telling you, it's the surprising contrast of old and new, serenity and chaos, that will give you the true essence of Japan.

Owl Village Cafe, Harajuku

Tourist Tendency #2: Staying on the Tourist Trail – Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems

Japan's heart is the island of Honshu, where cities like Tokyo and Kyoto draw most of the spotlight. But here's the thing: Honshu is more than just its famous cities. It's divided into distinct regions, each with its own vibe and stories. Tokyo? That's in the Kanto region. But move a bit on the map, and you'll find places less traveled but equally compelling.

Stepping out of the typical tourist zones means finding raw, genuine experiences. Imagine trekking through untouched snow in Hokkaido or navigating the historic alleyways of a Kansai town. Or maybe catching a sunset in a coastal village in Kyushu.

The good news? Getting to these places isn't complicated. A train ticket, especially the JR Pass, can be your key to unlock these parts of Japan. While Tokyo and Kyoto definitely have their attraction, sometimes the deeper tales are in the quieter, overlooked corners. Diving into these stories is what can make your trip unforgettable.

Here are my top recommendations for straying away from the typical tourist trail:

  1. The Kansai Region: At its essence, this region is best described as the cultural heartland of Japan. It's where ancient traditions, art forms, and the spirit of "wa" (harmony) come alive. While the region has plenty of urban landscapes, its predominant theme is a deep-rooted connection to Japan's history, spirituality, and traditional arts. This is the place where you can experience authentic tea ceremonies, traditional theater like Noh and Bunraku, and the genuine warmth of local festivals. Cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka form a triad of historical depth, culinary richness, and cultural vibrancy in the Kansai region. It's the perfect place to get a holistic sense of Japan's evolution from its imperial roots to its modern flair.

Getting there: It takes about 2.5-3 hours by Shinkansen to reach the Osaka or Kyoto areas. The JR Pass covers shinkansen trips to Osaka, Kyoto, and Himeji. For Hiroshima and Miyajima, take a shinkansen then a short local train/ferry ride.

Planning on visiting? Don’t miss these amazing locations within the Kansai region:

  • Osaka: Osaka doesn’t just feed you; it overwhelms your senses with unforgettable culinary and cultural experiences. When the sun dips below the horizon, Dotonbori Canal comes alive, lit up by neon signs. Walk into this place and you'll hear the real deal – people chatting, laughing, and the sound of cooking in the background. It's lively and authentic. Try something different and catch your own dinner at Zauo – it doesn’t get fresher than this. And if you're up for a bit of a throwback, check out Den Den Town. It's this neat blend of old and new, with classic game centers and modern anime shops.
  • Himeji: This is home to Japan's largest and most spectactular original castle complex, which has 83 buildings with a towering white roof and maze-like passageways to get lost in. Walk the creaking wood floors and admire panoramic views from the peak of Himeji Castle, standing proud since the 17th century. Nearby, you can stroll through the manicured grounds of Kokoen Garden, which is also home to a tea ceremony house.
  • Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a solemn testament to the tragic events of 1945. Wander the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle grounds, offering a glimpse into the region's feudal history. While you're exploring the city, you might stumble upon Shukkeien. It's an old Japanese garden with really carefully designed landscapes and these peaceful tea houses. And when evening comes around, don't miss out on trying Hiroshima's take on okonomiyaki pancakes – they're a delicious local specialty.
  • Miyajima & Onimichi: Starting in Hiroshima, the next leg of your journey should be the tranquil island of Miyajima. It's abrief ferry ride to this sanctuary, best known for its iconic "floating" vermilion torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. You have to try to catch it at high tide, when the gate looks like it's effortlessly hovering on water. But Miyajima isn't just about the shrine. Take a gondola or hike the scenic paths leading up to sacred Mt. Misen, where you can enjoy serene temple grounds and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. And before you leave, be sure to wander through the charming streets of Miyajima and indulge in the famous momiji manju maple leaf cakes.
Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture

From Miyajima, you should set your sights on the historic port town of Onomichi. This place is truly a hidden gem. As you arrive, you'll instantly notice its unique charm — from the hilly temples, beautifully "retro" alleyways, and an abundance of cats, to the scenic biking route, the Onomichi Sea Route bridges, presenting spectacular ocean vistas.

Senkoji Park is located on Mount Senkoji and offers spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea and Onomichi city. Senkoji Temple, a notable temple with a long history, is also located within the park. The park is especially popular during cherry blossom season when the cherry trees create a remarkable display that you won't see anywhere else. There's also a ropeway to take visitors up the mountain, but a lot of people decide to walk the Path of Literature, which has stone markers engraved with poems and writings from various Japanese authors.

Getting there: Hiroshima offers direct connections to Miyajima via local ferries. Once done, you can take a train to Onomichi. The entire journey, spanning both destinations, is just a few hours but promises a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Planning on visiting? Don’t miss this Voyages feature on Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Onimichi:

Hiroshima & Miyajima Feature Video, Voyages (YouTube)
  1. The Chūbu Region: Chūbu is like Japan's own slice of paradise, right where the mountains meet the sea. It's a place where you're just swept away by nature – you'll be amazed by the Japanese Alps and the beautiful coasts along the Izu Peninsula. It's this perfect mix of stunning views, thrilling adventures, and a touch of the old-school Japan vibe. You've got places like Nagano and Matsumoto, where history is alive in ancient temples and cool old castles. Then there are spots like the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the Nakasendo Way, where you're right in the thick of nature's raw beauty. I've hit the slopes in winter, and hiked through lush trails in summer. But I haven't had a chance to chill in one of their Onsens just yet. Chūbu's the place where Japan's natural wonders and rich culture just come together perfectly. I would definitely recommend the trip!

Getting there: The Chūbu region takes about 1-3 hours from Tokyo, depending on the destination within Chūbu. The JR Pass will get you close to Takayama and Kanazawa. From there, buses/local trains can be taken to reach places like Shirakawa-Go.

If you’re thinking about making the trip, you won’t be sorry! You’re about to be swept away by the Japan that you didn’t even know existed! Here’s where I would definitely suggest you explore:

  • Takayama: A journey through Takayama is like stepping back in time, and it's an unbelievable sight. Wooden machiya houses set the scene along Sanmachi Suji, the old town streets. Morning markets, such as the Jinya-mae Market, provide a taste of local life. And there's an aroma of sake from its many breweries, like the Harada Sake Brewery. The Takayama Festival, held both in spring and autumn at the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, offers a glimpse of Japan's rich cultural traditions with huge, ornate floats and really exciting parade processions.
  • Shirakawa-go: This is one of the most surreal places on earth. Nestled in a remote valley, Shirakawa-go is an enchanting village famous for its thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with the Wada House being a standout. These architectural wonders are designed with steep roofs to withstand heavy snowfall. The village's Shiroyama Viewpoint offers offers panoramic views of the entire valley. I couldn't resist showing a picture, with hopes that you'll make your way out to experience it.
  • Kanazawa: Often called "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa is a cultural gem. Wander through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. The city's samurai district, Nagamachi and geisha district areas, like the Higashi-Chaya district, provide a window into its historic past. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. For foodies, Omicho Market is a haven, offering fresh seafood and the region's renowned gold leaf sweets.
  • Matsumoto: Framed by the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto is anchored by its crowning jewel, Matsumoto, which also houses a museum illuminating the region's samurai past. The city offers a vibrant arts scene, with the Matsumoto City Museum of Art showcasing works of Yayoi Kusama, a local avant-garde artist. Venture to Nakamachi Street for traditional crafts and preserved old buildings, to Asama Onsen for a relaxing soak surrounded by nature.
Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
  1. The Tohoku Region: Tohoku is like Japan's secret wilderness and a kind of spiritual hideaway. It's way off the beaten path, far from the busy cities down south. Here, you'll find stunning untouched landscapes – think rugged mountains, calm lakes, and thick forests. Being so isolated, it's kept a lot of its old traditions, festivals, and spiritual ways that have disappeared elsewhere. The place is steeped in samurai history, and with fewer people around, there's a real close connection to nature. Each season brings something special here: cherry blossoms in spring, bright leaves in fall, and cozy onsen towns under winter snow. It's the perfect spot if you're looking to get away, get back to nature, and see a side of Japan that's off the usual track.

Getting there: The JR Pass covers travel to destinations like Aomori, which is about 3.5 hours by Shinkansen. For more remote areas, additional local transportation might be required.

This is one of those places that you’ll absolutely be astounded by. It will feel like you’re on another planet. Here are some highlights that you can’t miss:

  • Matsushima Bay: Matsushima Bay is famous as one of Japan's top three scenic spots, and it's easy to see why. It's got these islands covered in pine trees, floating in beautiful blue waters. Hop on one of the traditional boat tours to really take in the peaceful scenery. Around the bay, you'll also find a bunch of temples and historical sites, mixing great natural views with a deep sense of history.
  • Towada-Hachimantai National Park: You have to check out the wild side of this big national park. Lake Towada is a gem with clear blue waters – great for boat rides or just walking around the lake. And if you're into hot springs, places like Nyuto Onsen are nearby. They're tucked away in the mountains and give you that real-deal Japanese onsen experience.
  • Kakunodate: Step back in time as you walk through the well-preserved Samurai District of Kakunodate. This town is an architectural gem with historic samurai residences lining its quaint streets. During spring, it's lined with beautiful cherry blossoms, making the experience even more magical.
Furano and Biei, Hokkaido
  • Yamadera: Sitting up on a mountainside, this temple is like a spiritual getaway. Walking up those stone steps, you'll see old buildings, stone lanterns, and awesome views of the valley below. When you reach the top, the view is just incredible – it really shows off the peaceful beauty of Tohoku.
  • Aomori's Showa Daibutsu: This is where you'll see Japan's biggest bronze Buddha statue – it's pretty impressive. Set against green hills, this huge Buddha isn't just amazing to look at, but it's also a great, peaceful spot for some quiet thinking and feeling connected.
Jogakura Bridge, Towada Hachimantai National Park
  • Furano and Biei in Hokkaido: While technically outside the Tohoku region, these spots in Hokkaido are not to be missed if you venture further north. The flower fields of Furano and Biei come alive in the summer, presenting a visual feast of colors ranging from lavender to sunflowers. The aroma of the blossoms and the picturesque landscapes provide a sensory delight unique to northern Japan.

The Journey Continues

From bustling cityscapes to peaceful countryside, the full picture of Japan is so much more diverse than the highlights. Follow along for Remarkable experiences you'd only stumble upon with a little inside knowledge. Your trip is sure to be overflowing with wonders if you travel purposefully.

In the next installments, you'll discover:

  • Hidden culinary adventures beyond just sushi
  • The wonders of Japanese convenience stores and vending machines
  • Insider tips for experiencing the ancient sport of sumo wrestling
  • Immersing in Kyoto's geisha dances and tea traditions
  • Relaxing at an authentic ryokan inn and onsen hot spring

This is just the beginning of all the local secrets I can't wait to share with you about Japan. Be sure to stay tuned as more insider knowledge is unveiled in each upcoming section!

Stay curious and travel wisely! Until next time.