Now that we’re back from Japan, I can confidently say our trip went just as I had anticipated. Brian and I followed the Golden Route, the quintessential itinerary for first-time visitors linking Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While we were curious about the iconic sights along this popular route, we couldn’t help but add in a few detours and serene spots along the way.
Namely, we were most excited about our plans to road trip through central Japan. Sure, the big cities offer plenty to see and do, but it’s the quiet back roads and incredible nature that call us to explore off the beaten path.
An Escape from Excess and Big City Crowds
Through research and conversations with others, we discovered that it’s typical to bring an empty suitcase (or buy one in Japan) for carrying home new clothing and souvenirs. Call it naiveté, but I didn’t expect this piece of advice to be so prevalent, especially considering the many other aspects of Japan to explore.
Instead of heeding this advice, Brian and I one-and-a-half-bagged it for two weeks, electing to carry two backpacks and a small tote bag. Honestly, it was an easy decision since we aren’t big shoppers anyway. And after observing what many travelers bring home, from plushies and anime collectibles to ceramics and kawaii souvenirs, we further appreciated the freedom and simplicity of traveling light.
In our experience, the constant exposure to mass-produced trinkets, storefronts, and goods often detracted from the natural state of Japan’s landscapes and historic architecture. This commercialization, along with the overabundance of single-use plastics and crowded spaces of passing tourists, salarymen, and locals alike, had us eagerly looking forward to visiting hidden gems and serene spots beyond the tourist trail.
Serenity Now: 7 Serene Spots
Read along and feel free to take notes if you also appreciate an escape from excess and big city crowds. Here are seven serene spots that made our trip to Japan unforgettable:
Asakura Museum of Sculpture
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s mainstream attractions, this three-story former residence, studio, and school became one of our favorite highlights. This quaint museum is located in Taito Ward’s Yanaka district, renowned for its traditional style and nostalgic “old Tokyo” atmosphere. As we meandered through quiet residential streets and passed narrow alleyways, Yanaka’s pre-war architecture and charm set an ultra-peaceful tone, hinting at the experience that awaited us.
Self-designed by the sculptor Fumio Asakura, the building was constructed in 1935. It’s an impressive masterpiece that showcases his vision for a space that inspires both tranquility and creativity. Asakura is known as the father of modern Japanese sculpture, and we enjoyed viewing his collection of over 50 works at the museum.
However, it was his home that really captivated us. The studio features soaring ceilings and large windows to allow for plenty of natural light. There’s also a stunning library, a tranquil courtyard for quiet contemplation, and a rooftop garden with fantastic views. It reminded us of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, which was similarly designed to blend with its natural surroundings and also served as a studio, residence, and school.
Photos were only permitted in two areas of the home, though we opted not to take any. If you’re curious, you can preview Asakura’s sculptures and residence in this video:
Stepping into Asakura’s home shoeless and in wonder of the expanse of his studio and space, Brian and I settled into the reprieve of a slower rhythm of quiet, curated exploration. As the buzzing energy of Tokyo faded, we discovered the serene spots that showcased Asakura’s architectural and artistic expressions. Though it only took an hour to wander through the museum, the pace allowed for easy and relaxed reflection.
Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
After picking up our rental car, we hit the road for the Izu Peninsula, which is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Situated about 60 miles southwest of Tokyo, the region is known for volcanic formations, hot springs, and unique landscapes. Public transportation is relatively limited, so a rental car is the way to go. Honestly, if you plan to see Japan off the beaten path, driving gets a solid 10/10 from us!
The Izu Peninsula features some of the most gorgeous sights in central Japan. It’s easy to lose track of time with all of the hidden gems to discover. In fact, take a look at this inspiring 1-to-7-day itinerary that highlights some of the region’s best experiences.
We had an absolute blast driving all over the peninsula. One of the most memorable stops took us to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. This detour features a moderate 1.5-mile hike that winds through a lush forest and leads to a series of seven beautiful waterfalls.
Brian and I visited the Odaru Waterfall last, which is the largest at 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) tall. At the base of Odaru Waterfall, we discovered open-air hot springs we could access for ¥1,000 each (about $7 USD). Unlike traditional hot springs, or onsens, these are mixed gender and require swimsuits. We soaked in each of the seven hot springs, all varying in temperature and size. The cave bath and the partially enclosed two-person pool facing the waterfall were our favorites.
Otodome Falls and Shiraito Falls
I debated including these popular waterfalls on our list. Conveniently located near one another, Otodome Falls and Shiraito Falls rest at the foot of Mount Fuji and are among the most visited natural wonders in the area. Luckily, Brian and I opted for an early-morning visit, which allowed us to experience the walking trail and beautiful falls completely by ourselves.
Perhaps this serene spot wouldn’t have been so serene if crowds were present. Or perhaps we were still reveling in the peaceful joy of a sunrise view of Mount Fuji at Chureito Pagoda.
What I know for sure is that when Brian and I pulled into an empty, unofficial parking lot with a self-pay honor system, the ¥300 fee seemed like a small price to pay to continue a secluded and unforgettable morning.
As we made our way along the well-maintained walkway, the sounds of rushing water grew closer and closer. The Otodome Falls stands at 25 meters (82 feet) tall, cascading into a pool leading to the Shiba River. A short walk further along the trail brought us to the more expansive Shiraito Falls, an impressive 150-meter (492-foot) wide and 20-meter (66-foot) high cascade that seemed almost surreal with its delicate curtain of water flowing over the cliffs and rocks. We stood quietly with each other, taking in the moment and appreciating the views. What a way to spend a morning!
The Historic Nakasendo Trail
Frankly speaking, Brian and I planned our trip to Japan in less than two months. We actually did the bulk of our planning about three weeks before we left town! One of the first set-in-stone must-dos on our list was to hike part of the historic Nakasendo Trail.
This ancient samurai trail once connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868). Winding through the mountains of central Japan, the Nakasendo Trail stretches over 530 kilometers (329 miles) and passes through 69 post towns that originally served as rest stops for weary travelers.
Two of the best-preserved post towns along the Nakasendo Trail, Tsumago and Magome, offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history. We began our adventure in Tsumago, where we initially planned to park our car and take a bus to Magome, then hike back to Tsumago. Instead, with plenty of time and energy, we decided to hike from Tsumago to Magome and then return to Tsumago. After all was said and done, we trekked a total of 10.5 miles that day.
We admired the beautifully preserved wooden buildings and traditional inns that lined the route. Cobblestone paths led us into forests filled with vibrant greenery and the rhythmic footfalls of fellow travelers from all over the world. It wasn’t just a physical journey; it was an exploration through Japan’s history and natural beauty that allowed us a meaningful connection to our surroundings.
Okunoin Cemetery
I may be biased, but I’ve always found cemeteries to be some of the most fascinating and serene places to visit. They provide a unique retreat that many travelers often overlook. Okunoin Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Japan, is no exception. Although it draws its fair share of tour buses and groups, the expansive grounds feature winding paths that lead to quiet corners.
Established in 835, Okunoin Cemetery spans over 1 mile and contains more than 200,000 graves. Centuries-old cedar trees and moss-drenched monuments invite visitors to pause and reflect as they roam the ancient grounds. It is truly one of the most remarkably serene spots in Japan.
The heart of Okunoin Cemetery is Torodo Hall, or the Hall of Lanterns, which houses over 10,000 lanterns. Unfortunately, this is currently closed until fall 2025 due to renovations. Just past Torodo Hall sits the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Many visitors come here to pay their respects and honor the legacy of Daishi. The combination of history, nature, and spiritual heritage provides an incredible backdrop for quiet exploration.
Side Trails of Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a famous landmark in Kyoto, best known for its endless rows of brilliant red-orange torii gates. Notoriously plagued with overtourism, it can feel overwhelming at times.
The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of agriculture and rice, and features numerous sub-shrines along the trails. There are approximately 10,000 torii gates, donated by individuals and businesses; each displays the donor’s name and donation date on the back.
The main trails ascend the forested slopes of Mount Inari, which rises to 233 meters (764 feet). The path includes a significant number of stone steps, making the hike a challenging and worthwhile effort. Depending on one’s pace, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete the loop.
Brian and I arrived at Fushimi Inari around 7:00 AM, enjoying a relatively quiet walk with only a few fellow visitors. Since the shrine is open 24 hours, I would recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the evening for a more serene experience. By the time we descended at 8:45 AM, the main path was packed!
In addition to the main trail, Brian and I elected to hike one of the many side trails. AllTrails lists it as the Takeno Shitamichi trail, though I’m unsure of its official name. This less-traveled path was worth the effort, leading us past hidden shrines and bamboo forests, away from the crowds. As we discovered, wandering the side trails reveals serene spots that are often missed by most visitors.
It’s important to note that most visitors turn back after reaching the viewpoint at Yotsutsuji on the main trail, about 30 minutes into the hike. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider continuing beyond this point and exploring the side trails!
The Museum Meiji-Mura
We absolutely loved our time at the Museum Meiji-Mura, an open-air architectural museum that showcases historic buildings from the Meiji period. The 250-acre site features over 60 relocated buildings, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
Crossing through the North Gate entrance, we were immediately greeted by Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Imperial Hotel. The main entrance and lobby were preserved and reconstructed here at the Museum Meiji-Mura after the main structure was demolished in Tokyo in 1967. As fans of Wright, we were thrilled to step inside and experience this piece of architectural history in person. It was beautiful!
Each building we encountered was an incredible piece of history. We walked through schools, prisons, shops, and other amazingly preserved structures. It truly felt as though we had stepped back in time! It was a fun, easy-going exploration of innovative design and natural elements. If you have any interest in architecture, I highly recommend visiting this museum!
Worth the Detour
Different people enjoy different things. Many travelers gravitate towards, if not thrive on, conventional paths that have become staples for countless adventurers. From reliable guidebooks to must-see itineraries, there’s a sense of comfort in following a trusted roadmap that outlines the top attractions and experiences. But for those with a curious spirit open to a little mystery, the intrigue lies in exploring the lesser-known.
Taking a detour isn’t everyone’s preference. But if you’re drawn to hidden gems or just want a break from the crowds, venturing off the beaten path can be well worth the experience.
Brian and I aren’t big on souvenirs or massive tourist crowds. Even when we find ourselves roaming through the chaos of a popular spot, we make sure an escape is never too far away. The experiences above are perfect examples of the kind of escapes we enjoy. During our trip, we found a greater appreciation for the natural beauty and historic heritage of Japan. And the best part for us? We experienced it without the crazy crowds!
The serene spots we visited were a reminder that sometimes the best experiences come from taking the road less traveled. If you’re ready to venture off the beaten path, what’s the first step you’ll take to find your own unique, serene spots?
2 Responses
What an amazing adventure and perfect rendition. Nadja
Thank you. It was so naturally beautiful!