Photo courtesy of JNTO

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is inviting Canadian travelers to venture beyond the bustling hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and discover some of the country's best-kept secrets.

Discovering Japan’s Lesser-Known Wonders:

If you’re looking for a new side of Japan to explore, Tottori Prefecture is an enchanting place to start. Journey to the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park, where a one-kilometre elevated walkway, soaring eight meters above the ground at the foothills of Mt. Daisen, provides panoramic views of 50 hectares of vibrant flora. This year-round botanical wonderland, blending Western influence with distinct Japanese artistry, aims to be unlike any other garden in the country. Imagine summer nights illuminated by a million twinkling lights, or the majestic central greenhouse dome, a sought-after wedding venue showcasing 420 diverse plant species. The park bursts with a kaleidoscope of colours, creating a truly spectacular, larger-than-life impression.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the Michinoku Coastal Trail, officially opened in 2019. This 900 km path winds along the breathtaking northeastern coast of Tohoku, spanning Aomori and Fukushima Prefectures. Hikers can immerse themselves in unspoiled vistas of rugged cliffs, serene sandy beaches, lush woodlands and charming fishing villages. Beyond the pristine natural beauty, the trail offers a profound connection to resilience; travellers often hear inspiring stories from locals recounting the devastating earthquake and tsunami almost fifteen years ago, and the remarkable recovery that has since blossomed – a testament to the human spirit that, in the calm of the day, is hard to believe.

For an adrenaline rush, white-water rafting in Japan is unparalleled. Given the country's mountainous terrain, rivers surge dramatically through valleys. Minakami, in Gunma Prefecture, is renowned for its tranquil forest bathing and soothing hot springs and has emerged as a premier rafting hub along the Tone River, one of Japan’s "three greatest rivers." Combining rafting with canyoning here promises an unforgettable, perhaps even life-changing, experience.

In Fukui Prefecture, find profound peace at the ancient monastery, Daihonzan Eiheiji. As you ascend the mountain through serene trees, past a pristine flowing creek, a palpable silence and serenity embrace you. Within the austere wooden halls of this thousand-year-old temple, the gentle trickle of water from the elegant, curved roof outside creates a soothing backdrop. Visitors can participate in zazen meditation, guided by a monk who provides instruction on posture, breath, and focus – a truly immersive spiritual experience.

Finally, immerse yourself in the geothermal marvel that is Beppu, Oita Prefecture. With 2,900 thermal vents expelling an astounding 130,000 tons of steam and water daily, Beppu is a city literally powered by the earth. While "The Hells" – a series of vibrant hot springs with distinct folkloric tales – are a must-see, the true local experience lies beyond. Observe residents enjoying outdoor neighborhood foot baths on traffic islands, or indulge in unique spa treatments. At Kaihin Suna-Yu, professional attendants bury you in warm sand, letting the therapeutic heat melt away aches and knots. Hoyo Land offers a rejuvenating thick mud bath, while the Kannawa Mushi-Yu aroma bath invites you to crawl through a small wooden door into a hot stone room, where you lie on herb-infused beds heated by thermal steam, inhaling restorative aromas.

This scalding steam isn't just for bathing; it's also a culinary tool at Jigoku Mushi Kobo – literally, 'Hell's Steaming Workshop.' Here, you select fresh ingredients, place them in tiered colanders, and lower them into a steaming pit of sulfuric vapor. The result? Eggs with gloriously fiery orange yolks, impossibly soft and luxurious. Vegetables like pumpkin achieve a divine texture and sweetness. Shrimp, scallops, squid, and oysters are steamed to their absolute peak of integrity and flavor. 

For more information on these and many other hidden gems across Japan, and to start planning your extraordinary adventure, please visit: japan.travel/en/ca.