| There is much more to see and do in Japan if you | | | | and Hokkaido. |
| take the time to explore outside the main cities such | | | | Travelers with an interest in the history of Buddhism |
| as Tokyo. If you are thinking of visiting Japan, | | | | and Shintoism in Japan will find many destinations |
| consider some of these more unusual locations in | | | | where they can visit some intricately detailed and |
| order to get a different perspective on this beautiful | | | | elegant shrines. Idzumo, for example, is one of the |
| and intriguing country. If you are looking for a relaxing | | | | most important shrines for the Shinto religion, which |
| peaceful vacation, Japan holds some of the most | | | | is also called "home of the gods". The shrine near |
| amazing scenery you could imagine. A trip to the | | | | Omiya, though small, is considered very significant, |
| Japanese countryside is just like stepping inside one | | | | and it is set among some of the most beautiful |
| of the serene landscape paintings that are so familiar | | | | Japanese countryside, on the peninsula of Kyoto-Fu |
| in Japanese painting. Perhaps the best | | | | A glimpse of life in a small Japanese village can be |
| recommendation for the hidden heavens listed below | | | | had on a visit to the Tojimbo Cliffs, where the |
| is that the Japanese residents themselves head there | | | | magnificence of the coastline and the National Park |
| to get away for a while. | | | | are complemented by the tiny village of Anto with its |
| The more rural parts of Japan, while seldom visited | | | | long tradition of fishing. Another option is Sekigane, |
| by most foreigners who travel to Japan, are well | | | | where the village lies among the mountains and has |
| worth a visit. Honshu has some wonderful mountain | | | | its own collection of hot volcanic springs. |
| scenery at the center of the island, particularly the | | | | If you can only make one stop in Japan and you |
| range known as the Central Alps. The Rocky | | | | want to get the full experience of its history and |
| Mountains on the peninsula of Tsunegami are also | | | | culture in an authentic rural setting then you should |
| beautiful, while the coasts offer some stunning | | | | head for Hagi. This is a lovely town right at the |
| beaches and varied landscapes. Some of the most | | | | western end of Honshu. The town is clustered |
| beautiful parts of the coastline are to be found at | | | | around an ancient Samurai castle and there are many |
| Obama Bay, or in the National Park at Wakasa Wan. | | | | sights around the town that are related to its |
| If you would like to see some of the smaller | | | | magnificent military history. You can visit the places |
| Japanese islands then a tour of the Shiwaku Shoto | | | | where the samurai once trained, and the place where |
| island group at Oakayama would be the perfect | | | | their arms were stored. There are also some |
| opportunity to experience their individual charms. Two | | | | beautiful shrines here, particularly Kasuga and Sho-in, |
| others which are particularly beautiful are the islands | | | | while if you would like to see some Japanese art |
| of Mukkuchi-Jima and Hon-Jima. | | | | while you're here there is always the Kumaya |
| Paris may be the first destination that comes to mind | | | | Museum. Your trip will be completed by a relaxing day |
| for a romantic getaway, but Japan has its share of | | | | on the local beach. |
| romance too, with many destinations providing the | | | | There are many other hidden havens in Japan which |
| best amenities for a luxurious break with a loved one, | | | | are yet to be discovered by the crowds of foreign |
| set among the peaceful scenery. Lover's Cape is the | | | | tourists. If you have the time during your visit it |
| most obvious choice, but there are more great spots | | | | would be a good idea to rent a car and go looking |
| at Vinus Fort and Kobe Portipia, as well as at Ikspiari | | | | for some of them. |