Japan’s hidden gems

 

When I first came to Japan a couple of years ago, the first place I rushed to visit was Mt. Fuji, which is worshipped as a sacred mountain and has been popular among tourists throughout centuries.

The trip was followed by a three-day hop to Tokyo that allowed me to explore places such Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. These are all bastions of the marvelous mix of modern living and old-fashioned manners in the island nation.

Image Source: content.time.com

The thought of re-exploring Japan occurred to me when one of my readers (who also happens to be a good friend of mine) exclaimed, “Louis Habash! You must not keep Japan all to yourself! Recommend us the most breathtaking places to visit!”

Honestly, I didn’t know what to answer other than the few places noted above. So I tried to do my own research through friends at a dinner party yesterday.

First on the list is the Horiku region. According to my friends, it is a great place for those who want to explore the old artistic traditions and natural beauty of the country. Among the many sights are the Kanazawa Castle, the Inami Wood Carving Museum, the terraced rice fields of the Noto peninsula, and the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum.

Another region that is worth visiting is Kyushu, which is Japan’s third largest island. The area boasts a fascinating mix of cultures and influences due to Dutch and Korean settlements. The significant stops are the Hashima (aka Battleship) Island and Shotoen Garden in Yanagawa.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

A journalism graduate from San Francisco State University, Louis Habash is a freelance travel writer who is greatly interested in travel photography and nature tripping. Learn more about his adventures by visiting this blog.