Skip to content
The Invisible Tourist
  • JAPAN
  • DESTINATIONS
  • BE INVISIBLE
  • ITINERARIES
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
NEWSLETTER
The Invisible Tourist

Japan: Hidden Gems

Looking for some lesser-known and hidden places in Japan?Learn more about often overlooked places I’ve personally visited in the articles below.
Alternatively, you can book your own small group tours with a friendly local guide to enrich your trip here:
Tokyo • Kyoto • Osaka • Hiroshima • Mt Fuji • All Experiences

Meditation in Kyoto Experience: Review of What to Expect | The Invisible Tourist

Meditation in Kyoto Review: What to Expect at a Zazen Class

ByAlyse May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

Read More Meditation in Kyoto Review: What to Expect at a Zazen ClassContinue

9 Charming Things to Do in Arita Japan: Porcelain Capital | The Invisible Tourist

9 Charming Things to Do in Arita, Japan’s Porcelain Capital

ByAlyse May 10, 2025May 10, 2025

Read More 9 Charming Things to Do in Arita, Japan’s Porcelain CapitalContinue

Stunning Hidden Gems to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten Path | The Invisible Tourist

Stunning Places to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten Path

ByAlyse May 5, 2025May 7, 2025

Read More Stunning Places to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten PathContinue

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: Guide to Hiking Izu's Nanadaru | The Invisible Tourist

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: Guide to Hiking Izu’s Nanadaru

ByAlyse May 5, 2025May 7, 2025

Read More Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: Guide to Hiking Izu’s NanadaruContinue

Kyoto Hidden Gems You Won't Want to Miss | The Invisible Tourist

Stunning Kyoto Hidden Gems You Won’t Want To Miss

ByAlyse April 2, 2025April 3, 2025

Read More Stunning Kyoto Hidden Gems You Won’t Want To MissContinue

10 Days in Japan: Unique 10 Day Japan Travel Itinerary to Avoid Crowds | The Invisible Tourist

Unique 10 Days in Japan Travel Itinerary to Avoid Crowds

ByAlyse February 26, 2025May 7, 2025

Read More Unique 10 Days in Japan Travel Itinerary to Avoid CrowdsContinue

Essential Tips for Driving in Japan as a Tourist | The Invisible Tourist

Driving in Japan as a Tourist: Essential Tips & Honest Advice

ByAlyse February 26, 2025March 25, 2025

Read More Driving in Japan as a Tourist: Essential Tips & Honest AdviceContinue

2 Days in Takayama Itinerary: Discover Old-World Charm & Culture | The Invisible Tourist

2 Days in Takayama Itinerary: Discover Old-World Charm & Culture

ByAlyse February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

Read More 2 Days in Takayama Itinerary: Discover Old-World Charm & CultureContinue

Hop Around the Globe in a Day at Tobu World Square, Nikko | The Invisible Tourist

Tobu World Square Review: Hop Around the Globe in a Day in Nikko

ByAlyse February 21, 2025February 22, 2025

Read More Tobu World Square Review: Hop Around the Globe in a Day in NikkoContinue

18 Things to Do in Fujinomiya: The Unseen Side of Mt Fuji | The Invisible Tourist

18 Meaningful Things to Do in Fujinomiya: The Unseen Side of Mt Fuji

ByAlyse February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

Read More 18 Meaningful Things to Do in Fujinomiya: The Unseen Side of Mt FujiContinue

An Unforgettable Kawagoe Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo | The Invisible Tourist

An Unforgettable Kawagoe Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo

ByAlyse February 2, 2025February 4, 2025

Read More An Unforgettable Kawagoe Day Trip Itinerary from TokyoContinue

Izu Peninsula Itinerary: One to 7 Days of Uncrowded Gems

Izu Peninsula Itinerary: One to 7 Days of Uncrowded Gems

ByAlyse January 30, 2025May 7, 2025

Read More Izu Peninsula Itinerary: One to 7 Days of Uncrowded GemsContinue

7-10 Day Kyushu Itinerary: Japan's Underrated Island Region | The Invisible Tourist

7-10 Day Kyushu Itinerary: Japan’s Underrated Island Region

ByAlyse January 28, 2025January 30, 2025

Read More 7-10 Day Kyushu Itinerary: Japan’s Underrated Island RegionContinue

Spring Flowers in Japan That Aren't Sakura | The Invisible Tourist

9 Spring Flowers in Japan That Aren’t Sakura (and Where to Find Them)

ByAlyse January 25, 2025January 30, 2025

Read More 9 Spring Flowers in Japan That Aren’t Sakura (and Where to Find Them)Continue

Underrated Day Trips From Tokyo You Haven’t Thought Of | The Invisible Tourist

18 Underrated Day Trips From Tokyo You Haven’t Thought Of

ByAlyse January 3, 2025January 30, 2025

Read More 18 Underrated Day Trips From Tokyo You Haven’t Thought OfContinue

Amazing Things to Do in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the "Venice of Japan" | The Invisible Tourist

The Venice of Japan: Amazing Things to Do in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

ByAlyse September 12, 2024February 4, 2025

Read More The Venice of Japan: Amazing Things to Do in Kurashiki Bikan Historical QuarterContinue

How to Find Underrated Shibuya Ramen Shops with a Local Expert | The Invisible Tourist

How to Find Underrated Shibuya Ramen Restaurants Adored by Locals

ByAlyse May 22, 2024February 4, 2025

Read More How to Find Underrated Shibuya Ramen Restaurants Adored by LocalsContinue

Hida Folk Village, or HIda no Sato, is an uncrowded alternative to the popular Shirakawa-go in Japan

Hida No Sato Folk Village, Takayama’s Delightful Hidden Jewel

ByAlyse May 10, 2024February 4, 2025

Read More Hida No Sato Folk Village, Takayama’s Delightful Hidden JewelContinue

Almost Secret Tokyo Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard Of | The Invisible Tourist

10 (Almost) Secret Tokyo Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard Of

ByAlyse May 10, 2024April 2, 2025

Read More 10 (Almost) Secret Tokyo Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard OfContinue

Where to Find the Best Street Food in Shibuya According to Locals | The Invisible Tourist

The Best Street Food in Shibuya According to Locals: 5 Hidden Spots

ByAlyse April 7, 2024February 4, 2025

Read More The Best Street Food in Shibuya According to Locals: 5 Hidden SpotsContinue

How to Find Hidden Bars in Shibuya at Night Only Locals Know About | The Invisible Tourist

How to Find Hidden Pubs in Shibuya, Tokyo at Night Only Locals Know About

ByAlyse June 2, 2023September 6, 2023

Read More How to Find Hidden Pubs in Shibuya, Tokyo at Night Only Locals Know AboutContinue

How to Find Hidden Pubs in Kyoto at Night Only Locals Know About | The Invisible Tourist

How to Find Hidden Pubs in Kyoto at Night Only Locals Know About

ByAlyse June 2, 2023September 6, 2023

Read More How to Find Hidden Pubs in Kyoto at Night Only Locals Know AboutContinue

Tokyu Plaza at Omotesando

Exciting Places to Go in Tokyo: Complete Neighbourhoods Guide

ByAlyse May 5, 2022February 26, 2024

Read More Exciting Places to Go in Tokyo: Complete Neighbourhoods GuideContinue

Since 2017, my blog has explored responsible ways we can improve tourism for locals and ourselves by “blending in.” With over 17 years of globetrotting experience on a mid-range budget, my personal travel guides & itineraries will help you avoid crowds whilst giving back to local communities. If you’d like to make the most of your next adventure, learn how you can ‘be invisible’ here!

Read my book on Amazon

Blend In Anywhere

  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Travel Itineraries
  • How to “Blend In” Anywhere
  • Overtourism Solutions
  • Responsible Tourism

JAPAN TRAVEL

  • Japan 2 Week Itinerary
  • Japan 3 Week Itinerary
  • Japan 10 Day Itinerary
  • Kyushu Travel Itinerary
  • Izu Peninsula Itinerary

ABOUT

  • About The Invisible Tourist
  • #1 Amazon New Release Book
  • Mid-Range Travel Resources
  • In The Press
  • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
Facebook Group Facebook Instagram Pinterest TikTok YouTube

© Copyright 2017-2025 The Invisible Tourist. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, The Invisible Tourist earns from qualifying purchases. Reprinting, republishing or copying of any content on this site, whether whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Scroll to top
  • JAPAN
  • DESTINATIONS
  • BE INVISIBLE
  • ITINERARIES
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Search
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OK