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5 Hidden Gems You Need to Visit in Japan

Experiencing Japan isn’t about the main touristic spots.

Mathias Barra
5 min readMar 27, 2020

When we talk about visiting Japan, everybody thinks about Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and the such. Visiting the SkyTree Tower, the Tokyo Tower, the main temples and shrines, the famous Japanese gardens… There’s a lot to visit.

However, living in Japan, you can discover more places. Some of which deserving to be visited even if you’re only passing by.

Here are my 5 favorites spots on the roads less traveled of Japan.

1. 等持院 (Toji-in temple) — Kyoto

When you think Kyoto, you’re certainly thinking of the Golden Pavillon, the Silver Pavillon, the Bamboo forest, and the red Torii (red Japanese doors) path at the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

All those, while beautiful, are a constant see of people. You can say goodbye to the calm you expect of Japan.

Yet, a 10-minute walk away south of the Golden Pavillon will bring you to this small Japanese zen garden where you will find peace and wonder. No matter the season, it is always empty and offers a relaxing change of pace.

You can take a stroll around the garden before sitting and getting some tea while enjoying the calm found there.

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Mathias Barra
Mathias Barra

Written by Mathias Barra

French polyglot speaking 6 languages. Writer. Helping you learn languages. Get my new ebook → https://linktr.ee/MathiasBarra

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