Top 5 Tips to Get Off-the-Beaten-Path in Japan

daria@journeysofalifetime
May 16
3 min read

Updated: May 20

As you may have noticed, tourism to Japan is off-the-charts. As a luxury travel advisor, I specialize in bespoke trips; quality experiences for my clients are a top priority. But, over-tourism is a reality in many countries now, and Japan is no stranger to crowds. Navigating around them in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (all fabulous cities) can be a challenge unless you are an expert.

But, if you work with me, I can customize off-the-beaten-path experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. I can also help you explore other enchanting small towns and regions that offer authentic, intimate experiences of Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty.

These are just a few of the strategies I employ to avoid crowds when curating luxury trips for my clients to Japan:

1. Visit in the Off Season

The first question for every trip is: when is the best time to go? For Japan, I suggest avoiding the peak tourism seasons: March - April (cherry blossoms), summer (heat and general crowds), and October - early November (autumn foliage). I advise my clients to travel between late November and early March when crowds are smaller, if at all possible.

But, let's be real. For many families and other travelers, it's not feasible to vacation in the off-season. Or maybe you want to see those glorious cherry blossoms. Ok, here are some more tips for you:

2. How to Avoid Crowds in the Popular Cities

To avoid crowds in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, I suggest getting up early so you can explore the more popular sites as soon as they open. This is typically a great way to avoid crowds in most popular cities, but in Japan some sites open extra early. For example, food markets open as early as 7:00 am and many shrines and temples open at dawn. In Tokyo, two appealing examples are Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Nezu Shrine.

I also arrange private drivers for many of my clients in Kyoto in order to avoid overly congested busses, the most common mode of public transportation in Kyoto. A private driver is a much more pleasant way to visit a number of sites within a few hours and saves a ton of time.

Another way to avoid crowds in these cities is to eat lunch before noon or after 1:00 pm. Most office workers eat at noon on the dot and that is the most crowded time to eat.

3. Seek Out Less Touristy Experiences in the Popular Cities

Even in the most touristed cities in Japan you can find off-the-beaten path experiences.

Some of my favorites in Tokyo are: Hokusai Museum; Hamarikyu Gardens; Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Kiyosumi Garden; the Japan Folk Crafts Museum; and the Tama River.

Gems in Kyoto are: Fukuda Art Museum; Kiyosumi Garden; Arashiyama, Kunjyu-kan Incense Museum and Hamarikyu Gardens.

If you work with me, I can help you avoid the crowds wherever you go.

4. Escape to Less Touristed Regions

One of the best ways to get off-the-beaten path is to avoid the most popular regions of the country. The vast majority of tourists visit Japan’s top five prefectures (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Fukuoka), but there is so much more!

Regions like Tohoku, Yamaguchi, Nagasaki, Toyama, Nagoya and Aomori are much better suited to a fabulous off-the-beaten-path experience. These areas attract a tiny percentage of the visitors to Japan every year, have plenty of fabulous activities and lovely accommodations and provide an authentic cultural experience.

Highlights in the Tohoku region, for example, include options like Matsushima (scenic pine-covered islands near Sendai city), Miyagikyo Distillery and the Yamadera temple complex.

When you work with me, I customize your trip based on your interests and will craft a vacation away from the crowds that will fulfill your dreams!

5. Work with an Expert

When you hire an expert travel advisor like me, you are guaranteed to have a better experience than when trying to go it alone. I have local connections in Japan and established relationships with hotels, tour guides, drivers and more. So, when you work with me you benefit not just from my expertise but from those relationships. I give you personal advice and provide a stress-free process. I save you time and get you a better value—including perks. I customize your trip, and I’m a real human who delivers exceptional service and takes care of you before, during, and after your journey.