What happens when you've already ticked off Japan's big destinations? After Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and perhaps Hiroshima and Kanazawa, it can be tempting to think you've seen most of what the country has to offer. But with 47 prefectures spread across an archipelago, there's still an enormous amount of Japan waiting to be explored.
That was the message behind a recent Sydney Morning Herald travel feature, “Think you've seen it all? 20 travel experiences to inspire and excite you,” which included exploring Japan's “other” islands among its recommendations.
The article points out that more than one million Australians now visit Japan each year, meaning many travelers have already experienced some of the country's best-known destinations. Its suggestion? Look beyond Honshu and explore some of Japan's other regions and islands.
Hokkaido is an obvious choice, but the article also highlights destinations such as Ehime and Kochi in Shikoku, Fukuoka, Oita, and Nagasaki in Kyushu, and Okinawa in the subtropics. Each offers a very different experience, from regional food and culture to beaches, mountains, hot springs, and historic towns.
And you don't necessarily need to leave Tokyo to find something new. The Tokyo metropolis itself stretches well beyond the familiar city, encompassing islands such as Izu Oshima, Hachijojima, and the much more remote Ogasawara Islands. These destinations offer volcanic landscapes, beaches, wildlife, and a very different pace of life from central Tokyo, making them an intriguing option for repeat visitors.
For those who have already made a few trips to Japan, it's a useful reminder that the country's most famous destinations are really only the beginning. The next trip might be less about ticking off the classics and more about seeing what you've been missing.
