thattravelguy

Normally September is one of the best months to visit Japan. The summer heat is over, crowds disappear and it’s overall a very calm travel time. NORMALLY! Because this year, something that hasn’t happened in over a decade takes place: Silver Week. Many of you might be familiar with golden week in May, a one-week holiday period where travel becomes insanely difficult due to crowds and hotels and restaurants are helplessly booked out. But there is also a September equivalent, although very rare. So rare that in fact the last time it happened was in 2015! 😱 I was actually on my 2nd Japan trip at that time and without doing any research, caught completely off guard not being able to book a hotel in Kyoto and spending the night at a McDonald’s instead. So don’t be like me and prepare for this years silver week (September 19th to 23rd)👇 ✔️Make sure to book hotels as far in advance as possible and look at alternative destinations nearby (e.g Osaka over Kyoto) if places are fully booked ✔️Many Shinkansen will only have reserved cars and otherwise it’s a good idea to reserve your tickets as far in advance as possible ✔️For restaurants and attractions, try to make reservations as early as possible and be prepared for long lines if going on the day ✔️While tourist spots will be busy, off the beaten path spots offer good alternatives to visit. Also Tokyo tends to be very quiet as city folk travel outside of the city and commuter rush hours are gone Hope these tips will help you if you are visiting Japan this September!

This might be the closest thing to a real-life Ghibli village in Japan! 🏔️ 📍Shirakawa-Go is a small mountain village in Gifu Prefecture famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses and beautiful countryside surroundings. Unlike many traditional villages around Japan, the entire setting here has been preserved, making it feel like you've stepped back in time. The village is especially beautiful in winter when the thatched roofs are covered in snow, but the greenery of summer and fall colors also make for some incredible scenery. 🏠One of the best things to do here is simply walk around the village and explore the traditional houses. Some are museums showing what life in the area used to be like, while others have been turned into restaurants and shops selling local food. 🚌To get to Shirakawa-Go, the easiest option is taking a highway bus from Hida-Takayama, which takes around 1 hour. Direct buses also run from Kanazawa and Toyama, although reservations are recommended for many services. Definitely make sure to add Shirakawa-Go to your Japan itinerary if you want to see one of the most unique traditional villages in the country!

One of the most famous villages in Japan and for good reason! 🏔️ 📍Shirakawa-go is a traditional mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, famous for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Surrounded by mountains, the village looks completely different depending on the season, from lush green summers to heavy snowfall in winter. The best view of the village is from the Shiroyama Viewpoint, where you can look out over the entire valley and see the traditional houses from above. 🏠Make sure to also spend some time walking through the village itself, where you can enter some of the traditional houses, try local food and explore the smaller streets away from the main tourist areas. 🚌Shirakawa-go can be reached by bus from Takayama, Kanazawa or Toyama, with the journey taking around 1.5-2 hours depending on where you come from. Definitely make sure to add Shirakawa-go to your Japan itinerary, especially if you want to see a completely different side of Japan!

My reasoning might not always be the best, but in the end going to these places in Japan paid off. At least I’d like to think so 😅 Places 👇 📍Eitai Bridge, Tokyo 📍Doai Station, Gunma 📍Izu Shaboten Zoo, Shizuoka 📍Mt. Oyama, Kanagawa 📍Onda River, Tokyo 📍Kibune Zaka, Tokyo 📍Kozushima, Tokyo 📍Nara Deer Park, Nara 📍Terasaka Rice Fields, Saitama 📍Todoroki Valley, Tokyo

One of the best night views in Japan is hiding in Nagasaki! 🌃 📍Mt. Inasa is one of the best places to see Nagasaki from above, with panoramic views stretching across the city, the surrounding mountains and Nagasaki Bay. The view is especially beautiful after sunset when the entire city lights up below. The observation deck is located around 333m above the city and gives you a completely different perspective compared to exploring Nagasaki from the ground. 🚡The easiest way to get to the top is by taking the ropeway from Fuchi Shrine, with the journey taking just a few minutes. You can also drive or take a bus if you don’t want to use the ropeway. Definitely make sure to add Mt. Inasa to your Nagasaki itinerary and come around sunset so you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views!

Away from the glitz and glamor of Japan’s golden route lies Gifu, the country’s heartland. What it lacks in major tourist attractions it makes up for stunning scenery, rustic landscapes and places undiscovered. I recently had the pleasure of being able to explore there for 3 days and what I saw is already making me plan more trips back soon 🙏 I hope these pictures will make you consider adding Gifu to your next Japan itinerary too!

This one is for the runners out there 👀 📍Asics Run Station is located just a stone’s throw away from Tokyo station and is the perfect spot if you want to get a run in during your Japan Trip. For under $15, you can rent a whole running fit, including the latest Asics running shoes, store your stuff in a locker and even take a shower after your run. With its location around the Imperial Palace, it’s also the perfect starting point for a run around the imperial palace moat, a classic 5km loop that’s popular with runners. Definitely make sure to add this spot to your list if you are coming to Tokyo!

A couple moments in Japan where not giving up halfway through pays off 🙏 The reality of traveling to off the beaten path in Japan often means this: getting up pre-sunset, walking for hours and (and maybe that’s just my bad luck) randomly almost getting attacked by wild animals 🐻 But in the end, if you can walk back home with a nice picture and a memory made, it all ends up being worth it! 🇯🇵📷 📍Okuoikojo Station, Shizuoka 📍Toshima Island, Tokyo 📍Yushin Valley, Kanagawa 📍Mt. Nokogiriyama, Chiba 📍Obuchi Sasaba, Shizuoka 📍Daiyuzan Saijoji, Shizuoka 📍Hana no Miyako Park, Yamanashi 📍Senjogahara Marshland, Tochigi 📍Satta Pass, Shizuoka 📍Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple, Tokyo

“Skip Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and explore hidden gems”. I can imagine being sick and tired of hearing this from people telling you to do that without telling you where to actually go 😠 So I thought I would do things a bit different: I will tell you to go off the beaten path but actually show you those places that you should check out. Places such as 👇 📍Shirakawa-Go, Gifu 📍Mt. Koya, Wakayama 📍Sakurajima, Kagoshima 📍Ikaho Onsen, Gunma 📍Kurashiki, Okayama 📍Minami-Aso, Kumamoto 📍Udo Jingu Shrine, Miyazaki 📍Mt. Omuro, Shizuoka 📍Teshima Art Island, Kagawa 📍Nishizawa Gorge, Yamanashi 📍Mt. Inasa Observatory, Nagasaki 📍Sunosaki Shrine, Chiba 📍Kiso Valley, Nagano 📍Jodogohama Beach, Iwate 📍Tadami Line, Fukushima 📍Ukiha Inari Shrine, Fukuoka 📍Heirin Temple, Saitama 📍Niijima Island, Tokyo 📍Okutama Gorge, Tokyo Want more places like this? Feel free to check out my off the beaten path Japan guide containing 99+ places in Japan foreigners don’t know about across Tokyo and Japan. Link is in my bio 🔗📚

Some Places in Japan are almost too beautiful to be real… …just like this beautiful pond located in Gifu Prefecture in the middle of nowhere. Officially it has no name but it is often called “Monet’s Pond” as it closely resembles the master’s great paintings with colorful Koi Fish swimming through a pond of water lilies. The best time to visit is in summer when the lilies are out in full swing and you really want to come on a sunny day for the perfect viewing conditions. 🚌To access this place, get on the bus M83 at Gifu Station and exit at the final station. From there, get on a smaller community bus to exit at Monet no Ike Mae. Since there are only few buses each day, make sure to look up returns so you don’t end up stranded! To check out hidden gems like this and more, check out my off the beaten path travel guide containing 99 spots in Japan tourists do not know about. Link is in my bio! 📚🔗

Today is 山の日, Mountain Day, in Japan. Among them, making up 70% of the country’s landmass, one towers above them all: majestic Mt. Fuji. Standing at a whooping 3776 Meters above sea level, no other mountain can even come close to its height and impact on the country. Here is a small collection of some of my favorite Mt. Fuji spots around Japan 🗻🇯🇵

One of the most iconic festivals in Tokyo is taking place RIGHT NOW 👇 📍The Asagaya Tanabata festival is a staple of summer in Tokyo and should absolutely be on your itinerary if you are in the city right now. With beautiful floats, festival food and drinks and games, it’s really the perfect opportunity to sample a taste of summer in Japan within just 15 minutes from Shinjuku station🙏 The festival is taking place until August 11th so you still have two days to swing by and enjoy😍

These are the ones I consider as close to perfection as they get for me. Still a long way out though, but striving to improve every day 🙏

Can you believe this view over Tokyo is completely free? 😱 📍Located on the 28th floor above Takanawa Gateway Station, this has to be one of the best free observation decks in Tokyo. With beautiful views over the city, an indoor garden and even Mt. Fuji visible on a clear day, it’s hard to believe more people don’t know about this place. You’ll also find several restaurants up here if you want to grab lunch with a view, but even if you don’t spend any money, you’re free to walk around the gardens and enjoy the scenery. 🍽️ Definitely make sure to add this one to your Tokyo itinerary if you’re looking for free things to do in the city

If you are looking for the ULTIMATE SUMMER ADVENTURE in Japan, look no further 👇 📍I recently finished a 3 days trip across Gifu Prefecture, one of the most underrated spots to visit in Japan, especially in summer. Endless rice fields, lush greens, cool and refreshing rivers in a traditional setting you cannot find anywhere else in Japan quite like it. If you truly want to escape the tourist crowds and find a slice of Japan that isn’t on everybody’s plate, make sure to add Gifu to your next Japan Trip! Spots Featured: 📍Kokeizan Eihoji Temple 📍Monet’s Pond 📍Hida-Takayama 📍Hida-Furukawa 📍Shirakawa-Go 📍Magome-Juku 📍Nakasendo Walking Route And if you are looking for more off the beaten path gems, feel free to check out my off the beaten path containing 99 spots across Tokyo and Japan foreigners don’t know about, link is in my bio! 🔗🗾📚

Did you know there is a hidden valley right in the middle of Tokyo? 🌿 📍Todoroki Valley is the only natural valley in central Tokyo and one of the most peaceful places you can visit in the city. With lush greenery, a small stream running through the valley and walking paths surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The walk itself only takes around 30 minutes and along the way you’ll also come across a Japanese garden, a temple and plenty of places to sit down and relax. 🚆Take the Oimachi Line to Todoroki Station. From there, the entrance to the valley is less than a 5 minute walk away. Definitely make sure to add this one to your Tokyo itinerary if you’re looking to experience a completely different side of the city.

This place doesn’t even look like it’s in Japan... 💙 📍Yushin Valley is one of Kanagawa’s most beautiful hidden gems, famous for its crystal clear blue water, suspension bridges and lush forests. Located in the Tanzawa Mountains, it’s the perfect day trip if you’re looking to escape the city and experience a completely different side of Japan. The hike follows a former railway line through tunnels, across bridges and alongside the river before reaching the famous blue pools that made this place so popular. With perfectly cold water, this is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat and go for a quick swim! 🚆Take the Odakyu Line to Shin-Matsuda Station and transfer to the bus no 62. From there, it’s around a 20 minute walk to the start of the trail, where you can also find the first swimming spot right Definitely make sure to add this one to your Japan itinerary and if you are looking for more off the beaten path gems, make sure to check out my off the beaten path Japan guide containing 99 spots in Japan foreigners don’t know about.

Should you visit the new fancy Family Mart in Tokyo? Well… Opened just two weeks ago, Famima!! has been making waves on social media, hailed as the future of convenience stores in Japan. But the truth is that it’s not all that. With a unique design and layout created by Nigo, the creator of Human Made, it certainly has a “Wow” factor from the moment you step in. A clean, minimalist layout with touches you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. It even has an outdoor seating area with a Boba stand attached to it! With that said though, it’s not the outside that matters, but the inside. And that’s where the new Famima falls a bit short at least in my opinion. Sure, there are some new and unique products you can buy here such as merch (including a Famima umbrella with a localmap) and food (such as the famed Famima flavored Famichiki), but I would say that around 70-80% of the items you can find here, can be found across other convenience stores in Japan as well. So should you visit? Definitely. The concept itself is interesting enough and some of the unique products are actually nice. Just be aware that it is “just” a convenience store at the end of the day.

Tired of Konbini Onigiri for breakfast in Japan? Don’t worry, I gochu 😏🍜 📍Saru-Suberi is located just 10 minutes walking from shinjuku station and offers delicious ramen for an unbeatable price of just 500 Yen between 7 and 11AM. With how expensive the city is, it’s crazy to find an amazing deal like this! Make sure to check this spot out if you are looking for an alternative breakfast spot in shinjuku 🙏

Why do people visit cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka when they come to Japan but completely skip places like these? 😱 📍Mt. Omuro is a dormant volcano with a stunning caldera located on the Izu Peninsula and provides stunning 360 views out on the surrounding countryside including Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo islands on a clear day. Covered in lush green grass for most of the year, this is really one of the most iconic mountains in Shizuoka and absolutely worth checking out! With easy access from Tokyo, you can make this a wonderful nature day trip from the city. And as a bonus, you can visit the famous bathing Capybara right across the street at Izu Shaboten, making this the perfect place to visit for old and young! 🚆To get to Mt. Omuro, take the Odoriko Limited Express (or Tokaido Line Train) to Ito Station (a transfer at Atami Station might be required) and then transfer to bus I61/I65 to Izu Shaboten bus stop (usually the final stop). From there, Mt. Omuro is just across the street. Make sure to avoid visiting on weekends/public holidays as the lines for the chairlift can get very long (I waited for almost an hour on a Saturday). 💴The only way to go up to Mt. Omuro is via the chairlift, you cannot walk up. A round trip ticket costs ¥1,000. Note that on days of bad weather/strong wind, the chairlift stops running so it’s best to check in advance on their website. 📚To find hidden gems like this and more across Japan, feel free to check out my Japan Guide containing 99 Spots in Japan foreigners don’t know about. Link is in my bio!