Beyond Tokyo: The Japan You Haven’t Discovered Yet

Tokyo is electric. Neon lights, 24-hour ramen joints, and a rhythm that never slows. But Japan is so much more than its capital. Beyond the chaos of Shibuya and the crowds of Asakusa, there’s an entirely different Japan—one of misty mountains, ancient temples, and hidden culinary gems that never make it to the guidebooks.

If you’re ready to see a side of Japan that most tourists miss, this guide will take you there.

5-Star Luxury: Hoshinoya Kyoto

Kyoto may be Japan’s cultural heart, but Hoshinoya Kyoto makes it feel like another world entirely. Set along the Oi River, this secluded ryokan blends traditional aesthetics with modern comfort. Each riverside villa offers tatami-lined tranquility, private hot spring baths, and the kind of service that feels more like an art form than hospitality. The setting alone—accessible only by a private boat that glides through the misty Arashiyama forest—sets the tone for an unforgettable stay.

Here’s where booking through Priority One Travel makes the difference. As a Virtuoso property, Hoshinoya Kyoto offers exclusive perks—think complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and rare experiences like a private dinner with a master kaiseki chef. These are the kinds of touches that transform a great stay into something truly extraordinary.

You could complain, but who would listen?

4-Star Comfort: The Thousand Kyoto

For those who want a modern, design-forward take on Kyoto, The Thousand delivers. This sleek, minimalist hotel is all about understated elegance, from the zen-like rooms to the locally sourced kaiseki dining. Located near Kyoto Station, it’s a perfect base for day trips to Nara, Osaka, or even a ride on the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.

The hotel’s in-house spa specializes in Japanese wellness treatments, including shiatsu massage and yuzu-scented hot baths. For those who love high-tech conveniences, this hotel seamlessly blends old-world Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge smart room controls.

Yuzu scented baths? Sign me up.

3-Star Boutique Stay: Nishimuraya Honkan, Kinosaki Onsen

If you really want to disconnect from the modern world, head to Kinosaki Onsen, a small hot spring town where tradition reigns. Nishimuraya Honkan is a historic ryokan offering private tatami rooms, yukata-clad strolls through the village, and access to the area’s seven legendary onsen baths. Each bath has its own character, from cave-like rock pools to steaming wooden tubs under the stars. Guests can also indulge in multi-course kaiseki dinners, featuring locally caught crab, Wagyu beef, and seasonal delicacies.

Unlike Kyoto, where onsen experiences are limited, Kinosaki is built around the hot spring culture. Booking through Priority One Travel ensures access to the best ryokans in the region, plus a seamless itinerary that maximizes your time in this tranquil retreat.

Did you say Japanese Garden?

Must-Do Side Trips

Miyajima – The Island of Floating Torii

A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima is home to the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Hike to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views, meet the friendly local deer, and try grilled oysters—Miyajima’s signature dish. Visit at high tide for the classic view, or at low tide when you can walk right up to the gate.

Beyond the famous sights, Miyajima also has hidden gems: Daisho-in Temple, a peaceful hillside retreat filled with intricate Buddhist statues, and Momijidani Park, which bursts into fiery red and orange hues during autumn.

Kanazawa – Kyoto Without the Crowds

If you love Kyoto but hate the tourist throngs, Kanazawa is your answer. This historic city boasts one of Japan’s most stunning gardens, Kenrokuen, a perfectly preserved samurai district, and a thriving art scene. Plus, the seafood at Omicho Market is among the best in the country—think melt-in-your-mouth uni and just-caught snow crab.

Kanazawa is also home to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a strikingly modern contrast to the city’s historical landmarks. Book a private tea ceremony in the Higashi Chaya district, where geishas still perform in hidden teahouses.

Omicho, oh my.

Insider Tip – Get a Japan Rail Pass, But Use It Wisely

The Japan Rail Pass is one of the best deals in global travel, but it’s not always a no-brainer. If you’re staying mostly in Tokyo or Kyoto, single tickets are often cheaper. But if you plan to hop between cities, the pass pays for itself after just a couple of Shinkansen rides.

Pro Tip: The Green Car upgrade (Japan’s first-class train seats) is worth every yen. Spacious seats, quieter cabins, and impeccable service make long train rides a highlight instead of a hassle.

The Priority One Travel Difference – Curating Japan, Your Way

Japan can be overwhelming for first-timers. The train system is a maze, English isn’t always spoken, and Google Translate only gets you so far. That’s why booking through Priority One Travel makes all the difference.

• Want to go beyond Tokyo but don’t know where to start? We create custom itineraries tailored to your interests—whether it’s food, history, nature, or all of the above.

  
  

• Struggling with train bookings? We’ll handle everything from JR Passes to reserved Shinkansen seats so you don’t have to stress about missing connections.

  
  

• Looking for exclusive experiences? From private tea ceremonies in Kyoto to backstage sumo training sessions, we have insider access to the Japan most travelers never see.

  
  

• Need a seamless trip? We ensure all connections—flights, trains, and transfers—align perfectly, so you maximize your time exploring instead of waiting around.

Bonus Hidden Gem – Yakushima: The Island That Inspired ‘Princess Mononoke’

For travelers willing to venture even further off the beaten path, Yakushima is an unmissable destination. This remote island, covered in ancient cedar forests and misty waterfalls, served as the inspiration for the enchanted landscapes of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. Hike through Shiratani Unsuikyo, a moss-covered wonderland, or trek to Jomon Sugi, a 7,000-year-old cedar tree that feels like something out of mythology.

Flights to Yakushima are limited, and ferry schedules are tricky, but Priority One Travel ensures a seamless journey—including arranging private transfers and booking the best eco-lodges on the island.

Japan is a country of contrasts—ultramodern yet deeply traditional, chaotic yet serene. Step beyond Tokyo, and you’ll discover a world of hidden ryokans, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the best food on the planet. Priority One Travel makes it effortless, so all you have to do is pack your bags and let Japan surprise you.

JUMPSTART YOUR JAPAN JOURNEY