Beyond the Filter: 5 Amazing Destinations in Japan
Since my last post explored places that fell short of expectations in reality compared to their portrayal on Instagram, it's only fair to balance it out with a list of five remarkable places that truly exceeded my expectations. These gems turned out to be even more impressive in person than the carefully curated images on social media could capture. Each destination offered a unique and unforgettable experience, leaving me in awe and eager to share their wonders with fellow travelers. When embarking on your journey through Japan, make sure to include these incredible destinations on your itinerary.
1. Katsuo-ji (勝尾寺)
I first discovered Katsuo-ji (located in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture) on Instagram, and its allure immediately captured my attention. With a fascination for daruma dolls and their intriguing lore, I knew I had to experience this place for myself. However, I braced myself for possible disappointment. I was wrong. The main gate left me in awe, and to my delight, daruma dolls adorned almost every place imaginable.
Our journey to Katsuo-ji commenced from Aichi rather than Osaka, and the drive took us approximately 2.5 hours. As we arrived, the massive gate stood against the backdrop of mountains and lush greenery, setting the tone for the enchanting experience that awaited us.
From the very outset, we found ourselves captivated by the myriad of delightful discoveries. Daruma dolls were playfully hidden among the trees, tucked away in crevices, and surprising us at every turn. The number of dolls only increased as we ascended to the temple, and the panoramic view that greeted us from the temple grounds was nothing short of breathtaking. Visiting during autumn, renowned for its vibrant foliage, proved to be the perfect choice. The trees blazed with vibrant hues, and the air was perfectly crisp.
If you're planning a trip to Japan, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Katsuo-ji to your itinerary. Its uniqueness, coupled with its intriguing history, makes it an extraordinary temple to explore.
2. France Bar
Kanazawa had been on my bucket list for quite some time, and during my visit, I couldn't resist the allure of France Bar. Gorgeous photos and online reviews are what made me choose it. Stepping into the cozy, dimly lit second-floor establishment, I was immediately welcomed into a realm of artistry and enticing aromas. It was a truly magical place.
At France Bar, the talented French-Japanese brothers who own the establishment craft some of the most tantalizing and innovative cocktails I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. While they do offer a menu, they will sometimes create bespoke drinks outside of it. Each libation is a testament to their craftsmanship, boasting exceptional quality, captivating flavors, and masterful presentation enhanced by their unique techniques and selection of glassware.
For cocktail enthusiasts, a visit to France Bar is an absolute must. However, be prepared for the possibility of a bustling crowd, as this gem has garnered a well-deserved following among both locals and fellow travelers.
3. Tsubosaka Dera (壷阪寺)
Tsubosaka Dera, (a Buddhist temple located in Nara Prefecture) initially caught my attention through captivating images shared on Instagram. I made the decision to include it in my itinerary during a trip to Nara. Initially expecting a brief and mildly interesting visit, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the temple's enchanting grounds and breathtaking views.
As I walked towards the main temple, I found myself surrounded by a mesmerizing array of statues and Buddhist deities scattered throughout the grounds. At the summit, the magnificent Goddess of Mercy statue stood out. Its grandeur far exceeded my expectations, leaving me in awe as I reached it. From there, I was rewarded with not only the awe-inspiring statue but also a panoramic view at its base.
Tsubosaka Dera is a gem worth visiting. Its allure, which captivated me from afar through social media, was only amplified by the temple's serene grounds and magnificent views. For an optimal experience, I recommend visiting Tsubosaka Dera during the spring or fall seasons. We visited in summer, and while beautiful, the heat and humidity were exhausting.
4. Kamigare Tea Plantation or Tea Plantation of the Heavens (天空の茶畑)
While flipping through travel magazines in the past, I often saw picturesque tea farms nestled on a mountainside or in a rolling valley. However, visiting them though was often not on my radar. A few summers ago, when we were searching for crowd-free outdoor activities, we stumbled upon the "Machu Picchu of Gifu" in Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture. This breathtaking tea farm was meticulously cultivated in terraced patterns on the slopes of a mountain. On the day we visited, there had been rainfall during the morning hours. The combination of warmth and rain created a captivating mist that enveloped the landscape against a backdrop of both blue and gray skies.
We spent about thirty to forty minutes exploring the tea farm before venturing onto some nearby hiking trails. Although the pictures I captured were lovely, they truly failed to do justice to the scenery.
One drawback of this location is its limited accessibility by public transportation. However, if you have access to a car or plan to rent one, it isn’t too difficult to make the journey. I would like to caution you that some of the roads in the area are quite narrow.
5. Taki Shrine (瀧神社)
When I saw Taki Shrine (located in the mountains of Mino, Gifu Prefecture) on Instagram, I thought that all of the photos must have been heavily edited or filtered. The Torii gate and guardians were adorned in a deep green moss and surrounded by a lush forest. While I anticipated it to be beautiful, I was taken aback by its sheer enchantment.
Reaching the shrine proved to be quite challenging as it required navigating numerous narrow mountain roads. However, the shrine grounds were nothing short of stunning. The rich shades of green, coupled with the forest's dampness, created an atmosphere straight out of a fantasy novel. I half expected imps or fairies to dart past me. There was something refreshing and tranquil about the shrine, and I could have easily spent hours exploring its surroundings. You can read all about my experience here.
If you have the opportunity to visit Taki Shrine, I highly recommend it. There are also several other fantastic places to explore in the vicinity.
As I sat down to compile this list, I found it difficult to limit it to just five places. There are countless other incredible destinations that have shocked me with their uniqueness, beauty, or other aspects. Some of the ones in this list may be slightly challenging to access without a car. Nevertheless, if you plan to rent a car, be sure to venture beyond the well-known tourist destinations. Many famous sites in Japan certainly live up to their hype, but there are equally stunning locations with fewer people. Ensure your itinerary strikes a balance by including a mix of such places when you visit Japan.
