Like this post? Help us by sharing it!
Brett is a tour leader for Inside Japan. Though he lives in Yokohama, the second-biggest city in Japan, there’s nothing he likes better than escaping to the beautiful Japanese countryside on our Hidden Japan group tour.
Out of all the tours I lead, Hidden Japan is definitely one of my favourites. Getting to traipse around the Japanese countryside, taking in incredible sights while also enjoying the amazing food and warm people of the island of Shikoku – it never gets old. I always look forward to running this tour for a number of reasons.
Starting off in the timeless city of Kyoto is a great introduction to the tour and to Japan, but my favourite destination on the itinerary comes almost at the end. The city of Matsuyama, located in the northwest of Shikoku, is the best place to go if you’re looking for a bath. Famous for its onsen, or hot springs, Matsuyama retains a resort-town feel, especially near the venerated Dogo Onsen.
Dogo is Japan’s oldest and most esteemed onsen, dating back almost 1,500 years. The present building, built at the end of the 19th century, is a magnificent example of Meiji period architecture. Inside, it is a labyrinth of wooden walkways, hallways, and doors, housing great places to soak your weary body. The building was also the inspiration for the bathhouse in the classic Japanese animated film, Spirited Away.
In a tour full of amazing experiences, my favorite would have to be trekking up the steps of Konpira-san. Located in the town of Kotohira, Konpira-san is thought to be the most difficult approach to any shrine in Japan, and rightfully so. To get to the top of the shrine involves a hike up 1,368 stone steps! Hiking through dense forest, traditional shops, and stopping by other, smaller shrines along the way, the time just flies by (for most, anyway). Though it can be a bit of a trek, the view from the top is very much worth it.
My favorite place to eat on Hidden Japan… is very tough to decide! So, I’ll choose two. The first place I love eating at isn’t so much a restaurant as it is an area. The city of Tokushima is known throughout Japan for having insanely good ramen, a reputation with which I wholeheartedly agree. The pork-bone-infused soup pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. Add on toppings of your choice, and you’re bound to have a memorable, and cheap, meal.
The other place I love to bring groups to is a small ice cream shop in the city of Iwakuni. Though technically not on the Hidden Japan itinerary, I always offer this optional trip off the beaten path. Located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Iwakuni is most famous for having one of Japan’s most spectacular bridges. The sight of this fantastic bridge is alone a good enough reason to visit, but its what is on the other side of the bridge that really hits the sweet spot.
The ice cream shop, named Musashi, is famous for having dozens upon dozens upon dozens of flavors to choose from. Anything from your basic chocolate, to tofu, to wasabi, to ramen-flavoured ice cream is available. A great way to cool down on a warm afternoon!
As for my favourite place to stay on the tour, it has to be Mount Koya. There are a number of shukobo, or temple lodgings, to choose from and all are a worthy stay. Of note is Renge-in, a cozy shukubo in a fantastic location right next to Okunoin, the famous Buddhist graveyard. With a stay in a traditional shukubo, it is very easy to imagine what similar travellers were doing centuries ago.
Finally, my favourite night spot. It was an incredibly difficult decision, made over many hours of tiring research in the field, but I’m going with One Shot Jack, a great little bar in Hiroshima. Though it only holds a handful of people, it is home to two of the most gracious, kind, and most importantly, knowledgeable bartenders in the city. A true local watering hole, One Shot Jack is always a great spot to wind down the night and hear stories about what the city was like in the past and how it has changed. And they have excellent mixed drinks to boot!
To find prices, dates, and more information about our Hidden Japan group tour, click here – or get in touch with us today to book your place.