Insider tips around Tokyo Authentic places beyond the tourist crowds

Are you tired of squeezing through overcrowded tourist sites? Let me introduce you to some of my personal hidden gems in and around Tokyo that bring you closer to authentic Japan.

Kuon-ji Temple (身延山久遠寺), Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low (among international tourists, significant for Nichiren followers)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 2.5 – 3.5 hrs (Train to Kofu/Minobu + bus)
Season	Year-round (especially beautiful during cherry blossom in spring and autumn foliage)
Tags	Spirituality, History, Nature

Kuon-ji is the head temple of the Nichiren-shū sect of Buddhism and sits majestically on Mount Minobu. It was founded in 1274 by Nichiren Daishonin. ^[1]. To reach the main temple complex, you have to climb the 287 “Steps of Enlightenment” (菩提梯 – Bodai-tei)—a real challenge but definitely worth it!

I can tell you this place truly is a "hidden gem". It’s not just a single temple but a huge complex with several impressive halls and pagodas. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, especially after you've climbed all those steps. I was surprised by how expansive and historically significant this place is, without being overrun by crowds. If you’re looking for Japanese food culture and spirituality, this is a special place.

In addition to the impressive main hall, there’s also a five-story pagoda, reconstructed in 2009, and a treasure house with important cultural artifacts. The complex is expansive and surrounded by tall, ancient cedars, lending it a particularly spiritual feel. You could almost imagine savoring a bowl of Miso Shiru here with great reverence.

Nishihirabatake Park (西平畑公園) & Matsuda Herb Garden (松田山ハーブガーデン), Matsuda, Kanagawa Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Medium (famous for early cherry blossoms, can be very busy seasonally)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1.5 hrs (Train to Shin-Matsuda/Matsuda)
Season	Mid-February – Mid-March (Kawazu Sakura & rapeseed blossoms)
Tags	Sakura, Rapeseed flowers, Fuji view, Family-friendly

This park in Matsuda is an absolute dream, especially during the early cherry blossom season from mid-February to mid-March when the Kawazu Sakura bloom. ^[2]. You’ll also find bright yellow rapeseed flowers (Nanohana) blooming at the same time, creating a breathtaking contrast with the pink blossoms and often with Mt. Fuji in the background. It’s an ideal spot to bring your own bento for a picnic.

I’ve been here several times and it’s just magical! But beware: depending on the season and day of the week, you might have to wait from half an hour up to two hours to reach the best photo spots or certain attractions. My tip: try to come on a weekday and as early as possible! There are lots of street food stalls, but don’t expect many local specialties—rather typical festival foods, maybe you’ll find Takoyaki or similar. The small mini train ("Furusato Tetsudo") at the top of the hill is a nice attraction, but the tickets were often sold out by afternoon during my visits. Further up, behind the mini train area, you’ll find mandarin orchards. The farmers sell their fresh fruit there, and there are even tables and chairs where you can picnic for free while enjoying the view—this was a real highlight of my visits!

The Matsuda Herb Garden, which is part of the park, also offers a variety of herbs and flowers as well as seasonal events. The early bloom of the Kawazu cherry blossoms makes this a must for anyone who can’t wait for the sakura season. Many Japanese fruits are seasonal, and you can experience nature up close here.

Yume no Tsuribashi (夢の吊橋), Sumatakyo Gorge, Shizuoka Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Medium (popular photo spot, access restrictions may apply due to visitor numbers)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 3 – 4 hrs (Shinkansen to Shizuoka/Kakegawa + local train + bus)
Season	Year-round (water color can vary, autumn foliage especially beautiful)
Tags	Nature experience, Photo spot, Thrill

The "Dream Bridge" is a spectacular suspension bridge spanning 8 meters above the emerald waters of the Oma Reservoir in the Sumatakyo Gorge. ^[3]. The bridge is 90 meters long and only 10 people are allowed on it at a time. The turquoise water, created by the Tyndall effect, is truly unique. A trip here is a real Japanese travel experience.

A truly magical place! I strongly recommend coming early in the day. The bridge often closes as early as 4 or 5 pm, and sometimes there are access restrictions or you have to arrive an hour early to still be able to cross. The surrounding Sumatakyo Gorge is gorgeous and perfect for hikes. The mix of thrill on the bridge and the breathtaking nature is unbeatable.

The area is also well known for its hot springs (Onsen). A trip to Yume no Tsuribashi can easily be combined with a relaxing Onsen visit.

Nihon-ji Temple (日本寺) on Mount Nokogiri (鋸山), Kyonan, Chiba Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low to Medium (relatively unknown among international tourists, locally known)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 2 – 2.5 hrs (Train + ferry + cable car/walk or just train & bus/walk)
Season	Year-round
Tags	Culture, Hiking, View

On the southern slope of Mount Nokogiri sits Nihon-ji Temple, originally founded in the year 725. ^[4]. The main attraction is the massive stone Daibutsu Buddha, standing 31.05 meters tall, making it the largest sitting Buddha in Japan carved from stone.

I didn’t know about this place for a long time myself, but it’s absolutely impressive! Mount Nokogiri ("sawtooth mountain") gets its name from its distinctive shape. Alongside the giant Buddha, there are many smaller statues and caves to discover. The views from the top are fantastic too. A genuine hidden gem you shouldn’t miss if you’re traveling in Chiba. It’s also a good chance to reflect on the significance of Japanese food and products in a spiritual context.

The complex is extensive, and there are various hiking trails to visit the 1500 Arhat statues and the “View Into Hell” (Jigoku Nozoki), a cliff with a breathtaking view. The ascent can also be made easier via cable car.

Nokogiri-yama & Nihon-ji – Day Trip from Tokyo

Visit the giant rock Buddha, hike through the mountains and discover over 1,500 stone figures—a perfect nature break from the city.

Book your adventure.*

*Affiliate link: If you book an activity through my widget or link at viator.com, I receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you and you’re supporting my blog. I thank you very much and wish you lots of fun on your travels (^_^)

Sakura Furusato Hiroba (佐倉ふるさと広場), Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low to Medium (a bit more well known especially during flower festivals)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1 – 1.5 hrs (Train to Keisei-Sakura + bus/walk)
Season	Spring (tulips), Summer (sunflowers), Autumn (cosmos flowers)
Tags	Flowers, Photogenic, Relaxation

This picturesque park in Sakura City is known for its seasonal flower fields and the authentic Dutch windmill "De Liefde", built in 1994 as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands. ^[5]. In spring, the Tulip Festival "Sakura Tulip Festa" draws visitors with hundreds of thousands of tulips; in summer, sunflowers bloom; and in autumn cosmos flowers.

A truly charming place! The windmill is a fantastic photo spot. And a little fun fact for you and your readers: Kabosu, the Shiba Inu dog famous as the "Doge" meme, lived in Sakura City. In her honor, a memorial plaque has been set up next to the windmill. Not many people know this! It’s a lovely place for a relaxing afternoon. You could even bring a few homemade onigiri rice balls here.

The park is located on the shores of Lake Inbanuma and also offers boat rides. There's a shop selling Dutch goods and local products.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺), Narita, Chiba Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Medium to High (very well known among stopover travelers, but often only visited briefly)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1 – 1.5 hrs (Train to Narita) / Directly at Narita airport
Season	Year-round
Tags	Culture, History, Architecture, Close to the airport

Just a stone’s throw from Narita International Airport is this impressive Buddhist temple complex with over 1,000 years of history, founded in 940. ^[6]. Despite its proximity to the airport, many tourists barely know about this place or only make a short stopover.

I think Naritasan is an absolute must if you’re flying via Narita and have some extra time—either on arrival or departure day. The temple complex is huge and beautiful, with several halls, an impressive pagoda, and a sprawling park (Naritasan Park) with ponds and traditional buildings. Be sure to allow enough time; you could easily spend half a day here! The Omotesando, the traditional shopping street leading from the station to the temple, is also worth seeing, with many small shops and restaurants offering local specialties such as eel (unagi). For travelers it’s also helpful to know how to handle money and credit cards in Japan.

The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo and is an important pilgrimage site. Goma fire rituals are held several times daily and can be observed. Entry to the temple grounds is free.

Temple Visit Before Your Departure – Naritasan Shinshō-ji

Make the most of your time before your flight from Narita and visit the 1,000-year-old Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple. This private 4-hour tour takes you through the breathtaking temple complex, the tranquil Naritasan Park, and along the traditional Omotesandō Street with its local specialties. An authentic Japanese experience directly before your departure.

Book your adventure.*

Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏), Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low (surprisingly unknown among international tourists, despite its record size)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1.5 – 2 hrs (Train to Ushiku + bus)
Season	Year-round (flower fields around the statue are seasonal)
Tags	Record-breaking, View, Unique

Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, towering at a total height of 120 meters (including base and lotus seat)—that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty! ^[7]. The bronze statue was completed in 1993 and represents the Buddha Amitabha.

This place is truly breathtaking and definitely a "hidden gem" for international visitors. You can see the massive statue from afar. What’s special is that you can also go inside the statue! There are several floors of exhibitions and an observation deck at the Buddha’s chest level (approx. 85 meters), from which you can see as far as Tokyo Skytree and even Mount Fuji on clear days. An unforgettable experience! One has to wonder what kind of Japanese cooking utensils it would take to prepare a meal for such a statue!

Inside the statue there’s a four-floor museum. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped with seasonal flowers and even a small petting zoo.

Spring Day in Ibaraki – Flowers, Buddha & Mentaiko

Take a day trip from Tokyo to Hitachi Seaside Park with blooming flower fields, the huge Ushiku Buddha and delicious mentaiko at Mentai Park.

Book your adventure.*

Oyama (大山), Isehara/Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low to Medium (very popular among locals especially in autumn)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1.5 hrs (Train to Isehara + bus + cable car)
Season	Year-round (autumn leaves (Momiji) are especially spectacular, often in November)
Tags	Autumn leaves (Momiji), Hiking, Spirituality

Mount Oyama has been a sacred mountain and popular pilgrimage site for centuries. It’s especially renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage (Momiji). It can be climbed on foot or partially by cable car leading to Oyama Afuri Shrine and Oyama-dera Temple. ^[8].

Oyama in autumn is a dream! The red maple leaves are incredibly vibrant. Especially the stairs leading up to Oyama-dera Temple are lined with brilliant red Momiji and are often lit up at night—a magical sight. Among international tourists this place is not extremely well known yet, so you can still enjoy the nature and spiritual atmosphere in relative peace, though it can get busy during peak Momiji season. Maybe you’ll even find inspiration here for a dish using taro (Sato-imo), often cultivated in mountainous regions.

Oyama Afuri Shrine at the summit offers a wonderful view. The mountain is also known for its tofu cuisine and Oyama Koma, traditional wooden spinning tops. There are numerous hiking routes for various fitness levels.

Kasamori-ji Temple (笠森寺), Chōnan, Chiba Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Very low (hardly known among international tourists)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 2 – 2.5 hrs (Train to Mobara + bus)
Season	Year-round
Tags	Architecture, Nature, Unique

Kasamori-ji is a unique Buddhist temple famous for its unusual architecture. The main hall, Kannon-do, stands on 61 massive wooden pillars atop a steep rock and appears to float above the trees. ^[9]. This construction is the only one of its kind ("Shiho Kakedzukuri") in Japan. According to legend, the temple was founded in 784.

This temple is really spectacular and a genuine insider tip! How it perches atop the rocks is just incredible. The ascent through the forest is already an experience, and from the Kannon Hall veranda you have fantastic views. The surrounding area is good for hiking too. A place that will definitely stick in your memory and highlights the diversity of Japanese culture and travel destinations.

The temple is the 31st stop on the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage route. The surrounding area is designated as Kasamori Nature Forest (県立笠森自然公園) and offers rich flora and fauna.

Hachijo-jima Island (八丈島), Izu Islands, Tokyo Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Very low (among international tourists, rather a destination for Japanese nature lovers/divers)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 55 min (flight from Haneda) / approx. 10–11 hrs (overnight ferry from Takeshiba)
Season	Year-round (watch out for typhoon season late summer/autumn, pleasantly warm)
Tags	Nature experience, Island, Volcano, Onsen, Remote

Imagine a subtropical volcanic island with lush green nature, black lava beaches, and a unique culture—all officially part of Tokyo Prefecture! Hachijo-jima lies about 287 km south of central Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean and is one of the larger islands of the Izu Archipelago. It is dominated by two volcanoes, the majestic Hachijo-Fuji and the gentler Mihara-yama. ^[10].

I’ve visited Hachijo-jima myself and can confirm: this island is a real gem and feels like another world, even though it officially belongs to Tokyo! The atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back and the nature breathtaking—from the vistas atop Hachijo-Fuji to the steaming Onsen with ocean views like Miharashi-no-yu. It’s definitely more secluded and has that tropical vibe you wouldn’t expect so close to the capital. For me, a clear insider tip, especially since the journey is a bit longer and thus it’s not overrun by tourists. Perfect for escaping the crowds and experiencing a completely different, authentic side of Tokyo.

The island offers fantastic hiking opportunities (e.g. Hachijo-Fuji), diving in clear waters, fishing, and relaxing in several hot springs (some even free and outdoors, like Uramigataki Onsen, where you wear swimwear). Culturally, the island is known for the yellow silk fabric "Kihachijo" and its history as a place of exile during the Edo period. There are local specialties like Ashitaba plants and fresh fish—maybe even sashimi right from the catch—to discover.

Ashigakubo Icicles (あしがくぼの氷柱), Yokoze (Chichibu), Saitama Prefecture

Criterion	Information
Level of Fame	Low (among international tourists, seasonal highlight for locals)
Duration from Tokyo	Approx. 1.5 – 2 hrs (Limited Express train to Ashigakubo + short walk)
Season	Winter (approx. early January – end of February)
Tags	Winter, Photo spot, Nature experience, Seasonal, Near Tokyo

A real winter fairy tale awaits you in Ashigakubo, a district of Yokoze in the Chichibu region. Every winter, typically from early January to the end of February, a hillside here transforms into a sparkling world of ice. The "Ashigakubo no Hyōchū" are artificially created icicle formations, where water is sprayed over vegetation and rocks to freeze into a breathtaking icy landscape. ^[11]. They are part of the famous “Three Great Icicles of Chichibu”. For travelers visiting Japan in winter, this is a special highlight.

Just imagine, you step off the Seibu Line train at Ashigakubo Station and after only a few minutes’ walk, you’re right in the midst of this sparkling icy world! I think it’s truly magical, especially when the icicles are illuminated in color at night—it’s incredibly photogenic. Even though they’re man-made, the sheer scale and the artful way the ice transforms the landscape are simply impressive. It’s amazing to reach such a winter wonderland so easily and conveniently from Tokyo (on the Limited Express "Laview" from Ikebukuro). For me, an absolute top insider tip for anyone wanting to experience Japan in winter and discovers something off the usual path!

Visiting the Ashigakubo icicles is a popular winter event. There are often small stalls on site where you can warm up with drinks like amazake or pick up local snacks. Exact opening and illumination hours vary by season and weather, so it’s worth checking the website before your visit. For a complete icicle experience in Chichibu, you could also visit the more remote Misotsuchi no Tsurara and Onouchi Keikoku Hyōchū—though those require a bit more travel.

I hope these tips inspire you for new adventures in Japan! Have fun exploring!