Whenever one associates Japan, one will think of Tokyo with its bright lights, Kyoto with its old temples, and Osaka with its food streets. However, there is another side of Japan, less recognized, more real, more true, more authentic, more intimate with the core of the country, the smaller towns and off-road places. To the UAE traveler who has decided to go on a cultural journey out of the mainstream, this is the right place to visit to find out the Japanese soul. You need to be in possession of your Japan visa from UAE, before you fly away, so that you can explore the land of endless traditions, picturesque sights, and warm-hearted hospitality.

We are going to explore some of the most beautiful and forgotten towns in Japan in this guide, and they are all different with their own attractions that may be hot springs and castles, or historical streets and local dishes. These are isolated locations that show the focus of old Japan without being influenced by mass-tourism, which makes the UAE travelers have a more in-depth, more valuable experience.

1. Kanazawa -The Cultural Jewel of Central Japan.

Kanazawa named as the Little Kyoto is a city that is full of samurai history, art and beauty. Kanazawa is found at the west coast of Honshu and it has well maintained Edo eras areas and one of the most famed gardens in Japan -Kenrokuen. The city has a series of narrow streets that are lined by traditional tea houses, gold-leaf shops and museums that have exhibitions of the craftsmanship of Japan.

Missing the Nagamachi Samurai District with ancient houses is impossible, as it brings one back to the feudal Japan. To the art enthusiasts, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a fusion of innovation and tradition, which provides a new contrast to the traditional beauty of the city.

2. Takayama -The Japanese Alps in the Heart.

Takayama is a town located in Gifu Prefecture that is a fairy tale to Japan. Takayama has a well preserved old town, wooden merchant houses, morning markets and serene walks along its riverbanks. The locals are proud of their seasonal festivals- particularly the Takayama festival which is regarded as one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan.

Short trips are also available by travelers between Takayama and the nearby Shirakawa-go, which is a UNESCO world heritage site with its own gassho-ziuki farmhouses that have steep thatched roofs. The scenery here is magic in winter as well as in autumn with the falling leaves.

3. Kurashiki- Japan Canal Town of Charm.

Kurashiki is found in Okayama Prefecture and is called the Venice, except with a more Japanese touch. The center of the town is the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with the canals, white-walled buildings and bridges of the town in a picturesque way. This town that was once a prosperous merchant town due to its rice trade and its architecture of the Edo-period is well preserved.

The Ohara Museum of Art, the first Western art museum in Japan housing masterpieces of Monet, Matisse and El Greco, will be loved by art lovers. Kurashiki is an urban haven and a walk through old streets, with pleasant cafes and boutique shops, will make the Kurashiki a calm get-away destination in Japan.

4. Matsue -The City of Water and Castles.

Matsue, located in Shimane Prefecture is the least recognized as a historical tourist destination in Japan. Matsue is the so-called City of Water, and the lakes and canals that surround it also contribute to the peaceful nature of the city. Matsue Castle is the corner stone of the town, it is one of the few original castles of Japan, which remain nowadays. It has a wooden frame which is erected on a hill top and it gives wonderful scenery of Lake Shinji.

The visitors have an opportunity to ride a boat in the moat of the castle, visit samurai quarter, and the house of Lafcadio Hearn, who was a renowned author who opened a gate to Japan in the Western world. Among the most romantic sceneries in the western Japan is the sunset over Lake Shinji.

5. Otaru - A Retrospective Port Town in Hokkaido.

Going to Hokkaido, one cannot pass visiting the small port city of Otaru, which has a curious history and which is rather charming. Otaru was once a busy trade hub and is still maintaining its early 20 th -century architectural features with warehouses converted into museums, restaurants, and shops.

The heart of the city is the Otaru Canal, which is particularly beautiful at night when the gas lamps are lit up and the reflections are taking place in the water. Hokkaido seafoods are available here such as sushi which are freshly cooked using the sea which is located nearby. The Snow Light Path Festival held in Otaru during winter makes the city look like a fairy tale world.

6. Beppu -The Paradise of the Hot Springs in Japan.

Beppu is situated on the Kyushu Island, and is known to be having the highest number of hot springs in Japan. It is a tiny city, and here one will find the so-called Eight Hells of Beppu, or, to give them a more dramatic name, the Seven Gates of Hell, a series of hot baths of dazzling colors in every shade of cobalt and red.

In addition to the immersion into nature in the onsen, the visitors additionally may experience sand baths, steam cooking, and spa with mineral-rich spring water. Beppu is not merely a destination, it is an experience and will refresh your body and mind.

7. Hida Furukawa The Silent Sister of Takayama.

When Takayama wants to feel like a tourist, simply travel 15 minutes northward to the small town of Hida Furukawa, a quiet place with equally beautiful old town. The small canals in the town full of koi fish, the old wooden storehouses and quiet streets combine to make the town look like a painting come alive.

There is also the carp streamers festival and local breweries of sake in Hida Furukawa. It is a perfect establishment among the photography amateurs, and the meandering travelers.

Conclusion

Japan is much more beautiful than its commercial cities. These small towns are the real magic, they retain their traditions, scenery and the atmosphere of hospitality. To UAE travelers who want to experience the real Japan, Tokyo and Osaka are just a tip of the iceberg and visiting the inner Japan that the locals love will give them a true Japanese experience. Whether it is a stroll along the canalside in Kurashiki or steaming hotsprings in Beppu each and every hidden town has its story to tell and it is worth finding out.

That way, when you next get ready to go away, make sure you have your travel arrangements in place and your Dubai Japan visa with Go Kite Travel is in place. Go Kite Travel will help you explore the Japanese secret worlds with the help of a professional and a comfortable guide, with personalized services and memories that will stay fresh and memorable. Travel like a local to a different town in Japan.