Japan is a truly unique place to visit with a diversity of culture and natural beauty. However, adventurous tourists who venture off the beaten tourist path will be rewarded with some even more surprises in this amazing country. Here are a few outstanding natural and manmade highlights that are definitely worth a detour!

1. Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji, Kyoto

Imagine stumbling across an army of 1200 cute and characterful stone figures that surround an ancient Buddhist temple in the remote Sagano district of northwest Kyoto. While the temple’s main hall dates back to the Heian period (794-1192AD), the statues are relatively modern. They were all carved out between 1981 and 1991 by different people who visited the temple. The head priest, Kocho Nishimura, was an accomplished sculptor who taught his protégées well! The result is an unbelievable “army” of moss-covered Rakan statues (disciples of Buddha) that are completely unique and individual. During your visit, learn how the three simple temple structures (the main hall, Jizo Hall and temple gate) have survived floods, typhoons, neglect and disrepair. Hopefully they are now well guarded!

2. Zao Fox Village, Miyagi prefecture

Perhaps the most cute and cuddly village in the world, the extraordinary Zao Fox Village is inhabited by six different species of free-roaming foxes. Visitors to the mountain attraction in Shiroishi are provided with food to throw to the foxes and watch them compete, romp and play in their pleasant enclave. Interestingly, in Japanese culture, foxes are seen to be sly tricksters with mystical powers. This unusual animal sanctuary is a cute alternative to the better-known Bunny Island and Cat Island and is definitely a place for those who like all things cute and furry!

3. Rebun Island, Hokkaido

Part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, the emerald green Rebun Island is laced with a network of hiking trails. Visitors have to take a ferry from Wakkanai or Risgiri to Kafuka, hence the lack of visitors to this scenic island. The big attraction is the beautiful alpine flowers that thrive in the area, covering the 80km² island with delicate blooms from June to August. Many of the flowers are endemic species found only in this area. The Rebun edelweiss (usuyukiso) is the island’s signature flower and that’s a beautiful must-see!

4. Ryusendo Cave, Iwate

On a different note, visit the dragon’s lair if you dare, at the base of Mount Ureira. A lengthy limestone dragon guards Ryusendo Cave, one of the top three limestone cave systems in Japan. Stand at the entrance to the cave and listen to the sound of rushing water from the underground spring. The cave also has stalagmites, stalactites and three subterranean lakes. The deepest lake is 98m deep and, not surprisingly, is the deepest subterranean lake in Japan. Lamps illuminate the crystal clear water and visitors can actually see the bottom!

5. Fukiware Falls, Gunma

Waterfalls are always an amazing sight and the Fukiware Waterfall near Numata City is no exception. The 30-metre wide Katashina River suddenly pours over the granite rocks and cascades down a narrow crack in the gorge and can easily be seen from the observatories and walking paths along the gorge. Currently the waterfall is a mere 7 metre drop, but once the mighty Niagara Falls probably looked like this!

6. Aogashima Island, Tokyo

Best appreciated from the air, Aogashoma Island is an unique volcanic islet just off the coast of mainland Japan. The best way to visit is by helicopter which can carry just 9 passengers on the 20-minute journey. Covering just over three km², this rugged green island with its impressive double caldera is home to just 160 residents and most of them share the same surnames. Although it last erupted in 1785, you can still detect a whiff of sulphur in the air and locals use special steam pots to cook in the hot springs. Isolated, rich in nature and stunningly beautiful it’s a great place to enjoy stargazing, take a sauna or enjoy the 20-minute hike around the lip of the caldera. Not many people can boast that they’ve done that!

7. Shimoguri no Sato, Nagano

Shimoguri no Sato is the complete antidote to Tokyo as it is one of Japan’s three secret hidden valleys. Known as the Tyrol of Japan, due to its similarity to the Austrian Alps it is a stunning valley to visit. Surprisingly, people live there and manage to live, drive, build houses and grow crops on the sheer 38-degree slopes. The amazing zig-zag road is definitely worth seeing!

8. Tsujunkyo Bridge, Kumamoto

The remarkable stone arched Tsujunkyo Bridge is actually an ancient aqueduct, built by local farmers in 1854 to transport water 6km from the Sasahara River to their rice paddies. It can still be seen today on the outskirts of Yamato near the Miyazaki border. Every day at noon, water is released in a cascade, making this a fascinating attraction that still operates today. While you’re there, take the path down the side of the bridge through a bamboo forest to the Gorogataki Waterfall. The 50m drop into the pool creates beautiful rainbows in the swirling mist.

9. Takeda Castle ruins, Asago

Last but definitely not least, visit the Takeda Castle ruins at Asago City which is Japan’s answer to Machu Picchu! Located on top of the mountains and wrapped in a sea of clouds most of the time, the castle is a National Historical Site. The original structure was built by a feudal lord in 1443 and was largely destroyed in 1580. Access is only for the intrepid as it involves hiking up the Ritsuunkly Valley Park but there are plenty of stopping points on a series of viewing platforms.

Which of these incredible places will you add to your bucket list – or do you plan to do them all?