[ChisaChi]

So it looks like I'll be going to Japan for a 2 week language/culture/homestay program in Kanazawa! Since it isn't cheap to fly there, I'm planning to go a week or two early and do some travelling before classes start, in late September.

I've been to Japan once before and did most of the usual tourist things - Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, skiing... this time I'm looking for places a little more off the beaten track. I want to check out Koyasan which I ran out of time for last time, and hope to visit a JET buddy once they find out where they're being placed, but other than those I have no idea. The exchange rate is terrible at the moment, so I'm planning to do lots of sightseeing rather than shopping.

So what's your favourite 'hidden gem' in Japan?