The other bits of Japan
 

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?

Where will you be landing?

Should we recommend places not far from Kanazawa?

It's still a fair way away so I haven't planned too far yet - just started looking around for ideas :)

It looks like I'll most likely be going with my boyfriend who hasn't been to Japan before, so he probably will want to check out the more typical places, if only briefly. I was thinking of flying in to Osaka, travelling around a bit then heading to Tokyo to see him off back home, before heading over to Kanazawa on my own for the homestay.

At this point, I'd say anything is fair game; I still need to narrow down where exactly I'll be going @_@

isn't the deer park free? or sumtin i'm so envious what program? does that do?

Nara Park? I've been there, I think the park itself was free and there was a small fee for the daibutsuden, but I can't remember. Was a pretty cool place though!

The details of the program are here if you're interested, although this information is aimed at Australians. It's two weeks homestay with a family in Kanazawa, morning Japanese classes and cultural stuff in the afternoons/weekends. I never got the opportunity to do a study abroad while I was in school or uni, so I'm jumping at this one :)

Do Amanohashidate. It's my favorite spot in Japan and doesn't get a lot of non-Japanese tourists.

Bring your swimsuit and prepare to enjoy the beach!

Thnx You:d :d :d Just Gave A Idea For A Comic Thnx:d :d :d Ive Been Stuck In Rut For Weeks!!!!

My favourite "hidden gem" in Japan (so far) has to be Musashi's grave out in Kumamoto.

Second favourite is Sengaku-ji. Strangely very few Western tourists considering how easy it is to reach. A very beautiful place.

Thanks guys! I'll definitely keep those places in mind.

Okay! Fleshing out my trip a little more... got plane tickets booked!

I'll have just over a week before the program starts, which I'll probably spend checking out bits of Kyushu (got a friend to visit in Kagoshima), then drop in at Hiroshima and Osaka before heading up to Kanazawa. After the program I'll have a few days left in Japan which I'm planning on spending in Tokyo. Exciting! :D

I'm hoping to be able to make it to Amanohashidate, and definitely to Sengaku-ji.

Anywhere in Japan that's particularly nice in September/October? Nice autumn leaves?

Besides pretty scenery I'm interested in art and design, although I hear there's a decent scene in Kanazawa and I'm sure there's plenty to see in Tokyo.