Off The Track Japan

06/02/2025

Kyoto Tower: The Best View in the City! 🌆🔭

Standing 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower offers the best panoramic views of Japan’s ancient capital! From the top, you’ll see everything from historic temples to modern cityscapes, with clear views of Osaka on a good day.

Whether you visit during the day for sweeping landscapes or at night for sparkling city lights, Kyoto Tower is a must-visit for any traveler.

Read More: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/kyoto-tower/

The Kyoto Tower sits in the center of Kyoto, directly outside of Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Tower has an observation deck at 100m high, providing 360° panoramic

05/02/2025

Kinkaku-ji: Kyoto’s Shimmering Golden Pavilion ✨🏯

Step into a fairytale at Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s breathtaking Golden Pavilion! Covered in gold leaf and reflecting beautifully on its surrounding pond, this Zen temple is one of Japan’s most iconic sights.

Whether you’re here for the stunning views, peaceful gardens, or a glimpse into Japan’s rich history, Kinkaku-ji is an unmissable stop on your Kyoto adventure!

Read more at: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/kinkaku-ji-golden-temple/

The Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), otherwise known as the ‘Golden Temple’, is a Zen temple In Kyoto, where the top two floors are covered in gold foil. The temple was once the retirement house of Sh**un Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and following his death in 1408, the villa became a Zen temple as per his will.

04/02/2025

Amanohashidate: Japan’s "Bridge to Heaven" 🌊✨

One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, Amanohashidate is a breathtaking sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay. Lined with lush pine trees and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.

For the best experience, hike up to Kasamatsu Park and try the famous “upside-down view”—locals say it looks like a bridge to the heavens!

Read more: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/amanohashidate/

Discover Amanohashidate - One of the Three Views of Japan. Amanohashidate is a sandbar littered with pine trees which stretches across the Miyazu Bay, Kyoto

03/02/2025

Discover the Magic of Fushimi Inari Shrine ⛩️✨

Step into one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks—Fushimi Inari Taisha! Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding through the lush forests of Mount Inari, this shrine is a must-visit for anyone exploring Japan.

Whether you're here for breathtaking photos, a peaceful hike, or to experience the spiritual heart of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari won’t disappoint. Best of all? It’s open 24/7 and completely free to visit!

Check out our full guide for tips on avoiding the crowds, hidden spots, and the best times to visit: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/fushimi-inari-shrine/

Fushimi Inari Taisha, better known as Fushimi Inari Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations.

02/02/2025

Meet the Monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park! 🐵🍌

For a unique wildlife experience in Kyoto, head to Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama! After a short but rewarding hike, you'll be greeted by over 100 wild Japanese macaques roaming freely with stunning panoramic views of Kyoto as the backdrop.

Unlike a zoo, you’re in their territory—but don’t worry, you can safely feed them from the designated area! Just remember to respect their space.

Read more at: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/iwatayama-monkey-park/

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is one of the few places around the Kansai area where people can go and see monkey’s in their natural habitat and not enclosed in a

30/01/2025

🌟 Wander Through the Magical Kimono Forest! 🎋

Nestled near Arashiyama’s Randen Tram Station in Kyoto, the Kimono Forest is a stunning display of over 600 illuminated pillars, each wrapped in vibrant kimono fabric. As day turns to night, the soft glow transforms this walkway into a fairytale-like experience.

✨ Perfect for evening strolls, unique photos, and soaking in the elegance of traditional Japanese design.

Discover how to experience this enchanting attraction here: offthetrackjapan.com/kimono-forest

The Kimono Forest, in Arashiyama, Kyoto is a mesmerizing and vibrant tourist attraction. Comprising of over 600 colourful pillars adorned with various traditional kimono fabrics, the forest creates a stunning and immersive visual experience.

29/01/2025

Stay overnight on Miyajima is becoming an increasingly more popular among tourists. Find why at: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/staying-on-miyajima/

The Island of Miyajima is a sacred and peaceful island found in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, Hiroshima Prefecture. Renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage

28/01/2025

Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's most premier sightseeing destinations.

🌸 Step into History at Osaka Castle! 🏯

Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and history. Whether you're diving into its fascinating museum exhibits, enjoying stunning city views from the top of the main tower, or strolling through the picturesque Osaka Castle Park, there's something for everyone to love.

🌳 Visit in spring to catch the park's cherry blossoms in full bloom—it’s a sight you’ll never forget! 🌸

🎫 Pro-tip: Pre-purchase your tickets online ahead of time to skip the queues. Check out the link below to find out how.

Ready to plan your visit? Check out our complete guide here: offthetrackjapan.com/osaka-castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous castle's in Japan. Renowned for it's stunning views of Osaka, and beautiful architecture, Osaka Castle is on most traveller's to do is list.

25/01/2025

Visit the viral Arakurayama Sengen Park, Yamanashi Prefecture, for one of the most picturesque views of Mt. Fuji.

Read more at:

Arakurayama Sengen Park is possibly one of the most iconic destinations in all of Japan, featuring stunning views of the beloved Mt. Fuji

23/01/2025

🌟 Experience the Magic of Mt. Hakodate! 🌟

Looking for breathtaking views in Japan? Mt. Hakodate (函館山) offers a panoramic nightscape ranked among the world's best! Whether you're taking the ropeway up or hiking for the adventure, the view will leave you speechless.

🌃 Highlights:

Stunning city lights merging with the sea ✨

Romantic vibes for couples 💕

Amazing photo ops 📸

📍 Plan your visit and learn more here: offthetrackjapan.com/mt-hakodate

Experience a night you’ll never forget!

21/01/2025

🚉✨ Travel Light in Japan! ✨🚉

Worried about lugging your bags around while exploring Japan? We've got you covered! From coin lockers at every station to innovative luggage delivery services, Japan makes traveling baggage-free a breeze.

🧳 Check out our complete guide: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/where-to-store-luggage-in-japan/

✅ Find tips on:

Using station lockers 🚪

Convenient delivery options 📦

Short-term storage services in cities 🏙️

Discover Japan with your hands free and your mind at ease. Happy exploring! 🌸

Where to store luggage in Japan is a common question we get among first time travellers to the country.You've just landed in Japan, it's the early hours of the morning, and there's nothing you want to do more than go out and explore. But then you realize something, you can't check into the hotel for...

19/01/2025

🏯 Discover the Beauty of Gujo Hachiman Castle 🏯

Read at: https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/gujo-hachiman-castle/

Nestled high on a mountainside, Gujo Hachiman Castle is one of Japan's most picturesque reconstructed castles. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and town, this historic gem is a must-visit for lovers of history, architecture, and nature.

☀️ Visit in summer for a vibrant forest vibe

🍂 Visit in autumn for stunning fall foliage that paints the landscape in vibrant reds and oranges.
🌸 In spring, cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere perfect for photos!
🕰️ Explore the rich history of this Edo-period castle, originally built in 1559, and learn about its role in local feudal Japan.

📍 Just a short trip from Gifu City, it’s an easy and rewarding getaway for travelers. Don’t forget to stroll through the charming town of Gujo Hachiman while you’re here!

✨ Plan your visit now and step back in time!



https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/gujo-hachiman-castle/

18/01/2025

The Stunning Ginzan Onsen after sunset

https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/ginzan-onsen/

30/12/2024

Shirakawa-go in the winter is absolutely magical

26/12/2024

Discover the magnificent Ebisu and Daikoku rocks on your next trip to Japan.

The Ebisu Rock & Daikoku Rock, found in Hokkaido Prefecture, is an off-the-track scenic view in the outskirts of Yoichi, or about a 45-minute drive from

22/12/2024

Discover the enchanting charm of this UNESCO World Heritage village! 🏡✨ From its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses to the breathtaking seasonal scenery, Shirakawa-go is a must-visit.

Shirakawa-go is a small village tucked away in the mountains, along the borders of 3 prefectures - Ishikawa, Toyama, and Gifu. The village is most famous of

26/11/2024

Planning your trip to Japan and worried about staying connected? Don’t fret! Here’s a quick guide to finding reliable internet while exploring this fantastic country! Whether you are roaming the streets of Tokyo, to the rural countryside of Hokkaido, there is almost always a way to stay connected.

📱 Pocket Wi-Fi: The ultimate traveller’s best friend! Rent one at the airport or online before your trip. Share it with friends, and you’re good to go anywhere.

💡 SIM Cards: Prefer to stay light? Grab a tourist SIM card at airports or electronics stores for instant mobile data access.

🏨 Hotel Wi-Fi: Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi for guests, so you’re covered during downtime.

Read more at;

https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/where-to-find-internet-in-japan/

18/11/2024

Discover the vibrant world of Aomori's Nebuta Festival at Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse!

The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse in Aomori City celebrates the Nebuta Festival, one of Northern Japan's most iconic events. Held annually from August 2–7, the