Beyond the bustling shops, through the statuesque main gate, and past the veil of fragrant incense, Zenko-ji Temple is a major attraction in Nagano Prefecture.

The first Buddha Statue in Japan

Is Japan’s first Buddha statue in Zenko-ji?

Within this national treasure, carefully hidden from sight, an invaluable artifact awaits. The rare hibutsu (secret Buddha) is believed to be the first Buddha statue to have entered Japan. From generations of high priests to the Emperor himself, no one has looked at the hibutsu for centuries and that strict tradition continues even today.

Explore Nagano

The tunnel becomes entirely devoid of light and the oppressive darkness is suffocating. Instantly losing your sense of sight and relying solely on touch to find the key, you become disoriented and the passage seems endless. During high traffic hours and weekends, the passageway becomes humid as visitors steadily stack against one another and slowly inch through their journey. If this thought is frightening, be sure to visit early in the day!

Zenko-ji in Bloom

Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Zenko-ji Temple

Outside the main hall, Zenko-ji has many other sights within its picturesque grounds. One of which is a beautiful pagoda behind the main hall which is a sight in itself with the lush hydrangea flowers surrounding it in summer and cherry blossoms in the spring. This pagoda also houses the Zeko-ji History Museum where you can see a collection of elaborately carved Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, as well as an additional 100 statues of Buddha’s disciples.

If you’re traveling in Nagano Prefecture, a couple of other attractions are Matsumoto Castle and the historical woodblock prints at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum.

Discover the hidden gems of all 47 prefectures in Japan.

It’s been a scary year, and everyone is looking for an escape. We asked our readers to vote for their top 10 travel destinations in Japan for 2021 (once travel is safe again), and these are their picks.

Each destination highlights an escape from busy tourist spots and everyday life for a chance to reflect and get back in touch with nature or even discover the heart of communities in rural and small-town Japan.

If you’re traveling to one of these destinations, we want to hear about it. Tag us on social media with #GaijinPotTravel.

Despite being frequented by actor Robert De Niro for its world-famous sake breweries, Sado Island is not all-that popular with foreign tourists.

Yet, one venture to the island will allow travelers to pack so much into one trip. That ranges from its natural beauty, including picturesque beach inlands to cascading rice paddies, as well as a rich gold-mining history, nihonshu (rice wine) and onsen (hot spring) culture.

Accessible by bullet train and ferry from Tokyo, the Niigata prefecture island’s joyous spirit may come from its brewed spirits. One place to sip some smooth booze is Hokusetsu Brewery (Map), which even has a music room that is designed to mellow the sake.

Raise your glass for a kanpai (cheers) with Niigata’s quality sake.

Ever wonder where all that rice wine comes from? Also on Sado are the iconic Iwakubi Shoryu rice paddies, part of what makes Niigata a “rice country.” The view throughout the year, changing from lush green to yellow, is a natural feast to the eye.

What to do on the island

Wasthtub boat ride

Sado Island is known for its clear waters and rocky shores. A convenient base to stay in Sado is the area around Lake Kado, the largest lake in Niigata. Also on the island, you can partake in the tradition of tarai-bune (washtub) boats. Steered by locals wearing traditional clothes and straw hats, the inexpensive ride is straight out of an anime scene.

Photo by: Robert Izumi Try these famous tub boat rides.

Nature and beaches

At the very northern tip of the island is Futatsugame (Map), a beachy inland area said to resemble two turtles. Chill here for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing in the clearest water that is one of “Top 100 Sea-Bathing Spots” in Japan.

Sado Island also has some rare nature. In fact, it holds an ecological habitat for toki (crested ibis birds). These near-extinct birds can be admired from afar at Toki Forest Park (Map).

Dig deeper into Sado’s history with a visit to the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine (Map), as well as the Nishimikawa Gold park, where you can do gold panning.

Taiko drumming

Photo by: Catch the Sado Island Earth Celebration every August for an amazing taiko performance.

Another hands-on activity is the taiko (drum) playing workshops at Sado Island Taiko Center. It is home to the drums made from zelkova logs and cowhide skin and located just one minute from the Kodo Village, where the world-renowned professional taiko ensemble is based. Every August, the island hosts a huge celebration featuring an explosive taiko performance called the Sado Island Earth Celebration.

For a lot to do and see in a compact and beautiful getaway, Sado’s got you covered.

Japan is a bucket lister’s paradise. It’s a place where traditional and modern culture mix to create something incomparable. There are experiences here unlike anywhere else, but if you come unprepared, you might miss out. Here’s our list of the top 10 cultural experiences to seek out in Japan.

Ramen bowls evoke piping hot comfort. Pancake stacks promise fluffy and sugary pleasure. All over Japan, plastic food replicas on display outside restaurants captivate diners. A small mountain town in the Chubu Region, Gujo Hachiman, produces most of these drool-worthy marvels that are such a huge part of Japanese food culture.

How is this not real sushi??

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Maizuru and Ganso Shokuhin are impressive shops for your fake food fetish. Both are in Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa’s famous culinary zone, Kappabashi.

Gujo Hachiman’s ode to food replicas

That said, the ultimate pilgrimage is about three hours by train from Tokyo. Gujo Hachiman is a picturesque former castle town with canal-lined streets and traditional buildings. Takizo Iwasaki, inventor of the sampuru (a Japanese word from the English “sample”) was born there in 1885.

Photo by: Randiah Camille Green Try your hand at making your own food replica at Sample Kobo.

Iwasaki pioneered Japan’s first sampuru business in Osaka in 1932 but later returned to Gujo. Today, Gujo has 10 factories handcrafting around 70 percent of the market. Shop, watch the artisans, or try making your own!

Sample Village Iwasaki is a five-minute walk from Gujo Hachiman Station and is still run by the Iwasaki family. Takizo Iwasaki’s original 1917 prototype—an omurice (rice omelet) with ketchup—is still proudly displayed.

Sample Kobo is closer to Gujo’s town center, near the Tourist Office. Both venues offer free entry and classes for a fee. Craft your own tempura vegetables and shrimp, lettuce, or ice-cream cup. See one of these crafty workshops in action, below!

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うん(ﾟｰ,ﾟ*)ｼﾞｭﾙﾙﾙ 今日はみんな大好きステーキのご紹介? レアな焼き色の筆入れ作業ですψ(。。) 美味しそうで食べたくなるようなステーキに仕上げる職人の腕の見せどころです(*' ▽'*) #ステーキ #肉 #レア #焼き色 #筆 #職人技 #手作業 #手作り #食べられません #食べたい #食品サンプル #オリジナル #郡上八幡 #岐阜県 #城下町

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Sampuru were originally made with wax, but more durable plastics were used from the 1970s. Restaurants order them ready or custom-made. Pieces are cast in molds using real food or by following photographs, baked in an oven, then painted and finished.

What prefecture is this in?

Today, digital menus and photos threaten the sampuru, but they’re still a quirky, cool slice of mainstream culture. Like the luscious fake soft serve that never melts, here’s to hoping this unique Japanese craft never disappears. Plus, they always help tourists choose a meal.

Leave your world behind to uncover this long tradition that remains sacred in Japan.

Most people travel to Japan with a vision that includes “experiencing the real culture.” Yet, they fail to realize that many true Japanese traditions live and breathe most authentically outside of Japan’s bustling metropolises.

Take onsen (natural hot springs), for example. The best onsen in Japan leave you in awe while you soak in a hot spring river or in the snowy mountains — and are usually out of the way. Japanese people take pride in the culture of relaxing in natural healing waters, just like the generations before them did.

Along with the more than 3,000 onsen destinations in Japan come heaps of bona fide traditions to explore. Like the chance to try shinyoku (forest bathing) while in secluded nature and experiencing ryokan (Japanese inns) that are often run by families who have survived off the land for generations. This is where you can try out futon-and-tatami-mat living and Japanese food at its realest: meals that are expertly prepared by incorporating regional flavors and methods you cannot find elsewhere.

Leaving your world behind to uncover these onsen leaves you with the realization that these aren’t just getaways — they’re places that many Japanese consider to be sacred. Armed with Jeenie, a new language support app on our smartphones, we headed out to some of Japan’s most scenic onsen.

Here are five of our favorites for that authentic secluded onsen experience.

How the Jeenie app helped us get around Japan

Traveling to these remote locations with help from the Jeenie app was essential to navigate the transport and local culture. The result was a more enjoyable trip with a better understanding of bus routes and travel directions, as well as being able to connect with a handful of locals who were overjoyed to talk with us.

Though locals are always ready and willing to offer help, it can still be a huge leap to get past language barriers. This is true even in Tokyo if you want to go to local places. And who doesn’t want to go to the local gems?!

What’s cool about Jeenie is that it is not a translation machine. You can have real-time conversations and video-chats, and the “Language Jeenies” help you communicate with local people and act as virtual guides who not only know the language and but also cultural do’s and don’ts.

The kind voices on the other end of the line help you figure out some of the more strict rules of the culture like the protocol for onsen, or figuring out transportation options and ryokan stays, for example. Plus, Jeenie is not just for English speakers. You can choose your native language and the language in which you want to find a concierge.

How can I use Jeenie on my trip?

Jeenie is a mobile app that lets travelers get instant access to a Japanese speaker and culture expert. Think “Uber” for language and culture assistance. You can download the app and get connected with real, live humans who can assist with the local language and in cultural situations, too.

The Jeenie app connects you to live interpreters on the screen of your smartphone (or iPad) for a Skype-like call in less than 60 seconds. The service is available 24/7 in any time zone.

Get Jeenie

Available on Android and iOS. The app is free, and after you create an account, your first five minutes are free, so there is no risk to trying the service.

https://www.jeenie.com

Become a Jeenie

Jeenie aims to bring global awareness to the value of language and language speakers. Join the global Jeenie community and join the network of people who utilize their international language and culture competencies as an income source.

If you are fluent in more than one language, you can become a “Language Jeenie.” You don’t need insurance or equipment — just a phone, a data plan, a professional attitude, and fluent language skills. Work remotely and help customers directly via video-chat or audio to navigate through any experience where language is a challenge.

Sign up to be a Language Jeenie here.

This article was sponsored by Jeenie.  Note: The five onsen destinations were chosen by GaijinPot Travel independent of sponsorship.

• Halloween 2019: Public drinking is now illegal in Shibuya on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1. Read more on GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/shibuya-to-ban-public-drinking-for-halloween-2019/

The traffic lights at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing change every two minutes to maintain the enormous flow of people and vehicles.

It’s pop-culture credentials don’t just cease there, Shibuya is the pulsating core of some of Japan’s most internationally renowned districts. Teenagers, couples and families can be spotted picnicking in the shade of nearby Yoyogi Park. Students decked out in the latest fashion trend file out of adjacent Harajuku. The older (and richer) make a quick getaway to the posh malls of Omotesando Avenue and healing calm of Meiji-jingu.

Shibuya is just a short walk from Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.

Park yourself outside the Hachiko Exit (named after the famously loyal Shiba-Inu that always met his owner at the station after work) on a Friday or Saturday night and you’re sure to witness the sheer power of Japan’s vibrant youth culture.

Partying in Shibuya

It used to be that Shibuya was the place to party on Halloween in Tokyo. Just grab a couple of cans from a nearby convenience store and revel in crowds of over 1 million people getting absolutely hammered in the street. Yes, in the street.

Seems like Jason has made some new friends.

Sadly, all good things come to an end—street drinking in Shibuya during Halloween has been banned since someone flipped over a truck and numerous fights broke out amidst the chaos in 2018. This is literally why we can’t have nice things.

If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

If hitting the club scene sounds like your jam though, the most youthful of Tokyo’s wards certainly has a nightlife to write home (or just y’know, a Twitter status) about. The giant disco ball in the center of Womb’s main dance floor coupled with the huge, multi-floored VISION are only two reasons why you could end up having your best night out evaaaa in Shibuya. If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

The Hachiko meeting point is the busiest in the city but somehow people always manage to find each other. Look out for the dog statue opposite the green tourist information bus.

Shibuya’s laid back side

As vigorous as Shibuya can be, there is an array of more laid-back food, sports and art culture well suited for any age or persuasion. Baseball and rugby enthusiasts will be overjoyed by the offerings from the Meiji Jingu and Chichibuomiya Rugby Stadiums.

Cultural hotspots such as the Bunkamura (a museum with outstanding art exhibitions), the New National Theatre Tokyo (or NNTT) or Konno Hachimangu Shrine (once home to the illustrious Shibuya family) will broaden the scope of your itinerary.

Grab a coffee at the Hachiko Starbucks overlooking Scramble Crossing.

Likewise, foodies will be able to gorge themselves on some of the most varied and delicious cuisine in Japan. For vegans, Nagi Shokudo combines seriously delicious food with fantastic magazines and reading material in English or Japanese.

For film freaks, make a pilgrimage to Gonpachi, the restaurant from Kill Bill. As the base of the hip and trendy, there are also coffee shops galore including the famous Starbucks whose second floor looks out over the world’s busiest crossing.

One thing’s for sure: you could stay in Shibuya for your entire stay and never, ever get bored.

Looking for places to drink around Shibuya and beyond? Check our list of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo!

• 2019 Setouchi Triennale Fall Dates: Sat, Sept. 28 to Mon, Nov. 4
• The Setouchi Triennale only happens every three years so don't miss your chance to see this expansive contemporary art festival!

This magical art retreat is a testament to Japan’s devotion to good design, and the conviction that good design can create a better life.

Benesse Corporation sponsors most of the work on the island, and their museums are world-class institutions with works by an impressive roster of artists, including Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, and Walter de Maria. The Benesse House functions as both hotel and art gallery, letting you fulfill your wildest dreams of having a sleepover with Andy Warhol.

Photo by: Olivier Lejade ‘100 live and die’ by Bruce Nauman.

Chichu Art Museum

The nearby Chichu Art Museum is possibly the most outstanding structure in a place with no end to remarkable stuff. Built almost entirely underground, the museum relies on natural light for most of its limited but outstanding collection, subtly transforming the works into something new every time you look. Stroll down to the docks and you’ll come across Naoshima’s most famous sight: a polka-dotted pumpkin designed by mother of Japanese avant-garde art, Yayoi Kusama.

Stumble across pieces of art where you least expect.

Thoughtfully designed cafes and restaurants are tucked away in the peaceful, narrow streets of Honmura. This is also the location of the Art House Project, which sees cutting-edge art pieces incorporated into unused, traditional Japanese homes in neighborhoods still inhabited by local communities.

Photo by: Eiji Saito

Near the main port of Miyanoura, I Love Yu is an exuberantly kitsch sento that’s a far cry from the simplicity and prudence of a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Bathing in these waters will have you turning your head every which way to take in the stained glass ceiling, vintage erotica, and realistic elephant statue.

Setouchi Triennale

Every three years the Setouchi Triennale, which is the mother of all art festivals in Japan, takes over Naoshima and eleven other islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The widespread art fest covers the archipelago in around 200 fantastical installations and artworks from Japan and beyond. Each year the festival is held has three seasonal installations in Spring, Summer, and Fall. The next one will be in Fall of 2019!

Photo by: Kentaro Ohno “Light of Shodoshima” by Wang Wen Chih, from the 2013 Setouchi Triennale.

Naoshima is sometimes referred to as “Ando Island” after Takao Ando, the revered architect who designed most of the main buildings. Anyone with an interest in architecture must make a pilgrimage to see how his structures of concrete and steel play with light and other natural phenomena.

They are custom-made to house some of the most enthralling, mysterious encounters with art ever. Your perspective will be bent in so many ways that it may never recover.

Check out GaijinPot Blog for a guide to visiting the Setouchi Triennale!

• 2020 Dates: The Sado Island Earth Celebration will take place via online streaming from August 21-23

Centered around the world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble Kodo, the fest is revered by locals and international tourists as a chance to come together in the heart of summer to discover the culture, sights, and music of this picture-perfect island.

Photo by: Kodo The Kodo taiko performance is life-changing.

Each night of the festival has an outdoor performance called “Harbour Market Live” on the main stage at Ogi Port Park. Musicians from around the world take part in this live concert, so be prepared to hear perfectly harmonized melodies from a Thai xylophone to the Chinese erhu resonating on Japan’s largest island (besides the main islands).

Dance with Kodo

The main event that everyone is hyped about is Kodo’s final performance on the last day of the festival. Kodo is the world’s No. 1 taiko ensemble and puts on a lively show encompassing drummers in traditional garb showing off feats of strength and synchronized beats.

Photo by: Earth Celebration Committee

The Kodo members are drenched in sweat by the time they jump off the stage and parade through the audience. It’s hard to resist the temptation to stand up and dance along while watching them move joyfully among colorful streamers and confetti.

At the harbor market, you will find dozens of stalls selling ethnic and Japanese food, drinks, handmade crafts and festival clothing. Besides soul-rejuvenating live performances, the Earth Celebration is also the perfect occasion to do some shopping.

Sightseeing on Sado Island

In the daytime, discover the island’s natural beauty like Kotoura Cave.

As the main events of Earth Celebration happen at night, visitors are free to use the day to explore the island. The most popular activities are concerts and taiko experience workshops at the EC Theater, but visitors should feel free to get outdoorsy and try one of these unique activities:

• Go for a tarai bune (washtub boat) ride at Ogi Port
• Go sea kayaking at Kotoura Beach
• Jet ski in Mano Bay
• Admire Sado’s coastline at Senkakuwan Bay
• Go cycling around Sado’s famous Ibis Forest Park

If you aren’t feeling up for an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of other options including Sado’s renowned sake breweries, traditional puppet shows, kabuki, and other dance performances.

Earth Celebration is a unique chance for visitors to mingle with tourists from around the world with music being the common language. The synergistic vibe flowing through the venue adds extra warmth to the heart under the summer heat.

Photo by: Robert Izumi Take a washtub boat ride over the island’s pristine waters!

Tickets

Tickets are sold online about 2-3 months in advance. You can reserve your tickets on this website from June 15 to Aug. 15, or you can call the Kodo Ticket Service for a reservation at 0259-86-2330 (Japanese may be required). Each performance requires its own ticket.

We recommend buying the three-day pass which costs ¥13,500 for adults to see it all or the one-day ticket which costs ¥5,000 for adults ( ¥1,500 for children).

For schedule and details, head to their official website.

Ishikawa’s capital city has stayed fairly quiet in the shadow of its famous sister, Kyoto. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa avoided bombing in World War II and is now one of the best-preserved Edo-period cities in Japan. It offers all the shrines, temples, castles, and historic districts you would expect, along with regional draws like insight into the powerful Maeda samurai clan.

Secluded in the mountainous Hokuriku region, Kanazawa was once difficult for tourists to reach, but its popularity is now soaring thanks to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in 2015. Kanazawa’s compact size and the abundance of tourist information printed in English and other languages make it easily accessible. It’s an ideal destination for everyone from first-timers to Japan travel veterans.

Explore Kanazawa’s different historic areas.

One of Kanazawa’s most enchanting experiences is simply strolling around the city’s various historic districts. There are three photogenic chaya districts; traditional entertainment areas where geisha served wealthy patrons in lavish tearooms. Higashi Chayagai is the largest, and the place to go for luxury souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.

Kanazawa’s rich artistic traditions have made it a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, so you’ll find hand-painted ceramics and hand-dyed silks, and plenty of gold leaf products to add some bling to your homeware collection.

Nishi Chayagai and Kazuemachi are smaller, less-trafficked districts, where venerated businesses continue to serve the city’s affluent today. Do a little searching and you’ll find cozy restaurants and bars here.

There’s also the quiet Nagamachi Samurai District, once home to samurai families. Most of the buildings are private residences now and can’t be entered, but a few museums and restored homes and shops provide a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past life.

Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens.

Admire the floral architecture of Kenroku-en, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” Though tea service can be enjoyed all around the city, Kenrokuen’s teahouses are great spots from which to enjoy the garden’s spectacular scenery. Right across the road is Kanazawa Castle Park, the former residence of the ruling Maeda clan. The spacious surrounding park contains impressive gates and stone ruins, and the exhibitions inside the reconstructed castle provide information about its history and architecture.

There’s no shortage of shrines and temples to visit, but Myoryuji stands out as an exceptionally unique attraction. If you love spies, ninjas, and secret trapdoors, make sure to reserve a guided tour of this temple to find out why it’s earned the nickname “ninja-dera” (ninja temple).

While it officially operated as a Buddhist temple for the Maeda rulers to worship in, it doubled as a secret military post from which hiding samurai could defend the feudal lord. The endlessly surprising tour will reveal hidden staircases, optical illusions, trick doors, and more.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train opened in 2015, making Kanazawa easily accessible from Tokyo.

Though you might not expect it from such a traditional city, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the best contemporary art museums in Japan. Its permanent collection includes unpredictable interactive pieces, and rotating temporary exhibits present the best of local and international artists. It also functions as a public community center, providing a welcoming and unpretentious place for everyone to hang out.