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If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2026, you've probably seen the same recommendations as everyone else and now you want something... different. Luckily, Japan has SO much more than the golden route (AKA Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka) and is FILLED with hidden gems. I've travelled to (almost) every prefecture in Japan, lived here for 10 years and have about gazillion recommendations for where to visit to avoid the crowds, but for now, here's 6 stand out locations that are perfect for slow, sustainable tourism in the authentic Japanese countryside. 00:00 - Why you should skip the golden route 00:17 - Kakunodate Samurai Street: Historic and Stunning 02:37 - Iya Valley: The ultimate nature escape 05:21 - Shiroumadake: Mt Fuji hike alternative 08:32 - Oirase Keiryu Hotel Aomori: Bougie but affordable resort 10:36 - Naritasan Omotesando: Traditional Japan next to the airport 12:15 - Yakushima Island: Princess Mononoke IRL Check out my previous two videos for even more recommendations: 10 Destinations Japan Wide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkibTJmaXj0 10 Destinations from Kyoto & Osaka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmiOlUPZNvM&t=2s • Visiting Japan and want to experience something different? You'll love my travel guides - Beyond The Tourist Trail, Original and Kyoto Edition. They're comprehensive e-books written for adventurous travellers filled with hundreds of hidden gems in Japan with full detailed advice on how to visit (even with public transport). Available now on my website: https://geni.us/LH3eP Grab some merch: https://geni.us/channel-merch Support me on Patreon for exclusive content, never seen on youtube: www.patreon.com/currentlyhannah Instagram: www.instagram.com/currently.hannah I get my music from Musicbed: https://geni.us/musicbedref Here's all my filming gear: https://kit.co/currentlyhannah #currentlyhannah #japantravel #hiddengems