My holiday to Japan in a nutshell- Part 2

Japan's southern region boasts vast, dramatic landscapes and significantly fewer tourists compared to the rest of the country—some areas are nearly deserted. In many ways, this part of Japan is its most authentic and least explored. You won't regret stepping away from Honshu for a while. It will truly be the highlight of your holiday to Japan, trust me. 

A Journey Along Shikoku's Pilgrimage Trail

One of the main attractions in Shikoku is its 88-temple pilgrimage trail, which has been drawing both Buddhists and ecotourists for centuries. Even if you don't hike the entire trail, the journey over the Great Naruto Bridge from Osaka can still be rewarding, although I admit it can be difficult to leave Osaka behind. After all, who wants to depart from the city that introduced us to delicious takoyaki octopus fritters?

One of my favourite shrines in Shikoku is Kotohira Gu, which is easily accessible on a day trip from Takamatsu city. It is located on the island's northern shore near the popular Konpira Onsen hot springs. Nestled on a hillside wrapped by towering trees, Kotohira Gu features architecture that dates back to either the first or 12th century, depending on who you ask. Visiting this shrine provides both enlightenment and a workout, as reaching the inner shrine requires climbing more than 1,300 steps!

Experience Nature That's Otherworldly, Even for Japan

One of the most fascinating natural wonders in southern Japan is the Naruto Whirlpools, located just beneath the Naruto Bridge, which connects Shikoku to Honshu via Awaji Island. Don't worry—despite their name and the way they spin your tourist boat, they won't let you be harmed in any way.

Another must-see natural spot in Shikoku is the Iya Valley, a dramatic region south of Tokushima that features towering gorges, crystalline blue rivers, and rural rope bridges. Although these bridges may look rickety, they are safe to cross.

Tantalise Your Taste Buds Like Never Before

Travellers who venture off Japan's main tourist trail are often surprised by the diversity of Japanese cuisine. While there's never a bad time for sushi, my life wouldn't be complete without crispy okonomiyaki pancakes or delicious tonkatsu pork cutlet.

When you make it south to Shikoku or Kyushu, there are countless options to satisfy your hunger. In Shikoku, my favourite dish is udon soup, which combines tender beef with thick wheat-flour noodles found in and around the city of Marugame. When you arrive in Nagasaki, be sure to try the lemon ramen at Always restaurant. Although it's not characteristic of Kyushu cuisine, it's a taste you won't find anywhere else in Japan.

Discover a Different Side of Japanese Cities

Speaking of Nagasaki, it's one of many cities in Kyushu and Shikoku that offers a different perspective of urban Japan, unlike the massive agglomerations of Tokyo and Osaka. Nagasaki brags one of the best night views in all of Japan, as well as a unique and tragic history related to the atomic bomb dropped during World War 2.

Fukuoka, on the other hand, mixes modernity with historical sites. Kagoshima serves as the gateway to Yakushima Island, which I'll discuss in more detail shortly. Although Shikoku is smaller than Kyushu, it offers a variety of small to medium-sized cities waiting to be explored. 

Commune with Ancient Cedars

Visiting Kagoshima not only allows you to experience Japan's southernmost major city but also provides easy access to subtropical Yakushima Island. This island is renowned for its landscapes that evoke both Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, as well as its huge cedar trees that are many years old. While secondary and tertiary destinations in many countries usually deserve their lower rankings on people's bucket lists, it's completely opposite in Japan. 

Kyushu and Shikoku are every bit as earning of your time and attention as Kyoto and Tokyo and perhaps even more so. Whether you choose to plan your own trip or join a memorable tour with a fantastic company, exploring Japan's deep south will reward you in countless ways. Plan your holiday to Japan with Blue Lotus Vacations UK.