Hey there everyone! Alek from Revealing Japan here.
Today, I want to talk to you about tourism in Japan and how to make your trip not only easier but also more intriguing.
Visiting Japan is an adventure in itself, with countless places to see and new experiences to savor. To truly explore all of Japan, you’d need at least two years of constant travel. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t have that kind of time, money, or physical stamina.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with hotspots like Shibuya, Kyoto, and Osaka, but have you heard of Gero, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Unuma, and Inuyama?
All these hidden gems are located in or near Gifu Prefecture (Inuyama is just five minutes from Unuma, which sits on the border between Gifu and Aichi Prefecture).
Sure, Kyoto and Shibuya are wicked fun, but they’re not the “real” Japan. Do you know why? Take a guess…
That’s right! These places have adapted to cater to tourists and foreigners, offering the “best experience.” People wear traditional outfits, are “friendly” and attentive, and many speak a bit of English.
You get the “foreigner treatment.” To say you experienced the real Japan by going to these hotspots is similar to saying Olive Garden is authentic Italian food and Chipotle is authentic Mexican food.
On top of that, these places are packed all year round. No matter when you visit, you’ll see familiar faces in Kyoto’s cramped alleys, looking for the next selfie spot.
And there’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t you want to have a real Japanese experience?
Gifu is the closest you can get to the REAL JAPAN.
Gifu City itself is a perfect blend of countryside charm and city convenience. It’s neither too crowded nor deserted, offering a harmonious mix of greenery and urban life.
The nightlife is amazing too. You can go out drinking, wearing your Rolex, without worrying about getting robbed or tricked into those pesky foreigner trap bars (like the ones in Kabukicho).
There’s a wide variety of bars and snack bars (a special type of Japanese bar) to choose from.
Gifu, Nagoya, and Osaka are renowned for their flavorful cuisine, unlike the Kanto area. Try comparing Hamamatsu eel with eel from Seki City (shoutout to Kakumaru).
And let’s not forget the many other places we’ve introduced on the channel.
