Hidden gems in Japan 🇯🇵
Jumping on the bandwagon for the viral white handwritten text, aesthetic doodle, hand-drawn annotation trend with ChatGPT.
📌 Kansui Park (Most beautiful Starbucks in the world)
Google Maps: 1 Minatoirifunecho, Toyama, 930-0805, Japan
After a 10 to 12 minute walk from Toyama station, we arrived at Kansui Park, a beautiful and peaceful spot with locals and tourists strolling or jogging around. From the bridge in front of Starbucks, I captured a stunning view of the Tateyama Mountain Range. I had read about the “must-visit” Starbucks in Japan, and this one at Kansui Park certainly worth the hype. Many visitors chose to sit outside and snap pictures of the stunning view of the Tateyama mountain range
📌 Koura Taisha Shrine
Google Maps: Japan, 〒839-0851 Fukuoka, Kurume, Miimachi, １
Koura Taisha Shrine is located on Mount Kōra and renowned for offering one of the best views in Kyushu. From here, you can see the iconic torii gate framed against a sweeping panorama of the city below. As the largest shrine in the region and a designated National Important Cultural Property, it is a place where locals come to cleanse bad luck and pray for longevity.
📌 Kiyosu Castle
Google Maps: Shiroyashiki-1-1 Asahi, Kiyosu, Aichi 452-0932, Japan
I took the Meitetsu-Nagoya Line to Kiyosu Station. From there, we followed Google Maps for a walk to Kiyosu Castle. We paid the entrance fee to visit the exhibitions, though they were all in Japanese. It was a great opportunity to learn about the history of the castle, even if we had to rely on the visuals to get the full experience.
📌 Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Google Maps: 8-1 Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0956, Japan
We took a tram ride to Suizenji Jojuen Garden, located in the eastern part of Kumamoto. It’s also accessible via the JR Hōhi Line. This traditional Japanese garden was built by the ruling Hosokawa family in the 17th century. The landscape is designed to represent the famous Tōkaidō road - which once connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto through miniature recreations of its post stations.
Within the garden, we came across みはらし, a small shop and restaurant selling souvenirs. They carried Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha at ¥2500 per tin.
We also stopped at Kokin Denju-no-ma, a charming teahouse with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the pond. The matcha was slightly bitter but still enjoyable, and it paired perfectly with the traditional sweet served alongside.
Visiting Japan is always an exciting adventure, especially when you step off the beaten tourist path to discover its lesser-known treasures. From my own travels, I found Kansui Park near Toyama Station to be a serene escape where nature and modern architecture blend beautifully. Sitting outside the Starbucks there, surrounded by calm water and the stunning Tateyama mountain range, offers a peaceful moment rarely found in typical city cafes. It’s amazing how a simple cup of coffee can become a memorable experience when paired with such inspiring views. Another unforgettable place was Koura Taisha Shrine in Fukuoka, perched on Mount Kōra. The shrine’s rich history is palpable, and standing before the iconic torii gate while overlooking the city below truly gave me a sense of timelessness. People come here to cleanse bad luck and pray for longevity, which adds a meaningful cultural layer to the visit. I highly recommend taking your time walking the paths as the surrounding natural beauty complements the spiritual atmosphere. Exploring Kiyosu Castle in Aichi Prefecture brought me back to Japan’s samurai era. Although the exhibitions were in Japanese, the visuals and preserved architecture vividly conveyed the legacy of Oda Nobunaga. The peaceful riverside setting and vibrant red structures enhance the historical experience. Walking through here feels like stepping into a different era, making it a perfect day trip for history enthusiasts. Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto was a highlight for me as well. This stunning garden, modeled after the historic Tōkaidō road, showcases the meticulous artistry of traditional Japanese landscaping. The tranquil teahouse, Kokin Denju-no-ma, overlooking the pond, provided a lovely spot to enjoy authentic matcha and traditional sweets, balancing slight bitterness with sweetness. It’s a place where time slows down, and the connection to nature and history becomes tangible. When traveling to Japan, I find seeking out these 'hidden gems' gives a richer experience than just visiting popular landmarks. Combining natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic local experiences makes every moment special. If you're planning your next trip, consider adding these spots to your itinerary for a peaceful yet deeply rewarding journey.
