Hidden Japan

Society EN ↓ 17 episodes

Hidden Japan is a short English-language podcast for international travelers and Japan-curious listeners. Each 6 to 8 minute episode walks through a single Japanese prefecture or DMO (Destination Management Organization) region, summarizing five highlights drawn from the area's official tourism board, JNTO's English destination pages, and regional DMO publications. The aim is not exhaustive coverage. The aim is to help a listener know, in under ten minutes, why a particular corner of Japan is worth a closer look — what the natural setting is, what the cultural and historical anchors are, what...

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Hidden Japan

Episodes

Fukui: Dawn at Eiheiji Temple and the Land of Dinosaurs 23.06.2026 7:35

A calm, friendly briefing on Fukui Prefecture — home to one of Japan's most atmospheric Zen temples, a world-class dinosaur museum, rugged Sea of Japan coastline, fresh seafood, and easy access from the new Hokuriku Shinkansen line.

Fukuoka: Hakata Yatai Stalls, Dazaifu Shrine, and the Gateway to Kyushu 16.06.2026 7:40

A friendly briefing on Fukuoka Prefecture — from the smoky magic of Hakata's open-air yatai stalls and the sacred grounds of Dazaifu to the city's role as the natural gateway into Kyushu island.

Nagano: Alpine Meadows in Early Summer and the Morning View from Matsumoto Castle 04.06.2026 7:41

A traveler's briefing on Nagano Prefecture, covering its early-summer alpine meadows, the iconic black towers of Matsumoto Castle, mountain hot springs, highland cuisine, and practical tips for getting there.

Ishikawa: Rainy Season in Kanazawa and the Craft Traditions of Kaga 02.06.2026 7:42

A calm, informative briefing on Ishikawa Prefecture — why its rainy season is a hidden advantage, how its samurai-era garden and craft traditions rival Kyoto's, and what a traveler needs to know before visiting.

Tokushima: The Pilgrim Trail and the Whirlpools of Naruto 30.05.2026 7:19

Tokushima Prefecture opens the ancient Shikoku pilgrimage and the churning whirlpools of Naruto to international travelers seeking something quieter and deeply Japanese.

Tochigi: Nikko, Nasu, and the Day-Trip North of Tokyo 28.05.2026 7:26

Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, offers travelers a rich mix of UNESCO-listed shrines, highland hot springs, farm-fresh cuisine, and some of Japan's finest autumn foliage — all within easy reach by shinkansen.

Gifu: Shirakawa-go and the Mountain Roads of Hida 26.05.2026 7:27

A traveler's briefing on Gifu Prefecture, from the UNESCO-listed thatched villages of Shirakawa-go to the quiet mountain roads, hot springs, and ancient crafts of the Hida region.

Kyoto Prefecture: A Quiet Window Before the Rainy Season 23.05.2026 7:02

A calm, seasonal guide to visiting Kyoto Prefecture in late spring, just before the rainy season arrives and the summer crowds take hold.

Three Roads Less Traveled: Aomori, Iwate, and Akita 21.05.2026 7:31

A friendly briefing on three overlooked routes through Japan's Tohoku region, covering the natural, cultural, and culinary highlights of Aomori, Iwate, and Akita that most international travelers walk right past.

Kagoshima: Volcanoes, Hot Springs, and the Flavors of Southern Kyushu 19.05.2026 7:34

A friendly traveler's briefing on Kagoshima Prefecture — its active volcano, samurai heritage, sand baths, island wilderness, and the bold flavors of southern Kyushu.

Toyama: Where the Tateyama Alps Meet the Japan Sea 16.05.2026 7:33

A calm, friendly briefing on Toyama Prefecture, guiding international travelers through its alpine grandeur, historic coastline, remarkable seafood, seasonal spectacles, and practical access tips.

Okinawa: How to Split a Trip Between the Main Island and the Outer Islands 14.05.2026 7:00

A friendly guide to dividing your Okinawa trip between the main island's history and culture and the remote outer islands' coral reefs and slow island life.

Setouchi Coastal Brief: Five Reasons the Inland Sea Slows Travelers Down 12.05.2026 7:13

A calm, friendly briefing on the Setouchi Inland Sea region, covering its island art scene, coastal cycling route, historic castle towns, seafood culture, and gentle travel pace.

Nara: The Deer City and the Ancient Roads of Yamato 09.05.2026 7:52

A friendly briefing on Nara Prefecture — Japan's ancient capital — covering its sacred deer, landmark temples, Yoshino's cherry blossoms, traditional crafts, and how to get there.

Central Hokkaido in May: Where Spring Arrives Late 07.05.2026 7:36

A friendly briefing on Central Hokkaido in May, covering the Furano and Biei landscapes, Asahikawa city culture, regional food, and practical travel tips for Japan's most unhurried spring.

Sand, Stone, and Sea: The San'in Coast in Late Spring 05.05.2026 7:16

A late-spring guide to the San'in Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, spanning Tottori and Shimane prefectures along Japan's dramatic Sea of Japan shoreline.

Akita in June: Five Official Highlights from the Prefecture's Tourism Board 30.04.2026 8:17

A calm, friendly briefing on five official highlights that make Akita Prefecture in northern Japan a rewarding destination to visit in June.