What is Unexplored Japan?
Despite its mono-cultural reputation, Japan is a place of great diversity. Traditions, festivals, cuisine, dialects, and geography are amazingly different throughout the country. Unexplored Japan is a place to learn more about this often misunderstood country by exploring places not found in popular guidebooks.
This is not to say that you should avoid the places where everybody goes. Tokyo, Japan’s economic and political capital, is a huge melting pot of domestic and international cultures. It has some of the best food in the world, and endless things to do. Likewise Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is a virtual tour of Japan’s history, most important temples and shrines, and iconic scenery that has charmed millions. These places are popular for a reason. People from all over Japan move to the cities, and they provide a great introduction to Japan’s diversity.
Once you’ve explored the main tourist destinations and are ready to learn about the regional cultures you encounter there, it can be hard to find information. Unexplored Japan is here to introduce these lesser known people and places that have quietly contributed to the complex history and character of Japan.
Learning method
Discover what makes one place different from the next by exploring these key features:
- Geography. What features of the landscape make one place different from other places in Japan.
- History. Japan is thousands of years old, and each area is rich in events and folktales.
- Economy. How did people survive in this place, and how has that changed.
- Character. Communities in Japan almost always have something that they are well known for (a certain craft, food, or industry).
- Locals. No one knows a place better than those who live there. Talking to locals is how we learn about the spirit of a community.
Relax, open your mind, and begin to discover!
Corona / covid-19 notice
Unexplored Japan is based on the idea of interaction with local people. Unfortunately the never ending pandemic has prevented us from doing that.
In the meantime, please visit our more local website: Izu Rhythm
Thank you for your understanding!