Just Before the Summer Three-Day Weekend! 5 Hidden Gems to Enjoy While Avoiding the Crowds
The summer 3-day weekend (July 20–22) is just around the corner. That said, popular tourist spots tend to get crowded… So this time, we’ve carefully selected an
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The summer 3-day weekend (July 20–22) is just around the corner.
That said, popular tourist spots tend to get crowded…
So this time, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce “hidden gems where you can enjoy summer nature and city strolls while avoiding the crowds”.
All of these are places you can enjoy even with same-day reservations or on a day trip.
1. Hokuto City, Yamanashi: “Cool Trails of the Kiyosato Highlands”
The Kiyosato Highlands, at an elevation of over 1,200 meters, are accessible in about two and a half hours from central Tokyo.
The meadows where refreshing breezes blow through and the soft-serve ice cream at Seisenryo are famous even among locals.
With many routes suitable for beginner hikers, it’s also a hidden gem as a summer retreat.
2. Omihachiman, Shiga: “A Quiet Moment Amid Canals and Retro Streetscapes”
Venture a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto to this quiet town of Omi merchants.
As you glide along on a boat tour of the Hachiman Canal, time flows at a leisurely pace.
There are relatively few tourists, and it’s an excellent spot for taking photos.
3. Matsushima, Miyagi: “A ‘Contrarian Trip’ to Capture the Spectacular Morning Glow”
Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Great Views, is crowded with tourists during the day, but a visit in the early morning is a true hidden gem.
We recommend a solo trip with your camera in hand, gazing at the islands—both large and small—bathed in the morning glow.
4. Okayama, Ushimado: “Relaxing Island Time in ‘Japan’s Aegean Sea’”
Ushimado, a quiet port town in the Seto Inland Sea, has an atmosphere reminiscent of an overseas resort.
It’s also fun to take a ferry to a small island and leisurely explore it on a rental bike.
Stylish cafes are dotted throughout the area.
5. Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi Onsen: “Rivers, Hot Springs, and Old-World Charm”
Located in central Kyushu, Hitoyoshi is known as a hot spring resort along a mountain stream.
The SL Hitoyoshi steam train and retro shopping district are also major attractions, making it a rare hot spring destination that remains relatively uncrowded even in summer.
Summary
Avoid the crowds at popular tourist spots and enjoy a quiet, relaxing trip.
This kind of “off-the-beaten-path summer trip” might be the perfect choice for a three-day weekend.
The moment the idea strikes you is the best day to set out.
We hope this serves as a helpful reference for those who have been struggling to decide on a destination.
The information in this article is current as of July 18, 2025. Please plan your trip safely, taking into account local weather and traffic conditions.