I’m Yannick. I’ve been living in Japan since 2019 and working in the travel industry here (I’ve worked for different companies, helping hundreds of thousands of travelers find amazing things to do and places to stay in Japan).
Recently, everyone has been talking about overtourism in Japan. There are “too many tourists”. But I don’t think that’s the real issue. Japan could welcome many more visitors. So what is the real problem?
For years, Japan has promoted modern Tokyo and authentic Kyoto. It’s invested in infrastructure, hotels, transportation, and English signage in these cities. And within them, the same spots appear in every guidebook, blog, YouTube video, and influencer feed.
This led to the real issue: everyone ends up in the same few places.
That said, I’m not saying you should skip the classics. Places like Shibuya, Senso-ji, or Fushimi Inari are iconic for a reason. Even after years living in Japan, I still love spending time in Shibuya. I never get tired of the energy there.
But if you only follow the must-see lists, you miss out on a huge part of what makes Japan special. Rural towns. Breathtaking nature. Quiet neighborhoods. Experiences that feel real, not curated for tourists.
So as a rule of thumb, I encourage you to spend 80% of your trip doing the obvious things—and use the remaining 20% to try something different. It doesn’t take much to shift your perspective.
That’s the approach I want to share here on YavaJapan.
Instead of the standard Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Tokyo itinerary, what if you added one or two more cities for just a few days? (And I don’t mean Hakone, Nara, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, or other “must-see” cities, which are just as crowded.)
A few ideas:
- Takayama
- Omihachiman
- Kagoshima
- Onomichi
- Naoshima
- Otaru
These aren’t “hidden gems.” You’ve probably heard of some. But they’re quieter, less touristy, and offer a different side of Japan.
But that’s not all. Japan actually wants you to explore beyond the big cities. JR offers regional rail passes for travelers. JAL even launched a free domestic flight campaign.
Take advantage of these. It’s a rare opportunity.
Even in Tokyo and Kyoto, I want to show you different ways to experience these places. Not just what you see on Instagram. But moments that feel closer to the Japan you imagine when you close your eyes: meeting locals, learning from masters, trying something hands-on.
And to make your trip easier, I’ve built a few free tools you can use to plan and budget. I’m adding more over time, and I hope you’ll find them useful.
Thanks for reading—and I hope this blog helps you see Japan a little differently.
Yannick