The Ruby Route: our curated itinerary through volcanic Kyushu – calderas, hot springs, and the island’s fiery south.
Imagine waking up completely surrounded by a serene forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees onto your bed. This isn’t a dream, but an experience offered at COMOREBI Yufuin, a luxury glamping resort in Oita, Japan. This article provides a…
Current as of: 2025-12-14 JST Route Overview The Ruby Route takes you through Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost major island, where geothermal wonders, active volcanoes, and unique hot spring experiences define the landscape. This 7-day itinerary celebrates the raw power of nature,…
Current as of: 2025-12-17 JST Introduction While the Golden Route (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) remains Japan’s most popular itinerary, the country offers far more to discover beyond these well-trodden paths. We present three carefully curated routes that showcase Japan’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and…
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Nearly every image on Hidden Japan Gems was photographed by me on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan; a few licensed photos fill the gaps. Please don't re-use my photos without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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