The Sapphire Route: our curated itinerary of lakes and sea – blue water landscapes linked into one unhurried journey.
Current as of: 2025-12-14 JST Part of my Calmcation in Japan guide to the country’s quietest escapes. Route Overview The Sapphire Route takes you through the pristine blue landscapes of Hokkaido and Tohoku, from the urban energy of Sapporo to…
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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