Many people who travel to Japan know about all the tourists spots in Japan. The famous temples and castles are frequently visited, and famous sight-seeing destinations are populated with tourists and citizens alike. But for those who enjoy doing the less popular things or for those who would just like a change of pace from the classic destinations may enjoy what this list has to offer. These are the lesser known places that Japan has to offer. Although some of these places are still relatively well-known, in the grand scheme of things, these places are overlooked in favor of the most popular destinations.

1. Wisteria Tunnel

The Wisteria Tunnel in the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu is a great place to visit if you enjoy botanical gardens. The Wisteria Garden is just one feature of the Gardens, but it is one of the most popular views in the place. The pink, purple, and white wisteria flowers overhang a tunnel structure creating a whimsical look and evoking a magical feeling. Late April and early May is the best time to visit as that is when the flowers are in bloom.

2. Okunoshima 

Okunoshima is a small island located in Takehara, Japan. This island has a dark history involving the production of poison gas, and now there is a Poison Gas Museum educating people about its past on the island. Now it is better known for the hundreds of rabbits that inhabit the island, many of them so used to humans that they come right up to your feet. There are no natural predators on the island which has allowed them to thrive to the populations they have now. For those who are animal lovers and interested in Japan's history, this is the perfect place to visit!

3. Yokai Street

Yokai Street is a street in Kyoto that has many different statues of monsters lining it. The statues are all found in traditional Japanese folklore, fables, and children's stories. They are usually decorated in front of shops and serve as guardians to the shops. A parade where people dress up as the monsters is held annually to celebrate the tradition of this place and of local folklore.

4. Gyokusendo Cave

Gyokusendo Cave is a more frequented but still lesser known place to visit in Japan. Located in the Okinawa prefecture, this great limestone cave can be explored due to the walkways, bridges, and stairs that have been placed within the cave. There is also an underground river within the cave illuminated by lights. This is the perfect destination for those who crave a little adventure and want to explore deeper into Japan, literally! There are multiple other caves in Japan, like the Ryusendo Cave, that can be explored so be sure to check those out as well.

5. Tenshou-Kyousha shrine(mermaid mummy)

Tenshou-Kyousha Shrine houses what people call the Fiji mermaid mummy. The mummy resembles something of a cross between a monkey and a fish thus getting its reputation as a mermaid. This is an interesting place to come if you are interested in Japanese folklore as the story behind the origins of the remains run along those lines. This is fairly hard place to access as no public transportation goes to the shrine, but is a neat place to check out if you can make it there.

6. Oku-Iya Kazurabashi bridge

Oku-Iya Kazurabashi is located in Iya Valley in Oboke Gorge and are a series of vine, suspension bridges that hang over the valley. While the bridges have been reinforced to make it more stable for those brave enough to cross it, those who have a fear of heights may find it difficult to cross it. 

7. The mummified monks of Dainichibo Temple 

There is a temple on Mount Yudono in Tsuruoka called Dainichibo that houses a mummified monk, shokushinbutsu. These mummified monks actually went through a grueling process to ensure that their bodies would become mummified. Many monks would attempt this process in efforts to reach enlightenment. Many have attempted, but it is believed that only a fraction of them succeeded in the self-mummification process and those that did are held in high-esteem. This temple is a thought-provoking and fascinating place to visit. 

8. Gunkanjima Island

Gunkanjima also known as "battleship island" is an island of the coast of Nagasaki. Once a densely populated, mining island, the island is now completely abandoned and the mines are no longer in use. There is a lot of history involving this island, so for those interested in Japan's history, of all kinds, may enjoy visiting here, as well as those who enjoy visiting abandoned places. Presently they offer tours onto the island so that you can view what once was.

9. Yunessun Spa Resort

Yunessun Spa Resort is an interesting place to visit for those looking for an interesting and wild spin on the traditional onsen. Located in the Hakone prefecture, this theme-park resort offers onsens in interesting "flavors." They offer a green tea bath, a wine bath, and even a ramen broth bath. For those who aren't too keen on trying the traditional, public bath, these onsens are co-ed, child-friendly, and function more as pools due to the use of swimwear, so it may feel more comfortable for first-timers.   

10. Chinoike Jigoku

In Beppu, Japan, there is a steaming-hot reddish hot spring that is known as Chinoike Jigoku or "Bloody Hell Pond." It is part of a series of "hellish" hot springs but Chinoike Jigoku is located a distance away from the other springs. The hot spring gets its color from the iron oxide found at the base of the park. The spring is not used for bathing, but the sight itself is fascinating enough. This is an interesting spot to visit and you can also pick up some skin care goods from the mud in the spring as well!