THE INSIDER


HAGI JAPAN


I used to live in this small town that sits on the Sea of Japan coast but is part of the Setouchi region. Virtually unknown by tourists, this coastal town has kept much of its samurai architecture and can still be navigated by 17th century maps. Cycle around the old castle, through the samurai streets, stop at the Hagi pottery kilns and enjoy sunset from the beach.


MATSUYAMA


Is your client keen to delve into the lesser-known areas of Japan? Well, there’s plenty of options.


Here, MATT SPILLER, agent sales manager at InsideAsia


Tours, recommends five largely undiscovered areas


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KOSHINETSU TOHOKU HOKURIKU


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Located on the Honshu mainland, this region incorporates the central Japanese alps, straddling Nagano, Niigata and Yamanashi. As such, it is home to some of the biggest mountains in Japan. The castle city of Matsumoto sits with the snow-capped peaks as its backdrop. The area is most famous for the snow monkeys in Nagano, which enjoy bathing in the hot springs.


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


SEPTEMBER 2019 ASPIRE 71


CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK


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