Tranquil Japan: Autumn Getaways Perfect for Introverts

Traveling to a new city, or even another country, for the first time is always an exciting yet nerve-racking experience. After all, you’ll be exploring unfamiliar places that could live up to your expectations or surprise you unexpectedly. For introverts planning a trip to Japan, here are some peaceful destinations to ensure your vacation doesn’t go wrong.

1. Lake Biwa

The first destination is Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. It is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the world's oldest lakes. Lake Biwa spans 670 square kilometers and is surrounded by a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquility. The combination of calm rippling waters, cool air, and scenic landscapes makes Lake Biwa a favorite peaceful escape in Japan.

The great thing is, Lake Biwa is relatively easy to reach from major cities. If you want to enjoy its calm atmosphere, you can access the lake from Kyoto. Start your journey from Kyoto Station, take the JR Tokaido–Sanyo Line for JPY 200 (IDR 22,000), and get off at Otsu Station. From there, walk 1.2 kilometers to Hama-Otsu Nagisa Park, a lakeside park along Lake Biwa, and soak in the tranquility.

Also Read: From Harajuku to Kyoto: Explore Japan’s Unique Style and Aesthetics

2. Shirakawa Village

Shirakawa-go, or Shirakawa Village, is a cluster of small villages that were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. This historic village is located in the Ono District of western Gifu Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Haku.

Shirakawa Village spans 356.6 square kilometers and is home to 114 traditional gassho-zukuri houses that are more than 250 years old. These houses stand proudly amid green rice fields and rivers that weave through the landscape. In this secluded and remote village, you'll also find shrines, old charcoal houses, and open grasslands. This breathtaking scenery is what makes Shirakawa-go one of Japan’s most tranquil destinations.

To get there, you can take the JR Takayama–Hokuriku Line from Kanazawa for JPY 10,000 (IDR 1,109,000) with a travel time of 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nagoya Station, costing between JPY 3,600–4,700 (IDR 399,000–521,000), with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.

Also Read: 5 Cities in Japan Every Matcha Lover Must Visit

3. Hakodate

Still looking for a less crowded destination in Japan? Consider Hakodate, the southernmost city of Hokkaido Prefecture. Although it is the third-largest city in Hokkaido, its location at the southern tip of the island makes it much quieter than Japan’s bigger cities.

According to japan-guide.com, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese port cities to open for international trade in the past. As a result, the city was significantly influenced by foreign countries. This influence is reflected in its Western-style neighborhoods and fortresses, which are now major tourist attractions in Hakodate.

Being a coastal city, Hakodate also offers fresh seafood delicacies you won't miss. If you love food experiences like this, Hakodate definitely deserves a spot on your Japan itinerary! From Tokyo, you can reach Hakodate either by air (an 80-minute flight) or by land (around 5 hours).

If you choose to fly, you can take Japan Airlines, Air Do, or ANA, with ticket prices ranging from JPY 13,000 to JPY 44,000 (IDR 1,442,000–4,880,000). Then, you can continue your journey from Hakodate Airport to the city center by bus for JPY 500 (IDR 55,000). If you prefer traveling by land, you can take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then transfer to a local train to Hakodate Station. This land journey costs around JPY 24,000 (IDR 2,600,000).

So there you have it, peaceful travel destinations in Japan perfect for first-time visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun. May your solo trip to Japan go smoothly and be free from overwhelming crowds! For an even more worry-free experience, don’t forget to secure your journey with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia to protect your vacation. Enjoy your holiday in Japan!