Japanese tour guide says most Aussies are skipping the 'best part' of the country

Japan is so hot right now - the country has seen a 60 per cent uptick in Australian visitors compared with pre-COVID figures.

But according to one Japanese tour guide, we're all missing out on some of the best parts of the country. 

If you want to see the best of Japan, she reckons you need to leave Tokyo and Kyoto behind, and head south. 

DEAL: Get 30 per cent off a stay at Discovery Parks in huge sale

The southern regions of Japan are more laid-back, with fewer crowds and more chances to get out into nature, says Akiko Enoki, a senior tour guide for Bunnik Tours.

"One of my favourite experiences in Japan is visiting Matsuyama," Akiko tells 9Travel.

Built in the 1600s, it is one of Japan's 12 original castles that are still standing today.

View gallery

The best places to visit in Japan - besides Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

"Visiting here during cherry blossom season is especially magical, as you'll get to see more than 200 cherry trees in full bloom," she says.

While the "golden triangle" of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is still worth visiting, Akiko says you need to venture out of this touristy area to see the "real", authentic Japanese culture.

READ MORE: Always cold on the plane? Flight attendants say avoid these two mistakes

"The best way to really immerse yourself in the local culture is to get involved in interactive experiences with the local people," Akiko says. 

"Experiences like paper making, calligraphy classes or indigo dyeing allow you to meet, talk to and laugh with the locals! There's no better way to get to know the culture."

Akiko has been leading Japan tours with Bunnik since 2016, and helped design their new Best of Southern Japan itinerary - which includes these local cultural experiences. 

READ MORE: Simple thing to do on holidays that can save you money and time

The south of Japan is also famous for its hot springs and bath houses, which Akiko says are an important part of traditional Japanese culture.

She also recommends travellers add the famous "Hell Steam Cuisine" of Beppu to their must-try lists, which are dishes cooked using the mineral-packed steam from the hot springs. 

READ MORE: How a weekend away in Mudgee reconnected me to life's simple joys

If you're heading to Japan any time soon, Akiko has some tips for savvy travellers. 

First of all, taking off your shoes is a very important custom in Japan. "Your shoes should be taken off as soon as you enter someone's home, or even when you go into a restaurant or temple. This is a sign of respect." 

"So when you come to Japan, make sure you bring comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off.

Another big cultural difference that travellers should know is that Japan is a very clean place - and that's because locals tend to take all their rubbish home with them. 

"In Japan, it is very clean and there are no rubbish bins on the street," says Akiko. "We are taught from a very young age that we must take our rubbish back home with us."

"So when I start my day on tour, my bag is empty, and by the time I get home, it is full with my rubbish from the day."