When we were children, we used to persistently search for a "hideout". Finding a suitable place was thrilling, and we would share it with only a few of our closest friends. Over time, our hideout would fade to a mere memory, becoming rusted and sometimes forgotten completely. Perhaps things haven't changed as much as we would think now that we’re adults. Have you ever become a regular at a record store or café tucked away in a small alley, a place you stumbled upon by chance? And perhaps, even though you wish for success for the owner, you might have thought, "I hope this place never becomes famous." If so, you have the spirit of a "hidden gem collector" flowing in your veins.
So, what is the travel style of a "hidden gem collector"? Do they prefer trending travel destinations famous on social media? Or do they seek out relatively unknown places, and retain their original beauty for that reason? If you belong to the latter group, or if you’ve always sought out popular destinations, but want to make your vacation a bit more special, this article may be helpful for you.
Japan
Enoshima ~ Kamakura
Thanks to its delicious food, clean streets, and friendly service, Japan has always been a popular tourist destination. While many cities are loved for their unique charm, the capital, Tokyo, is always crowded with people from all over the world. However, if you take a train ride of about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo, you can reach the Enoshima area, which embodies the often-mentioned "Japanese Vibe". Enoshima and Kamakura, with their charming and quiet suburban scenery, offer a glimpse of the true Japan within Japan. These areas are close enough to be reached by train, making them perfect for a quick day trip.
The official name of the area is Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and notable tourist attractions include the Enoshima Shrine, the lighthouse, and Lover’s Hill. As a port city, Enoshima is famous for its seafood, particularly Shirasu-don (anchovy rice bowl), which is especially popular. If you are not fond of seafood, there are plenty of other delicious options. For dessert, you can try some Senbei (a fried snack with various toppings) and sit by the ocean taking it all in.
A short 30 minute trip from Enoshima Station is Kamakura Kōkōmae Station. When you get off the train and cross the road, which is just a few steps away, the bluish Shichirigahama Beach spreads out wide before you. The three most visited sites in Kamakura are: Gokuraku-ji, Hase, and Kamakura Kōkōmae.
Gokuraku-ji is the setting of the movie Sea Village Diary (2015), and during the summer, has hydrangeas that resemble the color of the sea. If you are a fan of the Slam Dunk anime, you can visit the crossing in front of Kamakura High School, which served as the actual background for the series.
Miyamacho
If one were to choose the most Japanese city in all of Japan, "Kyoto" would be the first to be mentioned. Because it served as the capital of Japan for about a thousand years until the Meiji Restoration, there are many old temples and historical sites. However, if you travel a few kilometers away from downtown Kyoto, Miyamacho appears, where time seems to have stopped in the Edo period.
Miyamacho, a rural village with a population of about 33,000, has many traditional houses called Gassho-zukuri. Built during the Edo period, this type of house is small, wooden, and looks like it is wearing a fluffy fur hat. The government replaces these roofs every 30 years to preserve the tradition.
The roads of Miyamacho are quiet, the riverside is secluded, and the small temples in the forest are extremely peaceful. If you have some extra time in your Kyoto itinerary, consider spending a day in Miyamacho, perhaps at a cozy guesthouse soaking up the historical atmosphere.
Thailand
Khlong Bang Luang
Many travelers love the unique beauty of canal villages—a gently flowing river and colorful floating houses built around it. The sound of laughter from merchants on boats and children playing creates a delightful ambiance. In Bangkok, Thailand, there is a small canal village known as Bang Luang Canal Village, or Klong Bang Luang. This village, which is great to visit in combination with Wat Pak Nam, is not well known to tourists and is generally relatively quiet. One of the main attractions is a select shop called "Artist House", which is in one of the floating houses. As the name suggests, many local artists reside there.
In Bang Luang Canal Village, shops are lined up along the water's edge. Being an artist village, the area is full of shops selling their works of art. As you browse paintings, ceramics, and fabric items, delicious smells permeate the air. Merchants on small boats sell chicken skewers and other treats, but if you can, I recommend resisting the temptation and visiting a local restaurant nearby. Fried rice and stir-fried morning glory are popular dishes.
On most days at 2pm, you can catch a free puppet show held by village locals. This puppet show is performed by artists and college students from nearby universities. While there is no formal admission fee, donations are encouraged in the form of tips, so it’s good to keep this in mind.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin, the most beloved resort city among Thais, is also famous as a retreat for the Thai royal family. Located 200 km from downtown Bangkok, it requires a three-hour drive, but the peaceful scenery that greets you upon arrival compensates for the fatigue of travel. Unlike the golden splendor often associated with Thailand, the highlight of Hua Hin is its "elegant beauty". Since the government originally designated this area as a no-development zone, you can enjoy the old charm and leisurely pace of Thailand.
Hua Hin is considered a wealthy area, as the royal family built a summer villa here and visited every vacation season. Many rich Thais own houses in Hua Hin, and the sea itself has a European-style atmosphere, making it luxurious and unique. Even as an ordinary tourist, there is plenty to enjoy. Spend your day at Hua Hin Beach and finish the day with delicious food at the night market. In particular, the Hua Hin Train Station, built by the Rama Dynasty about 90 years ago, is a major tourist attraction. It offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the Thai royal family and holds high cultural value.
Indonesia
Bali - Nusa Penida
A trip to a remote island, rather than just a city trip, is so romantic that nothing else can compare. Perhaps that's why places like the Maldives and Bora Bora have long been cherished as honeymoon destinations for newlyweds. On our own planet, far away from the rest of the world, we can discover a true hidden gem.
Nusa Penida, also known as Penida Island, is a perfect example of a hidden gem. Located about a 40-minute boat ride from Denpasar, Bali, it is less known than the islands mentioned above, but it never loses in beauty.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunately becoming more popular on social media by the day. This is due to attractions like Kelingking Beach, whose topography resembles a tyrannosaurus rex, Giri Putri Temple located inside a deep cave, Atuh Beach that looks like a postcard, and Teletubby Hill with its surreal beauty. Penida Island is divided into Western and Eastern regions, each centered around major tourist attractions, and many people suggest scheduling a one-day tour for each region. It is also a great island for snorkeling, with diving spots scattered throughout.
Komodo Island
The unfathomably beautiful Pink Beach is right here on Komodo Island. As the name suggests, the sand on the beach is pink, and the scenery blends in with the crystal-clear sea water and is an absolute work of art. Komodo Island, located in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia, can be accessed by a 30-seater speed boat departing from Labuan Bajo Port. It is recommended to purchase a tour package from a travel agency allowing you to tour Pink Beach and Komodo National Park seamlessly without extra hassle. Many of these packages include snorkeling at Pink Beach.
As you might guess from the name, you can encounter the endangered Komodo dragon in Komodo National Park. It is a popular family travel destination because you can take an easy boat ride to this unique island and see giant Komodo dragons, which resemble prehistoric creatures, popular among children and nature lovers.
If you enjoy traveling and are the explorer type who enjoys discovering unfamiliar places, you might be curious about all the travel destinations introduced today. If you are a "hidden gem collector" type of traveler, who prefers to find and cherish unique destinations rather than common ones crowded with tourists, don’t hesitate. Go out now and begin collecting these gems.
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