Japan is like an onion, and the more times you visit this fascinating land of dynamic metropolises, imperial palaces, and thousands of shrines and temples, the more layers you can peel back, uncovering another side to the Land of the Rising Sun that few other tourists see.

Sure, first-timers to Japan should definitely make a beeline for the main tourist hot spots, such as Mount Fuji in Tokyo, a traditional Sumo tournament, the temples of Kyoto and the delicious street food in Osaka.

But scratch beneath the surface of Japan’s major cities, and what you’ll find is a whole new world, steeped in centuries of culture and rich heritage.

Here are seven off-the-beaten-track experiences you’ll find in some of Japan’s bigger cities which are guaranteed to give you – or your clients – a different taste of Japan.

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