Beyond Tokyo: 5 Incredibly Chill Destinations to Add to Your Japan Travel Itinerary

It’s next to impossible to visit Japan without seeing its neon-lit capital, Tokyo. But the crowds, the noise, and the sheer size of the city are likely to inspire travelers to seek a bit of zen away from the (admittedly fun) madness. Once you’re done maxing out your credit card in Ginza, getting your fill of ‘90s vintage steals in Shimokitazawa, and singing your heart out at one of Tokyo’s countless karaoke clubs, hop a train (Japan’s rail system is ah-mazingly efficient and simple to navigate) and check out some of the country’s lesser-known but equally incredible locales. Here are five places we visited on G Adventures’ Backroads of Japan tour.

Nagano

Tokyo might be welcoming the 2020 Summer Olympics, but Nagano beat ’em to it, hosting the Winter Games in 1998. Since then, this sleepy little mountain town has returned to its pre-Olympics (read: chill) pace. Start exploring the city at the Buddhist Zenkō-ji temple — it sits at the top of an avenue lined with shops selling locally made Japanese products like hand-printed silk scarves, all-natural body products, and pottery. Apples are a signature crop in Nagano thanks to the town’s high elevation, so keep an eye out for apple-infused desserts like the fish-shaped, apple-and-custard-filled taiyaki pastries, made to order and served hot off the grill. A half-day trip north of the city to the Jigokudani nature reserve, home to hot spring-bathing snow monkeys, is also a highlight.

Ōtsu

When the Japanese relax, they head to onsens — large saltwater baths with seriously zen vibes. Ōtsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, sits on Lake Biwa and is famous for its hot spring-fed baths. (They’re completely separate from the ones the monkeys use in Nagano, we promise.) Often attached to resorts or inns called ryokans, guests can wander around all day in slippers and casual kimono-style robes called yukata before stripping down to their birthday suits in order to enjoy the baths. If public nudity isn’t your thing — or if you happen to have tattoos, a no-no at onsens — private bookings are available for a little extra cash. While you’re in Ōtsu, try a kaiseki dinner. The traditional meal is made up of many small courses each presented like a tiny, edible work of art. (Photo via Getty)

Hagi

Steeped in history, Hagi is home to a unique ceramics scene and five designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most beautiful of which is the tiny city’s old Castle Town. Have your selfie stick on hand as you wander narrow streets lined with canals filled with some of the biggest koi fish you’ll ever see. This traditional Japanese neighborhood was once home to samurais who, after losing their jobs when feudalism was abolished in Japan, took to planting huge numbers of orange trees that still produce fruit today. Homestays are something every traveler should try at least once for a unique and deeper understanding of what life is like for locals. If homestays are new to you, the Hagi Homestay Association and Planeterra allow travelers to try the experience for one night as part of a larger tour — an ideal, low-commitment way to test out a new kind of travel. (Photo via Getty)

Tottori

The seaside town of Tottori, located on Honshu’s northwest coast just a few hours’ train ride from Kyoto, is known for one of the country’s most stunning natural elements. Don’t let the name “Tottori Sand Dunes” mislead you: This natural wonder is way more like a mini-desert covering nearly 20 square miles of dramatic landscape along the shore of the Sea of Japan. A hike through the park will take you past wind-formed sand cliffs that drop 147 feet to the water below. Adventurers can rent sandboards or fat-tired mountain bikes while Zen-seeking travelers can book sunrise yoga classes in the summer months. The best way to see the dunes, though, is to walk them, camera in hand, taking in their peaks and valleys and feeling like you’re on another planet as you go.

Kyoto

If Tokyo is Japan’s capital of cool, Kyoto is its capital of calm. While still a sizable and densely populated city, things move more slowly here and surprising pockets of stillness, artisanship, and natural beauty are around every corner. Must-see sights include the otherworldly Arashiyama bamboo forest (go very early in the morning to have the whole park, including its bird’s-eye views of the river, all to yourself), the iconic orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine (hundreds of them line the park), and Nishiki Market, a street food paradise where you can get what is arguably the best bowl of ramen in Japan.

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(Photos via author unless otherwise noted)

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After the ABC News presidential debate, Taylor Swift formally endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on Instagram. Swift has slowly, but surely, crept her way into more and more political involvement over the years, with her endorsements only getting bigger and bolder. Here’s what she had to say!

The beloved international pop star posted an image of herself and her adorable cat, Benjamin Button, to tell her audience about the importance of voter registration — and ultimately truth in an election. This call for truth follows images that circled the internet, exhibiting Taylor Swift fans — some real women, and some AI-generated — endorsing Donald Trump. One image features a shirt with a depiction of Swift with an Uncle Sam-esque look that reads, "Taylor Swift wants you to vote for Donald Trump!" The former President even shared these images on Truth Social, posting, "I accept!"

After addressing the Donald Trump-supporting AI-generated elephant in the room, she said, “The simplest way to combat misinformation is the truth. I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

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Swift went on to describe that Harris “fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.” She explained that she sees Harris as a “steady, gifted leader” who will ultimately help the country accomplish more through “calm and not chaos.”

The Grammy winner then talked about Vice Presidential candidate, Governor Tim Walz, noting that she was “heartened and impressed” by his selection for the ticket. She continued by praising how Walz “has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”

Swift closed out her statement, saying that she’s done her research and made a choice, and encouraging her audience to do the same. She highlighted the fact that first-time voters need to remember to register soon, and that she finds “it’s actually much easier to vote early.” With a callout to go to her link in bio for more voter resources, she signed her post in the only way she could: “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.”

The sign-off is in reference to a comment made by Republican Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator JD Vance. Vance previously alleged that the country was being run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.”

One thing we know about Miss Taylor Swift? You don’t wanna mess with her or her three cats.

Netflix

This massive political move comes five years after Swift’s Netflix documentary, Miss Americana — a film that followed her life post-Reputation and pre-Lover, but essentially acted as a “coming out” documentary for being a Democrat. In the documentary, she stressed to her family and team that she didn’t want to sit idly by while people’s rights are on the line. She said, “If you can just shift the power in your direction by being bold enough, then it won’t be like this forever.”

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Since then, she's endorsed Democratic State Senate hopeful, Phil Bredesen, and House of Representatives candidate, Jim Cooper, in the 2018 Tennessee elections. In her endorsement post, Swift explained that Bredesen's opponent, Marsha Blackburn, was a big concern for her. She wrote, "Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape." Swift continued, "She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values."

And while she noted her own political beliefs, Swift was sure to also remind folks that registering to vote is very important, no matter what!

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Though her efforts in Tennessee didn't turn out the way Swift wished, that didn't stop her from remaining politically involved. In the 2020 election, Swift took this a step further to endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on Twitter and in V Magazine. In the article, Swift expressed concern for a woman's right to choose, the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, global and health. This all came on the heels of the 2020 COVID pandemic and sweeping Black Lives Matter movement. She said, “I will proudly vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in this year’s presidential election. Under their leadership, I believe America has a chance to start the healing process it so desperately needs.”

And now her efforts continue for the 2024 general election. Swift's Instagram post has 8 million likes — and counting! — so far. Plus, since this post, a study conducted found that Swift gained over 165,000 followers on the platform. While not every single one of these Instagram users may be eligible U.S. voters, it does show the incredible influence Taylor Swift is able to wield at any given moment.

Ultimately, this Taylor Swift fan is just happy to see her able to express her opinions more freely, time after time.

Read Taylor Swift's Full Statement Here:

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"Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.

Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.

I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.

With love and hope,

Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady"

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We knew from the moment Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce partied at a Christmas bar that they were meant for each other. The celebrity couple has gone on Bahamas vacationsand spent time in Vegas, and Travis even showed up onstage at the Eras Tour! The more time they spend together, the more obvious it is that they are in L-O-V-E. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spent the weekend together celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Baltimore Ravens and watching the U.S. Open, and fans are hoping they'll make their red carpet debut at the MTV video music awards tonight. See the adorable pics from the weekend below!

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Fun-Filled Fall Weekend

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce started the weekend early with the Baltimore Ravens vs. KC Chiefs game on September 5. The global popstar showed up to support her beau in a denim corset & shorts set paired with red lipstick and thigh-high red boots (the latter of which might just be a Reputation (TV) Easter egg).

One X user tweeted, "The second season of NFL (Taylor’s Version) dropped tonight and I’m so happy." We couldn't agree more. Bring on the 'fits, Taylor!!

David Eulitt/Getty Images

Taylor definitely got into the spirit of the game — which is exactly how we respond to every single Eras Tourvideo.

The next night, Taylor and Travis had a dinner date at Brooklyn pizza join Lucali. Travis paired a cream sweater vest, striped pants, and a baseball cap. Taylor looked amazing as ever in a black bandeau and sheer bodysuit, shorts, and oversized blazer. If you weren't convinced that your fall wardrobe needs knee high boots, this look will do the job.

September 7 saw Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce arrive at Electric Lady Studios for model and singer Karen Elson wedding to Electric Lady Studios co-owner Lee Foster. The couple looked stunning in contrasting shades of cream and black, although it does have us wondering how close to white is too close when it comes to wedding guest dresses?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Taylor and Travis spent Sunday September 8 at the US Open with Patrick & Brittany Mahomes. Taylor definitely captured the last magic of summer with a red and white gingham dress and black sunnies, while Travis wore a Gucci polo shirt, sweater, and bucket hat.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The couple got cozy, sipped their drinks, and watched some football on the DL.

And the couple wrapped up their fun-filled weekend with a New York City date night, complete with a gorgeous Gucci mini dress.

Will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce be at the 2024 VMAs?

Taylor Swift/UMG/Youtube

We have all our fingers and toes crossed that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce finally make their red carpet debut at the 2024 MTV VMAs September 11. Considering they've been in New York all weekend, and Travis doesn't play until Sunday September 15, it is definitely possible for these stars to make it on the red carpet.

Taylor Swift has 12 nominations for the VMAs this year for her song "Fortnight," as well as the VMAs Most Iconic Performance for "You Belong With Me," Artist of the Year, and Best Pop, meaning it's more than likely she'll be at the event. Hopefully Travis will be with her!

Check out why The Internet Is Convinced Taylor Swift Is Engaged After This Viral Eras Tour Moment for more TayVis news!

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It Ends With Us is no stranger to controversy. The book, and its movie adaptation, follows the story of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively in the film), who finds herself in a domestic violence relationship when she falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (actor & director Justin Baldoni).

Over the last year, the project has created online conversations around everything from Lily's outfits to Brandon Sklenar's (who plays Atlas Corrigan) red carpet anxiety. And the latest chapter in the drama appears to be between Baldoni and Lively.

Internet users are speculating that there's been a creative control struggle between Baldoni and Lively throughout the process, especially now that rumors are swirling Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds hope It Ends With Us scores Lively an Oscar nomination. The actress also served as producer and was involved in everything from the script to the inclusion of Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet."

What happened between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

@deadline#JennySlate on working with #JustinBaldoni, who served as both scene partner and director to the actress in #ItEndsWithUsMovie♬ original sound - Deadline

Fans first noticed something seemed off when it was revealed Blake Lively, Brandon Skelnar, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover don't follow Justin Baldoni on Instagram (even though he follows them). Baldoni didn't take photos with the cast at the New York City premiere, and he also hasn't done any of the viral press with his costars. Plus, the fact that Baldoni's onscreen sister Jenny Slate dodged a question about him only makes this whole situation more odd.

When an Instagram user called Lively's behavior "disappointing," her brother-in-law Bart Johnson replied (via People), "I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her."

"The message is in the book. And in the movie. Not in short clips / interviews," he continues. "She is the reason the message / this movie/ is getting out. Were mistakes made? Yes. I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you."

The Hollywood Reporter reveals the cast and crew might have wrapped with two different cuts of the movie, citing creative differences between Baldoni and Lively, and sources told Page Six the studio went with Lively's "more feminine cut." (THR reports Lively commissioned Shane Reid, a Deadpool & Wolverine editor, for It Ends With Us, although the final project is credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.)

But the supposed feud might go deeper. A set source just revealed to People that not only have Blake and Justin been at odds, but apparently "the principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him."

"All is not what it seems," the source continues. "There is much more to this story."

Sources told The Daily Mail Baldoni was "chauvinistic" and "borderline abusive" during the filming process.

“The tension was so obvious,” an It Ends With Us on-set source told Page Six. “Once she was done with the scene she was really impatient, said, ‘Am I done? Can I go?,’ and as soon as they said ‘yes,’ there was like a Blake-size hole in the wall...She was so outta there.”

There are rumors Justin Baldoni made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable in her postpartum body (she gave birth to fourth child Olin in February of 2023; the movie began filming in May of 2023), and that he asked an on-set trainer how much she weighed before filming a scene where he has to pick her up. Baldoni reportedly has back problems and wanted to make sure he didn't injure himself. Lively also reportedly felt like the actor & director lingered too long during a kissing scene.

But throughout the whole press cycle, Justin Baldoni has been the only member of the cast raising awareness for domestic violence, and praising the strength of DV survivors.

During the premiere for the film, Baldoni told ET, "This is a night for all the women who we made this movie for...If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie."

Will Justin Baldoni direct It Starts With Us?

In addition to this video from set, where Lively and Baldoni look like they're in a visionary standoff, Baldoni just revealed he probably won't step back into the role of director if 2022's It Starts With Us is also adapted.

"I think that there are better people for that one," he tells Entertainment Tonight at the August 6 NYC premiere. "I think Blake Lively's ready to direct, that's what I think."

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Amid the internet frenzy, people are coming to Baldoni's defense, praising his vulnerable Man Enough podcast. AnIt Ends With Us extra even recounted how kind and attentive he was on set.

And while Lively has always been praised as an "unproblematic queen," fans of the book wish official press for the movie centered on domestic violence awareness as much as Baldoni's one-on-one interviews do. Instead, she's filmed funny baking videos, promoted her Betty Buzz and Blake Brown brands, and encouraged viewers to "wear your florals" to see the movie.

She finally touched on the themes of the movie in an August 13 Instagram story, providing a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, while The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Justin Baldoni has hired PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid the It Ends With Us drama. Nathan represented Johnny Depp during the 2022 Amber Heard trial.

On September 10, a source told People that Blake Lively felt "surprised," "vulnerable and upset" about all the It Ends With Us drama. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

Check back here for updates on the situation.

What did you think of It Ends With Us? Let us know in the comments.

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This post has been updated.

If you grew up on fantasy books, you’ve probably dreamed of taking classes at Hogwarts and escaping to Narnia more times than you can count. But for the niche group of The Magic Faraway Tree readers who wish they could visit the Land of Birthdays in real life, living out your fantasies isn’t such a faraway concept anymore — Enid Blyton’s classic British children’s series is officially being adapted for the big screen!

The Magic Faraway Tree is an upcoming family adventure film about three children who climb a magical tree, meet the wonderful creatures who live inside, and travel to fantastical lands. It’s the kind of movie that will give you alllll the nostalgic feels even if you didn’t grow up on the books (though its absolutely stacked cast probably did!). The film is currently in production, with principal photography having started in June. Here’s everything we know so far about The Magic Faraway Tree.

What is the main plot of The Magic Faraway Tree?

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The Magic Faraway Tree Plot

When the Thompson family moves to the English countryside, the three children — Joe, Beth, and Frannie — “discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man," according to Variety. When they reach the top of the tree, the children "are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.”

When is the Magic Faraway Tree coming out?

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The Magic Faraway Tree Release Date

The Magic Faraway Tree is currently filming, which means we could see it in the fall or winter of 2025. This would be the perfect movie for the holiday season!

​Who is starring in the movie?

Joe Maher/Amy Sussman/Robert Okine/Getty Images

The Magic Faraway Tree Cast

Joe, Beth, and Frannie’s actors have yet to be announced, but the adult cast is chock-full of familiar names. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are set to play the children’s parents, Tim and Polly. (The film’s screenwriter cheekily said, “I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen.”) Nicola Coughlan will be playing a woodland fairy named Silky, and Rebecca Ferguson will be playing one of the film’s villains, Dame Snap.

Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, and Dustin Demri-Burns are also in the cast.

Who is writing and directing the movie?

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Fans of the Faraway Tree series can breathe a sigh of relief — the film is in great hands. The Magic Faraway Tree’s screenwriter, Simon Fanaby, is no stranger to adapting beloved British children’s classics from page to screen. He’s one of the pens behind Wonka and Paddington 2, which is a great sign that The Magic Faraway Tree is sure to be as whimsical and fun as the books it’s adapting.

A less familiar name (unless you’re a fan of BBC’s Black Ops) is Ben Gregor, who has been tapped to direct the film. According to his talent agency, Gregor specializes in making comedies with visual flair. This writer/director combo is magical.

​Will The Magic Faraway Tree be a franchise?

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The Magic Faraway Tree seems to be a standalone film at the moment. The book series it’s based on is made up of four books total: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree. Although the movie gets its name from the second book, its plot seems more similar to that of the first book. It’s very possible that the movie will incorporate all four books in one since plans for a franchise have yet to be announced.

I may be in my twenties, but I’ll happily be joining elementary schoolers at AMC on opening night when The Magic Faraway Tree hits theaters! Can't get enough of all things fantasy? Check out the latest Wicked movie news.

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Adding our favorite Gilmore Girls quotes into everyday conversations might be our favorite pastime, but there's nothing like having a piece of the show with you, whether you're wearing a Luke's Diner tee or cuddling some ADORABLE Rory and Lorelai plushies. And thanks to all the goodies in the new Gilmore Girls advent calendar, Stars Hollow can touch every single part of our lives. (Well, even more than it already does).

This new holiday item, from Insight Editions, is the perfect gift to surprise any GG fan with, or to grab for yourself in the "treat yourself" spirit. (Lorelai would definitely approve!). The best part about having an advent calendar is that a lot of the items are small enough to fit right in your purse or pocket, meaning you can carry a piece of Stars Hollow with you wherever you go!

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The new Gilmore Girls advent calendar features 25 treats total, including patches, keychains, buttons, magnets, stickers, washi tape, and ornaments. Your bullet journal, denim jackets, key ring, and fridge are all about to get a dose of Gilmore magic ;).

Not only does the cover of the calendar feature the Gilmore girls themselves (plus Luke and Sookie), but the inside has 25 Easter eggs from the show — from beloved business signs to the gazebo to daisies and dragonflies, this is the perfect gift for anyone who knows this show like the back of their hand.

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You can buy the Gilmore Girls advent calendar for under $40 on retailers like Amazon and Books a Million.

Will you be trying out this new Gilmore Girls advent calendar? I'm hoping it includes a Dragonfly Inn keychain 👀. Tag us with all the goodies on Instagram!

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