'We glided over a mountain and I gasped.' 5 life-changing locations to visit in Japan. 

Japan was the location of my first overseas trip, chosen solely because there was a criminally low offer on flights available at the time.

Even then, my friends and I had to scrape together the pennies from our first full-time jobs to afford even that, but boy was it worth it.

Fast forward more than 15 years later and I recently returned to the beautiful country that had provided my first overseas adventure.

Since I had crossed the majority of the big ticket items off my list the first time around (including the less cultural hotspots, even though Tokyo Disneyland will always hold a special place in my heart) this trip was about venturing a little further off the usual tourist path.

Here are five unmissable Japan experiences to add to your travel list immediately.

Enoshima

If you're looking for a location with epic views and a wealth of history, then Enoshima is the destination for you.

A small island located off the Shonan coast of Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, Enoshima is accessible via a bridge (that you can walk as well as drive over, making the island extremely family-friendly because you can bring a stroller) and features three historic shrines called Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, scattered across the island. A bow, clap, and a coin toss at each shrine allows you to make a wish as you take in the many fascinating stories behind the historic area.

The sights of Enoshima. Image: Supplied. 

During your walk around the island to visit the shrines, you can also wander down the charming Nakamise Street, which is teaming with local stores, restaurants, and delicious street food. 

This is where you can try an ice cream sprinkled with small fish or visit Asahi, a store that specialises in maruyaki tako senbei. Which is basically large rice crackers with octopus pieces pressed into it (delicious).

Many treats can be found while wandering through the charming Nakamise Street in Enoshima. Image: Supplied. 

Of course, one of the true highlights of the island is a visit to the Enoshima Sea Candle, a perfect location to visit with kids as the building’s elevator makes even the highest floor easily accessible for families. Children can also enjoy peering through the building’s binoculars on the indoor level, which adds an extra air of adventure to visiting the heights of the Sea Candle.

From the top of this lighthouse observation tower, you are gifted with the most breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding areas. I could have spent hours staring out across this view and not grown tired of it. The Sea Candle has two observation decks, the primary indoor deck, and a secondary outdoor deck, and this view alone is worth a trip to the island.

"If you're looking for a location with epic views and a wealth of history, then Enoshima is the destination for you." Image: Supplied.

Hakone Open Air Museum

I know not everyone is a fan of adding museums to their holiday itineraries, but trust me when I say you've never seen anything quite like the Hakone Open Air Museum. It should at the top of your list for upcoming family trips.

Founded in 1969, Hakone Open Air Museum – which is located in the city of Hakone just two hours drive away from Tokyo – became Japan’s first outdoor open-air museum of art. It's one of the few locations in the world where you'll find yourself just as mesmerised by the stunning views as you are by the art.

Against the beautiful backdrop of Mt Hakone, you can wander through this beautiful space and take in the 120 masterpieces created by famous modern and contemporary sculptors.

"You've never seen anything quite like the Hakone Open Air Museum." Image: Supplied 

Once you've finished touring the artwork, you can continue enjoying the breathtaking mountain views from inside the museum's Bella Foresta restaurant, which is one of the most delicious buffets I've ever visited. The menu includes an array of traditional Japanese treats along with some great options for kids including chips, fried chicken, and adorable bite-sized desserts.

The Hakone Open Air Museum is also an incredibly child-friendly venue that encourages children to engage with art and history in a fun and very hands on way. 

"The Hakone Open Air Museum is a child-friendly venue with plenty of space surrounding each artwork." Image: Supplied.

There is even a glorious children-only space located on the museum grounds, where kids can step inside a large wooden dome and play within a giant hammock made of many colourful, interconnected hand-knit nets. This is very much a hands-on piece of artwork which allows kids to experience colours and form with their entire body. All while climbing, jumping, and sitting on the balls.

At the Hakone Open Air Museum, strollers are also available free of charge at the Main Gallery and New Gallery Information Desk.

Don't forget lunch at Bella Foresta restaurant. Image: Supplied

Eat at Yokohama Chinatown

During my first visit to Japan I didn't add Yokohama Chinatown to my list, only because I was not aware of its history. I now know it's the largest Chinatown in Japan, but that alone is not the only reason you should visit.

Just wandering through the winding alleys and side streets of Yokohama Chinatown is an adventure all by itself, as it's packed with specialty stores, restaurants, and street food vendors selling treats you won't find anywhere else in Tokyo.

The beauty of Yokohama Chinatown. Image: Supplied.

While you're travelling, the best way to discover the most delicious places to eat is to see where the locals are lining up and then join them in the queue. That's exactly what led me to one of the most delicious meals I've enjoyed in Tokyo.

Shichifuku offers two kinds of all-you-can-eat deals and it's an option you'll definitely want to take them up on. The crab dumplings, steamed buns and spicy eggplant were particular favourites (the eggplant, in particular, was so good we ordered a second round) and the share style method of dining makes it a great option for groups or families on holiday.

The delicious food at Shichifuku in Yokohama Chinatown. Image: Supplied

Hakone Ropeway

The Hakone Ropeway, which runs between Gora Station to Togendai Station to the shores of Lake Ashinoko, is the most-ridden ropeway in the world. And once I boarded one of those glass-encased gondolas that sweeps you up and across the mountain tops, it was easy to see why.

One moment I was peering out of the gondola into the sea of green trees below and the next moment we glided over a mountain ridge and I gasped out loud when I looked down. The view made it instantly feel like I'd been transported to the scene of some epic sci-fi movie.

This is because we had reached the epicentre of volcanic activity in Hakone, known as Owakudani.

"You can board a glass-encased gondola that sweeps you across the mountain tops." Image: Supplied.

Although it was clear to see why, once upon a time, this area was known as "Great Seething Valley", or "Hell Valley". Owakudani is centred around a crater that was created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone more than 3000 years ago, and sections of this area are still considered active volcanic zones.

Here you can see sulphurous fumes, with steam and smoke, popping up across the deadened valley, which is beautifully desolate as nothing can grow there.

Now, you wouldn't expect to find some unmissable treats in the depths of "Hell Valley" yet that's exactly what's waiting for you there.

Once you jump off the gondolas, you can purchase the famous 'black eggs' which are cooked in Owakudani's hot spring pools until their shells are blackened by the sulfur.

While we were there, the locals promised us that if you eat just one of these eggs, you can prolong your life by seven years.

And if you're not into eggs, you can still get into the volcanic spirit by enjoying a charcoal ice cream before you jump back on The Hakone Ropeway.

While a visit to "Hell Valley" might not seem like a particularly family-friendly outing, going by the name alone, I can assure you that the many families and children excitedly pilling onto those gondolas along with us would tell a different story.

"Enjoy a charcoal ice cream before you jump back on The Hakone Ropeway." Image: Supplied. 

The gondolas are completely enclosed with plenty of comfortable seating, making them the perfect way for families to take in the sights and history of Owakudani.

And once you disembark you can take in the sights of the valley from the easily accessible viewing platforms and pop into the gift shop which is brimming with local toys and treats.

Stay at Mikawaya Ryokan

I've never had a stay as peaceful and serene as my visit to Mikawaya Ryokan.

This traditional Japanese ryokan was established in 1883 and the rooms offer a beautiful view over the Asama and Hakone mountain ranges.

Now, I'm not usually a morning person, but even I set an early alarm during my stay there so I could watch the sunrise over the mountains from the comfort of my private balcony.

All of the baths in Mikawaya are free-flowing onsen, which is a natural hot spring bath that is geothermally heated underground by the volcanic activity of the land around it.

This ryokan draws water from the mountains behind it, and you'll find open-air baths in the main bathing area, along with a private onsen that the staff will book for you to use if requested.

If, like me, you are not familiar with onsen use, use of the private bath can ease you into the practice.

When using an onsen it is customary to wash yourself down first before entering the water and no garments, including underwear, are to be worn into the water.

But once you're in the water it is a healing experience like no other, the heat of this volcanic water is so soothing that I immediately felt all the tension and strain from days of travel wash away as I soaked in this peaceful place.

Onsen use is thought to have a number of health benefits, including improved blood circulation, pain relief and also helps to reduce stress and improve sleep.

I can attest that I felt so relaxed after my onsen soak that I went straight back to my room to enjoy a peaceful nap before dinner.

"I've never had a stay as peaceful and serene as my visit to Mikawaya Ryokan." Image: Supplied. 

Speaking of which, dinner at Mikawaya Ryokan is an experience unto itself. The ryokan's in-house restaurant offers both breakfast and dinner options, complete with spacious seating arrangements so you can be ensconced in your own private space while you devour a mouth-watering meal.

For dinner, we were treated to the seasonal appetiser platter, which included sea urchin flan, marinated sea trout, and pickled duck meat, along with cream cheese and chestnuts with white dressing and tuna and mackerel sashimi. 

All the produce had a delicious fresh taste to it because it was sourced from the Sagami Bay and the Hakone area.

The platter itself looked so much like a work of art that it felt a shame to eat it, but of course, we did.

"Dinner at Mikawaya Ryokan is a delicious experience." Image: Supplied. 

Dinner was a traditional hot pot featuring Kanagawa Prefecture beef, pork and venison with fried tofu and an assortment of fresh vegetables. A delicious mushroom platter completed the dish and all of these unique flavours mixed together and cooked at the table led to an unforgettable meal at a beautiful location.

The writer travelled as a guest of Japan National Tourism Organization, for more information visit their website.

Image: Supplied.