Kunio Yanagita and the Matsuoka Family Memorial Museum

Known for efficient, high-speed bullet trains, Japan rarely is touted as a road trip destination. . .especially to westerners. But I beg to differ. While most travelers will simply wiz point to overcrowded point via Shinkansen, I've driven practically empty back roads to engaging, off-the-beaten-path towns that utterly charmed me. Intrigued? Try this two-week road trip itinerary out of Osaka to Fukusaki, Amanohashidate, Tamba-Sasayama, Miyamachokita, Takao-Jingoji, and Arima Onsen. Each individual drive is less than 2 hours.