See a Different Side of Japan: 5 Cities Off the Beaten Path

Although I have traveled to more than 100 countries, Japan is my favorite country by a mile. Japan has an incredible culture, a deep and complex history, fantastic cuisine, and welcoming people, all of which make it a dream destination for many.

With the Japanese Yen’s value dropping to 40-year lows, it’s no coincidence that now is as good a time as any to visit the incredible country. In fact, I have visited Japan 5 times since 2019, visiting new destinations each time, and plan to visit annually moving forward.

Many first-time tourists arrive in Tokyo to tour the capital before visiting other popular spots like Kyoto and Osaka. While these destinations certainly give first-time visitors an overview of the country, Japan has plenty of less-explored locations to discover that offer incredible richness (and fewer crowds).

Here’s a look at some of Japan’s off-the-beaten-path destinations that have much to offer tourists visiting this exciting country.

Exploring Japan’s Golden Triangle

Those traveling to Japan have likely heard of the “Golden Triangle,” which covers some iconic places to visit in Japan and 3 major cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The destinations are a great way to see the rich contrasts between Japan’s modern and traditional cultures.

These 3 cities are often considered the center of Japan’s cultural, historical, and economic activity. Each city offers unique tourist attractions and historical sites and plays a significant role in Japan’s tourism.

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and a global megacity known for its cutting-edge technology, vibrant culture, historic sites, and incredible infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Osaka is best known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and culinary scene. It is often referred to as “Japan’s kitchen,” with an incredible diversity between world-class street food and fine dining.

Lastly, Kyoto is widely regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, famous for its hundreds of temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning gardens. Kyoto has many of Japan’s most well-known attractions, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). It is home to nearly 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Underrated Destinations in Japan

Although the Golden Triangle is a popular route and provides an insight into the country, Japan has many other places to visit. Here’s a look at some lesser-visited destinations in Japan.

Nara (Nara Prefecture)

Although it has become increasingly popular over the last few years, the city of Nara is worth exploring for those who love history and nature. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is home to several historical temples and a massive bronze Buddha statue.

However, Nara is best known for the more than 1,000 free-roaming deer, sacred in Shinto beliefs as they are considered messengers of the gods.

The deer roam freely throughout the streets around Nara Park. These deer have become an iconic symbol of the city. Tourists can purchase special crackers called shika-senbei and feed the deer.

How To Get There: Nara is 45 minutes from Kyoto via the Kintetsu-Nara Line and around an hour from Osaka using the Yamatoji Line.

Himeji (Hyogo Prefecture)

Himeji, the second largest city of Hyogo Prefecture, is best known for its magnificent castle, Himeji Castle, which is widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved surviving feudal castle. The castle symbolizes Japanese feudal history and architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Himeji Castle’s traditional Japanese castle design incorporates several distinct elements, including sweeping and cured rooflines, intricate wooden interiors, moats, gatehouses, and landscaped gardens.

Although the castle is Himeji’s most famous landmark, numerous other temples and shrines exist throughout the city. Himeji is also home to Koko-en Garden, one of Japan’s most famous traditional Japanese gardens.

How To Get There: Himeji is just 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station via the Sanyo Shinkansen or about an hour via the Tokaido-Sanyo Line.

Hiroshima and Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)

The city of Hiroshima offers an essential insight into Japan’s recent history. The world’s first atomic bomb was dropped in the city, killing thousands (and later hundreds of thousands) of innocent local citizens. The exact site where the bomb touched down is now known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which serves as a monument to the victims.

While Hiroshima is most known as the site of the atomic bomb, it has much more to offer. The city has been entirely rebuilt and has numerous famous sites, including Hiroshima Castle. Over the years, it has also become a major shopping and dining destination.

Hiroshima is also the starting point for Miyajima Island, which is best known for its giant torii (shrine gate), which, at high tide, seems to float on the water.

How To Get There: With the Sanyo Shinkansen, you can reach Hiroshima in an hour and a half from Osaka, which is quite impressive considering the cities are more than 200 miles apart.

Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)

Lastly, for those wanting a different Japanese city experience, you can visit Nagoya, the capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.

Nagoya is best known for blending the old and the new. The city is home to the famous and historic Nagoya Castle but is also the heart of the Japanese automotive industry. Toyota, one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, is headquartered in Nagoya.

The city is also known for its distinct local cuisine, with popular dishes like hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) and tenmusu (a combination of tempura and onigiri rice balls).

How To Get There: You can reach Nagoya in under 40 minutes from Kyoto via the Tokaido Shinkansen. The journey from Osaka takes slightly longer.

Final Thoughts

Japan has many destinations off the beaten path, offering a more intimate and unique experience away from the usual tourist crowds. Although the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have a lot to offer, the off-the-beaten-path destinations provide an opportunity to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.