Where to Visit in Japan (Other than Tokyo and Kyoto)?
I sometimes get asked where one should visit in Japan (in addition to when one should visit Japan). The question often comes from travelers who have only a week, or at best two weeks, in the country. Usually, their itinerary already includes Tokyo and Kyoto, and they are looking for recommendations to spice it up by adding one or two off-the-beaten-path locations.
The question of where to visit in Japan is, of course, not an easy one, as many factors shape an itinerary. And the fact that I am a lawyer, and therefore not particularly good at caveat-free answers, only complicates matters further. By the time I finish answering the question, there is no guarantee that you will have a satisfactory answer, but there will certainly be no grounds to sue me if my suggestions fail to live up to your expectations for a first trip to Japan. Still, I do my best, taking into account your interests, the time you have, and the season of your visit.
The good news is that, thanks to Japan’s extremely efficient public transportation network, primarily powered by the Shinkansen, the high-speed train network, one can easily add variety to a Japan itinerary with destinations ranging from pilgrimage routes and cycling paths to mountain hikes and smaller, culturally rich cities.
Below, before getting into specific destinations, I’ll briefly address a common hesitation: whether Tokyo (where I live) and Kyoto should be included in every trip. From there, I’ll move on to places that may spice up a Japan itinerary, and finish with a categorical selection of other destinations in Japan, including islands, hot springs, and summer destinations that may be worth considering for longer trips.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to go beyond the obvious, this guide brings together a selection of destinations I personally visited that are relatively easy to reach from Tokyo and Kyoto.
For more logistics-focused guidance, you might also find the Japan Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and the Japan Trip Planning portal page useful, which gathers together posts on topics such as the best time to visit Japan, the country’s islands, hiking routes, and Shinkansen basics.
Should you include Kyoto and/or Tokyo in your Japan trip itinerary?
This section is primarily intended for those traveling to Japan for the first time. While Kyoto and Tokyo are often already included in those itineraries, there may still be some questions.
Kyoto: mon amour
If this is someone’s first trip to Japan, I would never (ever) recommend that they skip Kyoto (the kind of recommendation that is more common nowadays than you would think). Whether you have a one-week, two-week, or a year-long itinerary, Kyoto is an excellent destination worthy of being included in every first trip to Japan itinerary. Despite the big demand, there are also still a few months in the year when you can have a bit of a shoulder season experience in the city, as I discussed in this post: When is the best time to visit Japan?
Kyoto is one of those places that I categorize as “a classic destination,” a city that will never fall out of fashion. The old capital of Japan is extremely rich in sites that represent Japan’s history and culture, and I find visiting Kyoto to be an essential step in putting every other place one visits in Japan in a better context.
I recently wrote about why you should visit Kyoto. I listed some of my favorite places in Kyoto in a separate post. I would recommend spending at least three (ideally four) full days in Kyoto to visit some of the mesmerizingly beautiful landmarks. If your itinerary has room for a bit of splurging, having an extra day to wander aimlessly through the city`s narrow streets and check out the tiny little shops and cafes is also always a good idea.
From the paid archive: In this post, I wrote about how I spend my day during my annual autumn colors viewing trip to Kyoto – One Fine Autumn Day in Kyoto.
From the paid archive: A full diary of my five-day hike along Kyoto Trail, the 80-kilometer route, which circles the city through the mountains – Hiking the Kyoto Trail.
From the paid archive: A three-day trip to Kyoto during the sakura season – Spring in Kyoto.
Tokyo: where I call home
Tokyo, where I live, is more a matter of personal preference. When I first visited Japan in 2012, Tokyo was not part of my itinerary. On my second visit, I stayed in Tokyo only for one day. Now, I live here, and I adore living in Tokyo—it is clean, organized, convenient, safe, and has some of Japan`s best parks and gardens (many featured in the recent One Fine Autumn Day in Tokyo post), making it one of the best spots in the country to enjoy the Sakura. But as a travel destination, I could probably do without it.
After all, it is a giant metropolis (both in terms of size and population). Granted, it is not a typical one. However, uncovering its multiple layers to appreciate how Tokyo differs from other metropolises may not be possible during a single short visit. When I first visited Tokyo, I could not appreciate what made the city stand out among all the other big cities (but now I know: Tokyo – The Giant with a Big Heart). I felt like I wasted my time here, which I could probably have devoted to somewhere else in Japan.
Do not get me wrong. Tokyo is, without a doubt, one of the culturally richest cities not only in Japan but in the world. They say that the city also has very interesting nightlife (I was already 40 when I moved here, so ask me about the wee hours of the morning, but not what happens after dark). And if you build your itinerary around specific museums (here is a list of some of my favorite Tokyo Museums), sites, and eateries, and are looking for a packed urban-focused itinerary, the city has plenty to offer.
From the paid archive: In this post, I wrote a one-day walking diary covering some of Tokyo’s best parks for fall color viewing – One Fine Autumn Day in Tokyo.
From the paid archive: Some of my favorite eateries in Tokyo – the Non-Gourmet Guide to Tokyo Eateries.
Where else to visit if your itinerary is centered around Kyoto?
If Kyoto is the main stop on your Japan trip, here are some easily accessible destinations in the area to consider adding to your itinerary. The list below does not include already very popular destinations such as Hiroshima, Himeji, or Kobe, which are all close to Kyoto/Osaka thanks to the direct Shinkansen line.
Onomichi and Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route: seven bridges and an atmospheric small city
Onomichi, one of the starting points of Japan’s most popular cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido, is approximately two hours from Kyoto by Shinkansen. A one-night stay in Onomichi, followed by a day or two of biking along the Shimanami Kaido, will undoubtedly introduce an alternative side of Japan.
Onomichi offers a very good representation of the small city vibe in Japan. It is one of those small cities in Japan that at first makes you feel like there is nothing to see, but then slowly opens up—first an atmospheric shotengai (covered market), then a picturesque shrine, and at night, a good selection of izakaya (Japanese pubs) with the perfect local vibe. In the case of Onomichi, also the magnificent Seto Inland Sea scenery.
Shimanami Kaido is a 70-kilometer cycling trail that connects the main island of Japan, Honshu, to one of its most secluded islands, Shikoku, over the Seto Inland Sea. You get to bike over six state-of-the-art bridges in Japan. The route, with an early morning start, can be done in a day (as I did). But most people, for rightful reasons, spread it over two or more days to allow more time for side trips along the route. If you have an extra day, spending a night on one of the tiny islands of the Setouchi Inland Sea and experiencing the very rural side of Japan (with some islands home to only a few hundred residents) is also a good option.
From the paid archive: Cycling the Shimamani Kaido in two days, sharing logistics-related info, and an additional impression-heavy post covering both a coastal walk along Shikoku and the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route.
Shikoku: experience rural Japan in Tokushima
Shikoku, renowned to international visitors for its famous Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, which covers 88 Buddhist temples, is one of Japan’s most rural islands. While the island is not served by Shinkansen, thanks to alternative rapid trains, it takes only three hours to get to Tokushima, one of the principal cities of Shikoku, from Kyoto.
Tokushima Prefecture, home to the city of the same name, is one of the culturally most rewarding regions in Shikoku. In addition to some of the most beautiful temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, the prefecture is also home to Iya Valley, which, centuries ago, was the hiding ground of Heike soldiers trying to escape the Genji Clan after the Genpei War. The valley, wonderfully depicted in Alex Kerr’s Lost Japan, still evokes the sense of isolation and remoteness that attracted the Heike soldiers today. To soak in the valley’s beauty, you can stay at the Iya Onsen Hotel, with baths positioned right by the Iya River. The valley is also home to picturesque vine bridges that connect the two sides of the river.
These are some posts from the blog about Shikoku Destinations – the Pilgrimage Route and a temple stay in Cape Ashizuri.
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Kanazawa: a local star
Kanazawa is one of my favorite mid-size cities in Japan. It is connected to both Tokyo (Shinkansen) and Kyoto (limited express) by direct trains that take just over two hours.
I find the city’s nickname, “Little Kyoto,” to be somewhat condescending, as the city has so much to offer on its own. Home to some of the finest contemporary art museums in Japan, lively eating/drinking culture (including exquisite Kaisei cuisine), and the streets that still carry the Edo-era aura, the mid-size Kanazawa is a rewarding urban option for those looking to get a feel of both historical and modern sites of a locally famous but internationally still less known Japanese city. Here is a post about a day trip itinerary covering Kanazawa: One Fine Day in Kanazawa.
Shirakawa-go and Takayama: a perfect combination of nature and traditional village aura
As I recently did during my mother’s recent visit, it is also common to extend the Kanazawa trip with a few days in the nearby village of Shirakawa-go and Takayama (more like a mid-sized town).
While these are far from being “off-the-beaten-path” destinations, Shirakawa-go, a picturesque mountain village nestled in the Japanese Alps, provides a touch of nature, while Takayama delivers the classic ryokan and onsen experience enhanced by the well-preserved old town atmosphere.
Shirakawa-go is famous for its snow-covered gassho-style houses that attract thousands of daily visitors during the January and February weekends, thanks to the illumination event that lights the houses and their thatched roofs. It is undeniably a picturesque village, though it can sometimes feel a little too pretty, a little Disneylandish, leaving you with the impression of visiting an open-air museum rather than an actual village.
Takayama is known for its skilled carpenters and well-preserved old town. The city boasts numerous eateries, most of which specialize in Hida beef, as well as a variety of accommodations, from cozy mountain lodges to upscale ryokans with onsen.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route: hiking in a culturally rich region
Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage route, is fairly famous in its own right. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2004, Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage routes spread to Yoshino, Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan. These routes connect not only to each other but also to the ancient capitals of Japan, Nara and Kyoto, via the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
Among the five routes that make up the Kumano Kodo, the Nakahechi Route is the most popular. Its starting point, Tanabe City, is connected to Osaka via a direct train service that takes around 2,5 hours.
The route, commonly completed in three nights and four days, is an excellent way to combine a hiking trip with a culturally exceptionally rich experience. You stay at a different guest house each night, often run by families, and walk for 4 to 7 hours every day. Even if you don’t have time to hike the Nakahechi Route, you may still consider visiting Koyasan, the spiritual center of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism in Japan, which features several mountaintop temples.
From the paid archive: a diary of a recent hike along Japan’s beloved pilgrimage route, complete with an FAQ section and trail notes – Hiking Kumano Kodo: The Nakahechi Route.
Iseji Route: coastal version of the Nakahechi Route of Kumano Kodo
Iseji Route, which starts in Ise City (accessible from Osaka/Kyoto in about two hours), is also one of the five routes that form Kumano Kodo. Iseji Route follows a coastline (with many mountain passes and forest sections) and has a very different vibe from the Nakahechi Route, which mostly goes through the forest.
The travel infrastructure along the Iseji Route is not as developed as in Nakahechi (it is more difficult to book accommodation along the way; in most cases, you need to call for a reservation). However, for those who want to mix some forest and mountain hiking with stays in small fishing towns, I find the Iseji Route to be an excellent alternative to the Nakahechi Route. Since it is also substantially less explored, it will undoubtedly satisfy those seeking more off-the-beaten-path experiences. I walked part of the trail in February 2020 and wrote about it for my blog, Iseji Route of Kumano Kodo.
Where else to visit if your itinerary is centered around Tokyo?
As for destinations that are more easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular choice. The town is home to a large selection of ryokan and onsen-type facilities, but the main draw is the mighty Mount Fuji – the highest mountain in Japan. Hakone is a beautiful place, no doubt. But seeing Mount Fuji and its iconic peak is far from guaranteed, particularly during summer.
These are some alternative destinations easily accessible from Tokyo that, despite lacking views of Mount Fuji, still have a lot to offer.
Nikko: an excellent alternative for sightseeing and easy hiking
If you do not have many days to spare and are looking for a day or just an overnight trip away from Tokyo, Nikko is a great option that offers both cultural and nature-focused activities. If you have been following this blog, you might have already noticed that I love Nikko, particularly Okunikko (aka the inner Nikko).
Nikko is one of the most important religious centers in Japan. Toshogu Shinto Shrine, built in the 17th Century during the Edo Period, is one of the landmarks. The shrine is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the shogunate that ruled Japan for 250 years, is enshrined.
I regularly visit Nikko, but not necessarily for shrine visits. Okunikko, the region that starts at picturesque Lake Chuzenji and ends at Lake Yunoko, is home to a network of (easy) hiking trails that take hikers through an incredible variety of landscape scenery. The region is exceptionally beautiful during the autumn color season, which starts in early October.
Tohoku: the most underrated region of Japan
Tohoku, tucked between Hokkaido and Kanto, is easily one of the most rewarding and enigmatic destinations in Japan. Its beautiful nature feels more untouched than most other places in the country. Beautiful nature is, however, not the only thing that Tohoku has to offer. The region also offers a lovely refuge in the summer for those of us who want to escape the humidity in the main cities, making it a perfect summer destination.
The region is also impressively rich in activities centered on the appreciation of traditional Japanese culture. The locals are admirably dedicated to keeping traditional arts and crafts alive by passing the baton to the younger generations. There are many centuries-old breweries that produce sake and soy sauce. Ryokan-style accommodation in Tohoku feels different than elsewhere in Japan. The experience in a small onsen town in Tohoku provides a glimpse into daily life in Japan during the Edo Period.
If you are visiting Japan in the winter, a visit to one of Tohoku`s onsen towns—Ginzan, Kuroishi, or my favorite, Nyuto—guarantees a fairytale-like experience. Imagine being in a forest of tall trees covered in snow and enjoying the scenery from the warmth of an onsen tucked in the middle of the forest.
Tohoku is also one of the top destinations for fall foliage viewing in Japan. I once took the train from Tokyo to Aomori (in a little over three hours) and used local trains or a hotel shuttle to get to Aoni Onsen, hidden in the middle of a forest. It was my favorite onsen and fall experience in Japan. Oirase Stream is another popular Tohoku destination that is also highly popular during the autumn colors season.
Even if you are not on the nationwide JR Rail Pass, the JR East Tohoku Pass is a five-day pass (30,000 Japanese Yen) that allows you unlimited rides on all Shinkansen and JR lines in Tohoku (with Tokyo departure) for five days (you are allowed to buy more than one pass per person covering different dates or consecutive five-day periods). Following the popularity of the five-day pass, they have also released a ten-day version for 48,000 Japanese Yen. You can read more about some of my Tohoku favorites here.
From the paid archive: My four-night Tohoku onsen-hopping diary follows an autumn trip through four different hot springs, including Nyuto Onsen – Onsen Hopping Through Tohoku – four nights, four hot springs.
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From the paid archive: A diary of a four-day trip using the Japan East Rail Pass exploring foliage spots in Aomori Prefecture of Tohoku – Blue Forests of Japan: Autumn Trip to Aomori.
Matsumoto: art, nature, and history
Matsumoto is having quite a moment among the foreign residents of Japan. I recently visited the city located in Nagano Prefecture in September. It was a long weekend trip, and the city, in addition to its own wonders, worked out perfectly as a base town for a three-day trip including several side trips.
Accessible by a limited express in under 3 hours from Tokyo, Matsumoto is the hometown of the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. She generously donated a large selection of her artwork to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, where you will likely experience a fraction of the crowds that you would need to deal with elsewhere to enjoy Kusama`s work.
Matsumoto is also home to one of Japan’s remaining 12 original castles. Built in 1594, Matsumoto Castle is referred to as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior.
While the city itself has more than enough sites to keep you busy for at least two days, it is also a getaway point to Japan’s most picturesque hiking destination. Kamikochi is only an hour’s drive from Matsumoto. The nature area hosts many hiking trails, some of which lead to Japan`s highest and scariest peaks.
Another rewarding day trip from Matsumoto is Nagiso, one of the most well-preserved towns along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo Route, which connected Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo Period. The town is home to traditional Japanese-style homes, which are now mainly occupied by cafes, shops, and guesthouses.
Shibu Onsen and visiting the Snow Monkeys of Nagano
Another Nagano destination easily accessible from Tokyo — thanks to the Shinkansen to Nagano City and convenient local connections afterward — is Shibu Onsen and the nearby Jigokudani Valley, home to the prefecture’s famous snow monkeys.
The small onsen village of Shibu, known for its nine public baths open only to locals and overnight guests, offers a classic Japanese hot spring experience. Staying overnight allows visitors to wander the narrow streets in a yukata, soaking in the nearly picture-perfect experience. The added bonus is the Snow Monkeys that hang out in the Jigokudani Valley, which is merely a 20-minute walk from the village.
From the paid archive: a diary of a weekend trip to Shibu Onsen and the snow monkey park, including logistics info: A Weekend Trip to Shibu Onsen and the Snow Monkeys of Nagano.
Sadogashima Island: intriguing history, exciting nature
Located off the coast of Niigata, the wonderful Sadogashima Island is accessible from Tokyo in three hours. Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Niigata City in less than two hours and brings you near the ferry terminal, where you can hop on a jetfoil that will take you to Sadogashima in an hour.
If you have the time, I think visiting an island off the mainland of Japan is a wonderful way to experience the truly rural side of Japan, and I cannot think of a better place than Sadogashima Island for the experience. The island is home to historical sites (the island’s gold mines have recently been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and it has a surprisingly vivid local life in addition to hiking trails where you get to experience the mountainous interior of the island while also having a view of the ocean at nearly all times.
You can read more about Sadogashima in this post, where I talk about my favorite islands in Japan. In another post, I wrote about the Sadogashima Island Traverse Hike.
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Where else to visit in Japan?
Above is a list of the alternative places you may consider for your Tokyo and/or Kyoto-focused itinerary. But if you are not short on time and are interested in wandering outside these two cities and the destinations within their orbit, there are countless other destinations in Japan. You can check out my Japan travel guide here.
Getting off the mainland to visit the smaller islands is a wonderful option to experience the “extremely” rural life centered around the ocean. These are some of my favorite islands in Japan. Another island-related post covers my favorite Okinawa Island, Tokashiki.
Summer may not be the best time to visit Japan, of course, unless you are planning to head up to the mountains or islands. These are some of my favorite summer destinations in Japan.
If you like hiking, you are in luck. Mountains cover 70% of Japan’s land and host thousands of trails suitable for both beginner and advanced hikers; these are some of the hikes in Japan that are easily accessible by public transportation. There is also a separate post about the multi-day pilgrimage routes of Japan.
If you have time to visit the northern frontier of Japan, Hokkaido, here are some winter suggestions—a week in Biei—and summer suggestions—Rebun Island.
To experience Japan’s famous onsen (hot springs) culture, check out my post listing some of my favorite onsen.
If you visit Japan during the fall colors season, these are some of my favorite fall foliage viewing destinations in the country.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan, one of the world’s most popular repeat destinations. The country always finds its way to your heart and lures you back countless times (speaking from experience).
