Visit these underrated scenic destinations on your first, second, and third trip to Japan—because one cannot get enough of this splendid country.
Japan
has many popular attractions—but it is also home to lesser-known places that are equally enchanting. Globally recognised for its incredibly photogenic locations and iconic cities, Japan attracts visitors every year, who mostly flock to the more popular tourist destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo. However, you would be surprised to know that some of the most awe-inspiring and historically significant sites are often overlooked.
From scenic historical towns to gorgeous coastal retreats, each location on this list is unique. Read on to explore the less-frequented destinations of Japan and indulge in authentic local experiences.
Toyama
Head to Toyama if you want to travel to the western fringe of the Japanese Alps. From Toyama, you can easily access Tateyama, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Gokayama. But don’t overlook the city itself—it is home to pristine beaches and an impressive glass museum. Another unmissable site is Amaharashi—a single rock standing in the middle of the sea, with just one tree thriving on it—and lofty snow-clad peaks can be spotted in the background.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is known for its rich historical legacy and many pristine traditional buildings—often overlooked by tourists. This underrated city lies on the western shore of Honshu, and it offers a peek into the impressive feudal past of Japan.
One of the best sites in Kanazawa is Kenrokuen—a famous tranquil garden with a meticulously designed landscape. It is home to seasonal cherry blossoms, a lush green lawn, teahouses, bridges, ponds and vibrant foliage. The Kanazawa Castle is another noteworthy site—it showcases the feudal history of Kanazawa.
Shizuoka
Nearly 40 percent of Japan’s tea is grown in the Shizuoka prefecture. Apart from being a hub for tea lovers, it has some interesting attractions like Mount Kunozan. Climb over 1,000 steps or hop on the cable car, to reach Mount Kunozan and enjoy the panoramic view of the Pacific. On your way down, you can stroll through the Miho no Matsubara beach, studded with pine forest on the side, and it is one of the best spots to enjoy a view of Mount Fuji.
Fukuoka
This vibrant city lies on the northern coast of Kyushu, and it offers a distinct blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern attractions. With its remarkable history, lip-smacking cuisine, and picturesque natural scenery—Fukuoka is for visitors who are fond of history and are eager to explore a wealth of attractions. To catch a glimpse of Fukuko’s feudal past, visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins.
Tottori
The thought of exploring sand dunes in Japan may startle you. But Tottori’s pristine sand dunes—stretching across 9 miles, sprawling into the city centre—are a major appeal. Here, you can spot camels, and it houses a sand museum—dedicated to permanent sand sculptures (the only permanent sand art gallery in the world). But Tottori has more than just sand—head to Mt Daisen, the rugged coastline of Uradome and the massive Hanakairo flower park.
Naha
If you fly from Tokyo, it is just three hours away. Naha is the capital city of Okinawa prefecture and boasts a tropical island. The local culture of the Ryukyu inhabitants is uniquely different from other regions in Japan, too – and Naha is the place to experience it all. Explore Okinawa’s Shuri Castle and the sweeping tropical beaches.
Okayama
Visit the ‘Land of Sunshine’ to indulge in a serene escapade from the humdrum of city life with Okayama’s 29 tranquil gardens. Situated in the Chugoku region, Okayama tends to be overlooked by most tourists. However, this city is perfect for those seeking an authentic and unique Japanese experience.
Explore the serene Korakuen Garden, regarded as one of the most beautiful natural gardens in the country. This traditional 18th-century garden houses scenic landscapes, pristine ponds, charming tea houses, and splendid walking paths. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind.
Add these lovely off-beat destinations to your travel itinerary, if you want to avoid famous attractions thronging with tourists.
