10 Best Places to Visit in Japan Beyond Tokyo and Osaka

Have you ever thought about exploring Japan outside the bright lights of Tokyo or the buzz of Osaka? Beyond the major cities, Japan quietly offers destinations that are rich with tradition, natural beauty, and everyday charm. Whether you’re into quiet mountain towns, coastal villages, or cultural pockets that locals cherish, there’s something unexpectedly memorable in each stop. I’ve put together a list of places that give you a deeper look at Japan—where the pace slows, the food feels homier, and the scenery tells a different story.

1. Kanazawa

Tucked along the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa quietly delivers some of the country’s most authentic experiences. You’ll find preserved samurai districts, working geisha teahouses, and one of Japan’s top three gardens—Kenrokuen. Unlike Kyoto, it’s rarely crowded, which gives you room to slow down and breathe it all in. The fresh seafood at Omicho Market alone is worth the visit. If you love the old-world atmosphere with a touch of art, the 21st Century Museum adds a modern twist. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels thoughtfully preserved.

2. Takayama

Set high in the Japanese Alps, Takayama offers mountain air and a peek into Japan’s rural traditions. Its old town is lined with wooden buildings, some of which have been serving sake for generations. Morning markets near the river buzz with local produce and handmade snacks, while the Hida Folk Village just outside town brings historic farmhouses to life. The pace here is gentle, like the rhythm of daily life that hasn’t changed much in decades. Takayama wraps you in comfort with hot springs and soul-warming meals.

3. Naoshima

Known as Japan’s “art island,” Naoshima is where nature and creativity share the spotlight. You can bike around the coastline, stopping at museums designed by Tadao Ando that feel more like retreats than galleries. The outdoor art installations pop up where you least expect them—on beaches, in fields, even along back roads. With its sleepy fishing village atmosphere and thoughtful design, the island makes space for quiet reflection. Stay overnight in a modern art hotel or a local guesthouse to catch the sunrise in perfect peace.

4. Kurashiki

Kurashiki is a blend of canal-side charm and understated elegance. Its Bikan Historical Quarter feels like stepping into an ukiyo-e print, with ivy-covered warehouses now housing cafes and galleries. You can hop in a wooden boat and glide through the narrow waterways or rent a bike to explore its outskirts. Unlike bigger cities, Kurashiki invites you to pause and look closer. The Ohara Museum of Art surprises many with its Western masterpieces, while the overall atmosphere remains cozy and grounded. It’s a town best explored slowly, one step at a time.

5. Nikko

A couple hours north of Tokyo, Nikko feels like a sacred breath of fresh air. The towering cedar trees and ornate shrines give off a sense of reverence that’s hard to miss. Toshogu Shrine, with its intricate carvings and gold accents, is worth every step. But beyond the temples, there’s more—like Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, which offer perfect nature breaks. And if you visit in autumn, the colors are nothing short of spectacular. Nikko isn’t just scenic—it’s spiritual, offering moments that feel bigger than travel.

6. Kagoshima

Facing an active volcano across the bay, Kagoshima has a wild edge that makes it unforgettable. The city has a relaxed southern vibe, and locals are warm without fuss. You can take a ferry to Sakurajima, where smoke sometimes curls from the volcano’s peak, or soak in a seaside onsen while watching it. The food leans rich—think black pork, sweet potatoes, and shochu. But what lingers most is the view: ocean, mountains, and fire meeting all at once. It’s dramatic, but not in a showy way—just naturally bold.

7. Tottori

If you didn’t expect sand dunes in Japan, Tottori will surprise you. Its coastline is home to rolling dunes you can walk, sled, or even comel ride across. But this prefecture is more than its sandy fame. The Tottori Sand Museum crafts intricate sculptures entirely from sand, and nearby cliffs like Uradome Coast offer panoramic views of the Sea of Japan. It’s peaceful without feeling remote, with just enough sights to fill a weekend. You’ll leave with salt in your hair and the memory of wind-carved landscapes.

8. Kiso Valley (Magome & Tsumago)

Along the Nakasendo Trail, Magome and Tsumago preserve the feeling of Japan’s Edo-era post towns. No cars, no neon—just cobbled paths, wooden inns, and travelers walking where samurai once did. The trail between the two towns is a well-kept hike with forest views, bell towers, and waterfalls. Locals greet you with quiet smiles and warm tea. You can stay overnight in a ryokan with futon beds and home-cooked meals, and it’s likely you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crickets outside your paper screen. It’s deeply relaxing.

9. Beppu

Hot steam rises from sidewalks in Beppu, a city famous for its geothermal wonders. Here, hot springs come in all forms—mud baths, sand baths, even ones where you cook eggs. The “Hells of Beppu” are colorful thermal pools you can visit, each with its own surreal look. It’s playful but also therapeutic. After a day of soaking, head to a local izakaya for grilled seafood and chilled sake. The energy here is quirky but grounded. It’s a place where healing and fun go hand in hand, even for first-time visitors.

10. Shodoshima

Known for its olives and Mediterranean feel, Shodoshima brings a sunny twist to Japan’s island life. Olive trees line the hillsides, and there’s even a Greek-style windmill near the sea. But there’s more—soy sauce breweries that date back a century, peaceful beaches, and the narrow Kankakei Gorge with stunning cliff views. You can drive or cycle the island easily, stopping to sip local olive oil ice cream. What makes Shodoshima shine is its simplicity—nothing rushes, everything feels fresh, and the island rhythm invites you to stay longer