When planning your trip to Japan, you may find most of your holiday research will lead you to major cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. For first-timers, in particular, the draw of a major city is understandable, but there are certainly some other attractive options that perhaps don’t get the coverage they deserve.
There is so much more to Japan than the likes of what Tokyo and Kyoto represent. Wherever you go, though, you’re likely to experience aspects of authentic Japanese culture, but if you want to experience a unique side to the country, then leaving the hustle and bustle of a major city is a great thing to do.
The same running waterfalls and pagodas that are featured in manga comics, samurai movies and games like Koi Princess are on show throughout what is a picturesque nation that oozes natural beauty, making an alternative destination an appealing prospect for many travellers.
Some places are regarded as up-and-coming destinations, while others are particularly popular with Japanese people and don’t gain the same sort of traction with foreign audiences as major cities like Tokyo do.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some alternative cities to visit in Japan when on vacation.
3 Alternative Cities To Visit In Japan
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is extremely popular with domestic holidaymakers. A classic example of cities that aren’t perhaps marketed to foreign travellers is Kanazawa, a favoured choice with many Japanese tourists instead.
Oozing in tradition and offering people with a truly glorious landscape that is associated with the country, it’s a city that is steeped in history. Alongside the historical features and monuments is a wave of natural beauty, with people flocking to Kenrokuen Garden in particular, a garden that is regarded as one of the three greatest Japanese gardens in the country.
Kanazawa Castle is worth checking out while you’re there, too.You’ll also be able to see an array of traditional art and crafts, foodies can sample the city’s amazingly fresh seafood, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Japanese culture without being surrounded by selfie sticks and smartphone devices.
Osaka
Osaka offers delicious food and great nightlife. Osaka is definitely a major city, we aren’t denying that, but it perhaps goes under the radar when compared to the aforementioned Kyoto and Tokyo.
For foodies, in particular, Osaka is a city that has a rich and diverse relationship with food. Once you’ve managed to sample some of the city’s finest delights, then it’d be criminal not to dance the night away in one of the city’s many late-night spots.
A place that doesn’t neccessarily specialise in quiet shrines and traditional temples, it’s a more adventurous destination for people who want to see another side to Japanese culture. A diverse collection of food and unrivalled nightlife is definitely Osaka’s speciality, though.
Sapporo
Sapporo is a definite hidden gem. Thanks to its close proximity to nature, Sapporo is a lovely city to visit. While it isn’t too popular with tourists due to its location, Sapporo is well worth the journey once you get you there.
The city’s annual snow festival is a particular highlight, while beer and food lovers will be salivating at the comprehensive selection of options they have throughout the city.
In terms of food, butter ramen is a dish many people rush to try, while the local hospitality is said to be up there with some of the best you can possibly experience in Japan. Not many foreign travellers venture to Sapporo, making it a truly special destination to explore
Other alternative cities to visit in Japan include Hiroshima City, Fukuoka, Hamamatsu City, Matsumoto City, and Wakayama City.