Tokyo and Kyoto are famous destinations for travelers from all over the world, but Japan has so much more to offer than just bustling cities. If you're looking for history, beauty, and charm, consider these options for your next trip. We’ll tell you about the best places to visit in Japan other than Tokyo and Kyoto.
The Best Places to Visit in Japan
When you think of Japan, the first places that might come to mind are Tokyo and Kyoto.
These two sprawling, densely populated cities are favorites for most tourists, particularly for their history, architecture, fashion, and cuisine.
Although Tokyo and Kyoto are must-visit destinations on your first trip to Japan—the “Land of the Rising Sun”—
there are also other, quieter, and more beautiful areas you can visit.
Japan consists of four main islands, each with its own unique character that makes it worth visiting:
Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
In this article, we will focus on a list of places to visit on Honshu, Japan’s largest and most visited island.
So, keep these destinations in mind when planning your next trip to Japan.
1. Hagi, Yamaguchi
Hagi is a small city located along the tranquil Sea of Japan coast in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
This little city has managed to avoid major natural disasters throughout its history.
As a result, its wooden houses and small waterways remain almost exactly as they were a century ago.
Hagi is also home to some of Japan’s best temples, castles, and original samurai residences.
Many of the beautiful old samurai houses are open to visitors, making it a perfect spot for taking unique commemorative photos.
The city is famous for its well-preserved former castle and its local pottery workshop, which is one of Japan’s finest.
It became renowned for producing pottery used for tea drinking, as its residents are well known for their love and appreciation of tea.
The people of Hagi are also famously warm and welcoming.
2. Matsumoto, Nagano
Matsumoto may be the second-largest city in Nagano Prefecture, after Nagano City,
but it still manages to combine major urban attractions with a small-town atmosphere.
Matsumoto Castle is the city’s main attraction and one of the most important castles in Japan.
The famous castle dates back to 1595 and is one of the few original castles remaining in the country.
It has six floors, including a hidden floor where samurai warriors could rest and store their food.
The interior features wooden designs, stair structures, and distinctive black-and-white exterior walls.
Matsumoto Castle is especially beautiful in early April, during cherry blossom season, when the surrounding trees burst into color.
The castle grounds are planted with cherry and pine trees.
Just a short walk from the castle is Nakamachi-dori, a series of pedestrian streets lined with traditional-style houses and old warehouses.
The street also has souvenir shops.
These historic houses were homes to Matsumoto merchants during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, they’ve been transformed into small shops, restaurants, and traditional inns.
Matsumoto is surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps, visible from anywhere in the city.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps from the castle rooftop.
Matsumoto serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps for skiing and hot springs in winter,
and for hiking in the Shinshu mountains during summer.
3. Jigokudani Monkey Park
This park, located in northern Japan, is covered entirely with thick white snow during winter.
It was established on June 3, 1964, to protect Japanese macaques.
The park is home to these macaques, also known as snow monkeys.
They are the only snow monkeys in the world known to enjoy bathing in natural hot springs.
The journey to Jigokudani Monkey Park begins with a peaceful 40-minute train ride from Nagano Station,
followed by a scenic 15-minute bus ride through the resort town of Yamanouchi,
and then a 35-minute walk through a snow-covered forest.
The park features hot springs, mountain forests, and souvenir shops.
4. Otsu, Shiga
Otsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, is located along the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.
Visitors can rent boats or paddleboards to explore the lake, or take a quick cruise aboard a steamboat.
Nearby is the Lake Biwa Canal, a 20-kilometer waterway connecting Otsu with Kyoto.
This scenic canal is mostly covered by cherry trees.
Short cruises are available during spring and autumn.
Otsu also offers unique accommodation options for visitors.
These traditional inns reflect Japanese heritage, featuring tatami mat floors, low wooden tables, and hot springs.
5. Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori City is located in the Chūgoku region of Japan and is home to the Tottori Sand Dunes.
The Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyu) are the largest sand dunes in Japan and the most famous tourist attraction in Tottori.
They are located just outside the city center. Each dune rises about 50 meters high and stretches 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan.
These natural wonders formed over thousands of years as sand from the nearby Sendai River was washed into the sea and then carried back to shore by ocean currents.
Today, the continuous action of tides and coastal winds shapes the dunes, creating an ever-changing landscape.
If you’ve read about Japan’s diverse landscapes, Tottori remains one of the country’s most surprising destinations.
There are also many activities to enjoy, including horse-drawn and camel-drawn carriage tours around the dunes.
You can also try sandboarding, which uses a special type of board for sliding on sand.
A short walk from the dunes is the Sand Museum, a unique exhibition hall showcasing large sand sculptures by artists from around the world.
In the past, sand exhibitions were held outdoors, but in 2012, the Sand Museum moved into its own building.
Here, dear reader, we have explored this guide to the best places to visit and enjoy your time in Japan.
