Stunning Places to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten Path
As tourism has been absolutely booming lately along the country’s “Golden Route,” it’s easy to want to avoid crowds and explore Japan off the beaten path!
While planning a Japan trip may seem a bit intimidating, I can empathise that it’s not always an easy task to find these lesser-known destinations in Japan. How do you know where to start?
Have no fear my newfound friend. Over the past decade, I’ve done my fair share of research and travelling off the beaten path in Japan (as well as the well-trodden areas) as this is part of being an invisible tourist. I’m all about seeing the best of a country while simultaneously doing what I can to avoid contributing to overtourism issues.
If you’re looking to tailor your very own Japan off the beaten track itinerary, this handy guide to spots often overlooked by foreign visitors will provide you with some inspiration for your own adventure. Here you’ll find many of the destinations I’ve visited in person, as well as some others that are on my Japan bucket list.
Interested in discovering how to not look like a tourist by visiting the Japan less travelled and some gorgeous hidden gems? Then read on for more!
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Discover the Japan Less Travelled
Sure, most people visiting Japan for the first time want to see cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima along the Golden Route. These are cities Japan is famous for, and with good reason.
But there are literally so many lesser-known and secret places in Japan that many tourists seem to miss during their whirlwind visit. And I don’t want that for you!
As I’m pretty much addicted to all things Japan, I’m forever looking for new destinations and planning my future visits there. This guide explores a range of places I’ve personally visited and plan to someday including small towns in Japan, the best nature in Japan, things to do at each destination and much more categorised by region.
I’ve even found some alternatives to popular destinations so keep an eye out for my tips along the way.
With that said, are you ready to venture off Japan’s Golden Route? Let’s begin by starting in the south in Okinawa and working up north towards Hokkaido to make things easy. Which locations will you choose to add to your Japan trip?
Kyushu Off the Beaten Path
Kyushu is a destination I highly recommend hiring a car to really reach the offbeat spots and allow for flexibility. Read my detailed guide for everything you need to know when driving in Japan as a tourist for more.
Okinawa
We all know Japan is synonymous with snow-capped mountains and amazing autumn foliage. But did you know there’s a place to escape with sandy beaches and turquoise waters that could be mistaken for Hawaii? Complete with coral bays, Okinawa is an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving.
As the crow flies, the laid-back Islands of Okinawa (Okinawa Shoto 沖縄諸島) are situated just over 100 kilometres south-west of Japan’s mainland. The isolated location of the islands and tropical climate means it’s the perfect destination to visit in Japan off the beaten track.
Once you’ve seen the stunning landscape and learnt more about local life there, it’s easy to see why this cluster of seventeen isles are home to the oldest centenarians (and supercentenarians) in the world!
TIP: Read my full guide to unique things to do in Okinawa, including non-touristy activities and sights, where to stay, cultural experiences and much more!
Kyushu Island
As Japan’s third-largest island, Kyushu 九州 is bursting with beauty and historical gems to uncover. Its largest city of Fukuoka is actually closer to Seoul (South Korea) than it is to Tokyo, which resulted in Fukuoka’s port playing a vital role in trade to Asia and beyond throughout the centuries.
Takachiho Gorge is an incredibly stunning beauty and an absolute highlight during one of my Japan trips (read my Takachiho Gorge day trip itinerary for details). Over millennia the Gokase River has carved its way through towering volcanic basalt to create a scene that could easily be mistaken for Iceland!
Boasting incredible natural scenery from mountainous landscapes to sub-tropical islands in Kagoshima, stunning architecture of Kumamoto Castle and the dark past of port city Nagasaki, Kyushu holds numerous rewards for those who dare to venture off the beaten path in Japan.
TIP: Read my full 7 days in Kyushu itinerary (with option to extend to 10 days) which covers most of the places listed below. Additionally, my 2 Days in Nagasaki Itinerary: City of Million Dollar Views details of how to spend your time there, step back in time to Fukuoka’s hidden canal city on a Yanagawa day trip, plus my review of visiting Huis Ten Bosch and my itinerary for spending one day in Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain!
Chūgoku Off the Beaten Path
The Chugoku region is a great area to stay the night to break up your journey between Osaka and Hiroshima. This region features some of my favourite Japan hidden gems that I’m sure you’ll love too.
TIP: Overlooking the Sea of Japan towards South Korea, the rugged coastline is dotted with stunning cities that are completely overlooked by foreign visitors. These include Izumo, Matsue and Torttori. If you want to completely avoid crowds during your visit, my 10 days in Japan travel itinerary covers these locations and more!
Kurashiki
Located only a 15 minute train ride away from Okayama city, Kurashiki 倉敷 can be described as another “Venice of Japan” often overlooked by foreign tourists.
If you’re a huge lover of art and culture, Kurashiki is a must to add to your Japan itinerary. Although it’s a small town, Kurashiki was the birthplace of denim in Japan and home to the very first museum dedicated to Western art.
Unexpectedly, the Ohara Museum of Art displays huge names such as Monet, Picasso and Pollock. With its willow-lined canals and traditional boats, I adore this almost secret place in Japan!
Onomichi
Not one to be found in guidebooks, for an arty seaside town with lengthy history, cliffside temples and known for cats, gorgeous Onomichi 尾道 is for you!
It’s also a popular starting point with locals for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
My favourite part of my time in Onomichi was riding the Mountain Ropeway to take in stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea from the beautiful Senko-ji Temple. The Daruma ema are so cool!
TIP: Read my full one day in Onomichi itinerary for all the details about visiting this overlooked port town between Kyoto and Hiroshima!
Izumo
Most know Kyoto was Japan’s capital for 1,000 years, some know Nara was the capital prior to that… But did you know Izumo 出雲 was considered the country’s prehistoric capital?
Steeped in mythology and finds dating back to the Bronze Age, Izumo is believed to be the place where Japan’s kami (deities in Shinto religion) have annually gathered on the tenth month of the Lunar calendar since prehistoric times.
With Japan’s most ancient shrine, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine at the forefront, the city is also home to some of the best spots to see the sunset in the country. History lovers should certainly add Izumo to their itinerary!
Japanese garden lovers, you need to add the “City of Water” to your list! Matsue 松江 is often overlooked but packs a punch in the flora-sphere. The city itself is picturesque, lined with canals and Edo Period buildings in areas. Matsue Castle is one of the 12 originals remaining in Japan.
While Kanazawa is known for Kenrokuen Garden, I’d have to say Yushien Garden here is even more so impressive! During Golden Week (first week of May annually), its landscaped pond is filled with thousands of harvested peony blooms, creating a striking sight. You can see all kinds of Japanese flowers and landscapes here, it’s truly worth the trip.
Th Adachi Museum of Art is another must-see. The garden’s unmatched beauty, ambience and maintenance means it has been judged the Finest Garden in Japan consecutively since 2003 by Sukiya Living Magazine. It’s easy to see why when you noticed not one single leaf is out of place here!
Tottori
You would be forgiven for thinking the expansive Tottori Sand Dunes 鳥取砂丘 were right out of the Middle East, but luckily you don’t have to go that far.
During the winter months, the Tottori Sand Dunes, stretching 16 kilometres along the Sea of Japan, can be covered in snow which makes for an unusual sight. The wavy dunes are the prefecture’s top attraction, dating back over 100,000 years and some as tall as 50 metres high.
Recently, the dunes have begun to attract more foreign tourists. Despite “sand graffiti” being illegal here for over a decade, authorities are targeting visitors who etch their names into the sand for a photo. Please be respectful of this area’s history and don’t be THAT tourist.
Shikoku Off the Beaten Path
This area of the country is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful. The main island of Shikoku overlooks a cluster of isles prominent on the horizon of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, destinations such as Takamatsu, Naoshima Island and Iya Valley are perfect for getting off the beaten track in Japan.
Takamatsu
The port town of Takamatsu 高松 is a rising star in the Japan off the beaten path category. Prior to the creation of the Seto Ohashi Bridge that stretches from Kagawa prefecture to Okayama prefecture on the mainland, Takamatsu used to be the main entry point to Shikoku.
Just off the coast of Takamatsu is Megijima Island (not to be confused with Miyajima Island, although pictures do remind me of Miyajima a little).
In Japanese folklore, Megijima Island is also known as “Ogre Island” in the popular regional tale of Momotoro, the “Peach Boy,” as mentioned earlier in Kurashiki.
Kansai Off the Beaten Path
Perhaps one of Japan’s most visited areas by international visitors, the Kansai region has plenty of lesser-travelled locations to discover.
Beyond the large cities of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji, there are a selection of hidden gems to explore.
You don’t need to wander far off the beaten path in Japan to discover alternatives to popular destinations!
TIP: My detailed guide to day trips from Osaka will help you explore more of the Kansai region.
Lake Biwa
As mentioned to my guide to day trips from Osaka, Japan’s largest freshwater body Lake Biwa 琵琶湖 almost brushes the Shiga border of neighbouring Kyoto and is a lovely alternative to popular Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island.
A similar Grand Torii gate floats on the lake’s surface, creating an almost identical image to its more famous sibling found in the country’s south. Hikone Castle is also worth a visit, while Omihachiman is a beautiful compact alternative to Kyoto — without the crowds.
Wakayama
Within Wakayama prefecture 和歌山県, the Kii Peninsula area is recognised for its lush forests and ancient pilgrimage routes.
Known as the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of trails and shrines trace across the peninsula and have attracted pilgrims from as far as Kyoto and Osaka for over 1,000 years. Here, Mt Koya (affectionately known as Koyasan) is the main attraction and headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
Chūbu Off the Beaten Path
This region of Japan is known for its alpine scenery, preserved old towns, snow monkeys and skiing. Many of the following locations feature heavily in my itinerary for spending 3 weeks in Japan.
Izu Peninsula
Encapsulating all the different facets of Japan that has made some locations elsewhere incredibly popular, the Izu Peninsula 伊豆半島 is completely overlooked by most foreign tourists who zip right past in on bullet trains. Disocover these uncrowded locations with some of the best views in Japan!
Gujo Hachiman
One of my absolute favourite hidden gems in Japan, Gujo Hachiman 郡上八幡 is known as Japan’s “Water City,” although I fondly call it “Kyoto Without The Crowds.”
With temple gardens to rival Kyoto, UNESCO World Heritage preserved streets and white “Castle in the Sky” perched on a hillside overlooking an emerald valley, Gujo Hachiman really is a must-see.
Producing 50% of Japan’s sampuru (replica food), it’s so much fun to hunt for unique Japanese souvenirs here!
Nagano
If you’re planning to be at one with nature in Japan, the alpine region of Nagano 長野 will be perfect for you. This is where you’ll find each of Japan’s 30 highest peaks (except Mt Fuji) so it’s no surprise the area is synonymous for snowy adventures.
Contrary to popular belief, the cheeky snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park are there year-round… even in summer! Visiting during the warmer months definitely has its perks (hint: fluffy snow monkey babies and fewer tourists).
Matsumoto
If you’ve read this far, I’m guessing you’re seeking more places to go in Japan off the beaten path. Lucky for you we’re only halfway through and I have more spots up my sleeve to share! Incredible Matsumoto 松本 is one such place.
Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto-jo) is one of four castles listed as National Treasures of Japan. Known colloquially as the “Black Crow” this must-see structure is actually Japan’s oldest original wooden castle, dating back to 1594!
The steep 60° angle of the staircases inside caused my head to spin and made me wonder how ninjas actually managed to hurl themselves up and down them.
TIP:If you’re petite like me (5’2”), you may find your legs not long enough to descend the old wooden stairs without shuffling down on your bottom!
Takayama
According to statistics, only 6% of tourists to Japan visit Takayama 高山, but I believe it is another perfect Kyoto alternative! I absolutely LOVE it and can’t wait to return.
In my opinion, Takayama is a delightful Japan off the beaten path destination, its enchanting townhouse-lined streets full of pleasant surprises such as Hida beef eateries, places to sample ALL the sake and paths to explore hidden temples.
TIP: Some breweries allow visitors to sample a dozen shots of sake for a few hundred yen. Each sake varies in flavour, aroma and amount the rice is polished. This system is based on goodwill so please don’t be that annoying tourist who goes overboard with the drinks and ruins this experience for everyone.
While many tourists day trip to Shirakawa-go 白川郷 from Takayama, I don’t recommend this as the UNESCO site is falling victim to overtourism. Tourists have been known to wait in line for two hours to get photos of the town from an elevated vantage point!
If you’re intrigued by the idea of Shirakawa-go without the crowds, I’ve written about my visit to Hida No Sato Folk Village, the perfect alternative complete with beautiful scenery and grassho-thatched farmhouses.
TIP:Nearby Gero Onsen is a must if you want to literally soak up the local culture in a traditional Japanese hot spring town, too! Read my detailed itinerary to Gero Onsen here.
Fujinomiya
Have you heard of the “Unseen side of Mt Fuji?” Once the main gateway to climbing Mt Fuji’s summit by pilgrims from Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto, Fujinomiya 富士宮 is now often overlooked by foreign visitors to Japan. And it shouldn’t be!
In the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto, Fujinomiya can be reached by bullet train and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning natural scenery, delicious local specialties, a community feel and much more.
There are so many things to do in Fujinomiya over a weekend, and the best part is you can enjoy some of the best Mt Fuji views in the entire country WITHOUT the crowds.
I mean, just look at the sunrise view from my hotel room below!
Kanazawa
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps on samurais? Have a peek in their homes and see the beauty they surrounded themselves with? You’ll be able to in Kanazawa 金沢! Find out exactly how with my 2 day Kanazawa itinerary.
Dubbed as “Little Kyoto”, Kanazawa shines with traditional pride in its well-preserved Nagamachi district. Aged brown townhouses line the streets of Japan’s other active geisha city after Kyoto.
If you’re incredibly lucky you may be able to spot one during your visit or even dress up as one yourself. If not, it’s easy to imagine these ladies gracing the streets and samurais going about their daily lives.
One of Japan’s top gardens, Kenroku-en is here in Kanazawa. I thoroughly enjoyed strolling around these grounds with such different varieties of landscapes around every corner!
Every spot is a little photo opportunity with ponds, bridges, cherry blossoms, mosses, autumn colours… Stunning in every season. Kenroku-en used to be part of Kanazawa Castle‘s outer gardens and Japan’s oldest water fountain is located inside.
TIP: Kanazawa is also famed for its gold leaf. It’s said the 20 tonnes of gold leaf used to cover Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto came from this city. Even the Kanji name for Kanazawa has the symbol for gold in it (金)! Why not pick up a small souvenir featuring gold leaf during your trip?
Niigata
Niigata 新潟市 is known for its stunning fall foliage, making it a nice alternative to popular Nikko. Off the coast of Niigata lies Sado Island with a fascinating history.
Once used as an island for political exiles, today you can visit the former gold mines, enjoy the tranquil scenery of Senkaku Bay, or learn more about the once-endangered toki bird at Toki Forest Park.
As the producer of some of the country’s finest sake (sa-keh), you can’t leave Niigata without trying some!
Tōhoku Off the Beaten Path
Aomori
As we reach the northernmost point of Japan’s main island of Honshu, we hit the lovely unchartered area of Aomori. Aomori city 青森 would be an ideal place to escape the crowds of international visitors to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka if you’re visiting towards the end of April during the cherry blossom season!
Iconic Hirosaki Castle is surrounded by over 50 varieties of cherry blossoms, framing the structure in a flurry of delicate pink hues. Doesn’t paddling a small boat beneath in the moat beneath these blossoms sound dreamy? The perfect Japan off the beaten path experience.
You’ll also be treated to a seemingly endless street of cherry trees along the “World’s Longest Cherry-Lined Road”, boasting 6,500 cherry trees and stretching for 20 kilometres! An incredible of snow-capped Mt Iwaki rewards visitors who stroll along this southern road during spring.
Hokkaido Off the Beaten Path
I’m yet to visit Japan’s second-largest island, but there are plenty of reasons why I want to! As well as the famed Sapporo Snow Festival, mountainous Hokkaido 北海道 seems to be a hiker’s paradise with an assortment of wildlife to be spotted throughout the region.
Brown bears and deer forage through the lush wilderness while beautiful red-crowned cranes dance in the snow to attract a mate.
Hokkaido is home to six national parks than span from the forests to the sea, the largest being Daisetsuzan National Park. With so much variety in scenery, Hokkaido has delightful treasures to be found around every corner.
Concluding places to visit in Japan off the beaten track
It could be argued that the stunning areas of Nikko and Hakone should be included in this guide, but I decided against it. Even though Nikko and Hakone are technically off the beaten path, they still manage to be quite popular spots for fall foliage and crowds. Exactly what we are trying to avoid!
What did you think of these lesser-known Japan tourist attractions? I wanted to share some cities along Japan’s “New Golden Route” as the original Golden Route is becoming overworn with tourist love. Plus I’m a big believer that it’s always rewarding stepping outside your comfort zone. There is so much stunning natural beauty, rich history and beautiful culture to be found in all regions of Japan, not just the most popular tourist spots.
Now you know where to head in Japan off the beaten path with my comprehensive guide, what’s stopping you from adding a few of these locations to your trip? Let me know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this article, I’ve written about many more off the beaten path destinations and hidden gems on my Japan travel blog to inspire you and help with your Japan trip planning, so go take a look.
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Until next time,
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Hi Alyse,
I am very impressed with the invisibletourist. I plan to go in April 2026 and would like to see things other than the mainstream places. Unfortunately it looks like Tokyo will have to feature and possibly the Kyoto botanical garden. But I truly like your approach. I would like to ask more direct questions if I am allowed. Let me know. Thanks Dirk
Hi Dirk, thanks so much for your comment!
Of course, feel free to ask away here or in my Japan Off The Beaten Path Facebook Group, where fellow members will be able to answer your questions as well 😊
Hi Alyse!
Such great great articles!
And great mission to educate tourist of minimise impacts!
I’m travelling to Japan from the 30 march to 11 of april. I have been already in Japan and went from Tokyo to Kagoshima, and loved every bit of it.
Now I was thinking to maybe go up, so from Tokyo to Hokkaido.
I started to do some research and I don’t know if maybe these dates are not the best for that region. Would love to hear your thoughts on that, if you would recommend that for those dates we go to other areas of Japan, and would love your recommendations on what could be an itinerary for that time of the year for 2 weeks. Some of the things we were hoping to do was to enjoy the rich culture, discover some hidden gems, do some hike in nature, some fishing experience and just keen to get an authentic experience in whichever form!
Thank you a million
Hi Maria, thanks so much for your kind words!
I haven’t visited Hokkaido just yet, but I’d suspect for your dates there would still be snow in most places. The cherry blossoms wouldn’t begin until the end of April either, but perhaps you may catch some plum blossoms then?
As my knowledge on Hokkaido is limited at this stage, this may be a great question for my Japan Off The Beaten Path Facebook Group, if you’d like to ask in there. I’m sure my members would have some suggestions 😃
Thanks so much for reading!
I loved this sadly my plan is to visit Tohoku and you don’t have a lot of landscapes there.
I’m sorry, Cookie!
I haven’t been to the Tohoku region as yet so my knowledge is quite limited unfortunately.
But I’ll get there someday and will update my findings here for sure!
Hello Alyse,
What a great website! We are traveling in August with our 3 teenagers to Japan for 26 days. I still have to plan the whole trip so some tips would be welcome. We love nature, culture and the Japanese lifestyle. We like to travel off the beaten tracks.
I doubt between public transport or renting a car or a combination of the two. Further more it’s not the best season to visit all regions. Would you have a recommendation for us on transport , regions for that period?
Hi Inge, thanks for reading!
Most of the places in this guide are ideal to reach with public transport. The exception to this is places in Kyushu not on the train line and the Japanese Alps areas (Gujo Hachiman, Takayama, Nagano) where it can be ideal to hire a car to save travel time.
I’d recommend looking at the places you wish to visit in Kyushu and the Alps, and compare the travel times between each by car and train. The car will be more convenient in those areas, and the bullet trains for almost everything else.
I hope that helps and you have an amazing time in Japan!