There are many cities outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka that are worth visiting. Check out these 5 awesome cities that are a little “lowkey.”
1. Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu is one of the most underrated cities in Japan. In the prefecture of Fukuoka, it is the northernmost city in Japan’s island of Kyushu. Featuring beautiful seaside scenery, tranquil harbors, and docking ports full of boats, ships, and ferries, it’s a well-known town for fishing and sailing. I particularly like the walk along the Murasaki River, which hosts a bridge that very much resembles the Sydney Harbor Bridge in my home country, Australia.
2. Nagano
Nagano is home to the famous Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple, where the first Buddha statue was brought to Japan. While Nagano can be a beautiful city to visit in autumn and spring, it’s most famously known for its snowy mountains and icy forests during the winter. In particular, the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park is an absolute must-visit for nature and wildlife lovers. After an enchanting hike through the snowy trails and villages, you’ll reach the Snow Monkey Park, where you can see those little furry creatures embracing Japanese culture by bathing in the hot springs!
3. Sendai
Sendai is known as the “City of Trees” in Japan for its abundance of tall, lush trees co-existing with a bustling modern metropolis. Located in Miyagi Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, the city has its roots deep in samurai heritage, particularly its history under Lord Date Masamune’s rule. As such, you’ll see a lot of shogun-style aesthetics around castles and shrines in Sendai, giving it a vibe similar to Kyoto but with a heavy military-like influence.
4. Niigata
Niigata is similar to Nagano, not just because it starts with the letter “N,” but also because of its prominence as a winter wonderland. However, while Nagano is more of a snowy nature paradise, Niigata has a “winter Olympic” vibe, similar to Sapporo. Home to stunning snowy mountains and ski slopes, it’s a popular destination for locals and foreigners who love to ski and snowboard. Personally, I recommend hitting the slopes at the GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort for an unforgettable experience in Niigata!
5. Himeji
Himeji is more than just its famous Himeji Castle, but it’s also a city abundant in aesthetically well-kept gardens and famous mountain temples. For example, the Engyoji Temple on Mt. Shosha is a beloved destination for fans of the film The Last Samurai as much of its scenes were filmed at that location. In some sense, Himeji resembles Sendai in terms of its samurai and nature aesthetic, though I’d say it feels more “imperial” and less “shogun” if you catch my drift.
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!