Speaking of Japan, many people first think of Tokyo. However, there are many cities and regions in this country that are packed with attractions beyond Tokyo.
From Hokkaido in the north, known for its snow and gourmet cuisine, to Okinawa in the south, with its unique culture and natural attractions, the expanse of Japan is surprisingly diverse.
In this article, we, Japanese travel professionals, introduce 10 Japanese cities and regions that you should definitely visit besides Tokyo. History, culture, nature, cuisine… Why not embark on a journey to experience the true Japan while savoring the best of each region?
We provide detailed travel guides to Japan by Japanese people who love to travel.
You will find a lot of information on travel tips that only a Japanese person can tell you about.
Sapporo: The Gateway to Hokkaido, the Snow Capital of Japan
Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan. Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido and an urban icon in northern Japan. Famous for its Snow Festival in winter, the city attracts tourists with its beautiful snowy scenery and ice art.
But that is not the only attraction of Sapporo. Visitors can enjoy exquisite Hokkaido delicacies such as RAMEN(Japanese noodle), GINGISUKAN(Japanese mutton BBQ), and KAISEON DON(seafood rice bowl). There are also plenty of places to visit, such as Odori Park, the historic Clock Tower, and the Sapporo TV Tower.
The beautiful scenery of the four seasons and the fascinating fusion of city and nature are the reasons to visit Sapporo.
| Access from Tokyo | Airplane (Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport) |
| Travel time | approx. 1 hr. 30 min. |
Hakone: Nature, Hot Springs, and Traditional Japanese Ryokan
Located only an hour and a half from Tokyo by train, Hakone is loved by many tourists as a place where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and be healed by nature and hot springs.
Hakone is dotted with numerous hot spring resorts along with abundant nature, and has long been a place of relaxation for Japanese people. Hakone is also rich in cultural and natural spots, such as the Hakone Art Museum, Hakone Shrine, and Owakudani Valley.
We also recommend taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Beautiful lakes, mountains, and traditional hot spring inns form the charm of Hakone.
| Access from Tokyo | Express train called Romance Car (Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station) |
| Travel time | approx. 1 hr. 30 min. |
Kanazawa: History, Tradition, and Gastronomy Within Reach
Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is located, belongs to the “Hokuriku Region” on the Japan Sea side of central Honshu.
From Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Kanazawa is a city of historical architecture and traditional Japanese flavor. Famous landmarks such as “Kanazawa Jyo” (Kanazawa Castle) and “Kenrokuen” (Kenroku Garden) enchant visitors with their seasonal landscapes.
Kanazawa is also known for its ” kinpaku” (gold leaf), and visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional crafts. Furthermore, the city is also renowned for its gastronomic treasures, such as fresh seafood and the famous “Kanazawa Curry. A visit to Kanazawa, a city of history and culinary culture, will allow you to experience the charms of Japan to the fullest.
CLICK→Find Hotels in Kanazawa!
| Access from Tokyo | Bullet train called Shinkansen (Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station) |
| Travel time | approx. 2 hr. 30 min. |
Osaka: Center of Western Japan, Foodie Town
Osaka is the central city of the Kansai region, famous for its vibrant commercial areas, historical sites, and above all, its gourmet culture.
Tourist spots such as Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi and Namba are crowded with tourists throughout the year.
Osaka’s famous street foods, such as “takoyaki” (octopus balls) and “okonomiyaki” (” Japanese snack like pancakes”), are especially pleasing to the palates of visitors. The friendly and open nature of the Osaka people is also an attractive factor for travelers.
| Access from Tokyo | Bullet train called Shinkansen (Tokyo Station to Shin-OsakaStation) |
| Travel time | approx. 2 hr. 30 min. |
Kyoto: The Thousand-Year-Old Capital of Japan
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and home to numerous historical architectural and cultural treasures. With a history of nearly 1,200 years, the city is known for its elegant streets lined with shrines, temples, and traditional Japanese houses.
Kiyomizu-Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, the Kamo River, and Gion area are just a few of the many famous spots. The beauty of the area is especially striking during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall.
Visitors will also have an unforgettable experience of Japanese cuisine at traditional teahouses and Japanese-style restaurant “Ryotei”. Because of the large number of foreign tourists, many of the restaurants in Kyoto have other language displays and English-speaking staff.
| Access from Tokyo | Bullet train called Shinkansen (Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station) |
| Travel time | approx. 2 hr. 15 min. |
Hiroshima: City of Peace, New Hope and Culture
Hiroshima is known internationally as a city that was damaged by the atomic bombing as a historical tragedy, but is also noted as a city that has overcome the disaster and continues to grow.
Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome attract many visitors to the city as a place that conveys the importance of peace. Hiroshima is also known for its delicious “okonomiyaki” ( Japanese style pancakes, not equal okonomiyaki of Osaka) and tourist attractions such as the nearby island of Miyajima.
Hiroshima, with its urban center and beautiful natural setting, is a fascinating blend of history and modernity.
CLICK→Find Hotels in Hiroshima!
| Access from Tokyo | ・Airplane (Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport) ・Bullet train called Shinkansen (Tokyo Station to Hiroshima Station) |
| Travel time | ・approx. 1 hr. 30 min by airplane ・approx. 4 hours by train |
Kochi: A Town with Nature, History, and the Original Japanese Landscape
Kochi is located in the Shikoku region and is known as a city with both natural beauty and historical background.
Famous as the birthplace of Ryoma Sakamoto, a famous Japanese samurai, Kochi is a favorite destination for many tourists who want to learn about the history of the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
In addition, the beautiful coastline facing the Pacific Ocean and the deep mountains surrounding the city have a lot to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, Shimanto River in Kochi has been gaining recognition as a favorite haunt of foreign tourists. Also popular are gourmet foods unique to Kochi, such as Katsuo no Tataki (bonito fillet) and Japanese sake.
| Access from Tokyo | Airplane (Haneda Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport) |
| Travel time | approx. 1 hr. 15 min. |
Fukuoka: Kyushu’s Gateway to Gourmet Food and Urban Vibrancy
As the capital city of Kyushu, Fukuoka attracts many visitors with its blend of modern urban charm and traditional culture. Areas such as Tenjin and Hakata offer a variety of shopping and dining options.
Hakata Ramen”(local Japanese noodle)and “Motsu-nabe” (cooked in a hot pot)in particular are known as gourmet foods that should not be missed when visiting Fukuoka.
Fukuoka is also rich in historical sightseeing spots such as Fukuoka Castle and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Because of its proximity to China and Korea, the city attracts many tourists from Asia.
| Access from Tokyo | Airplane (from Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport) |
| Travel time | approx. 1 hr. 50 min. |
Amami Oshima Island: Southern Paradise of the World Heritage Site
Amami Islands is located in the south of Kyushu and north of Okinawa Prefecture. Blessed with a subtropical climate, the island is known for its rich natural environment and unique culture.
The beautiful, crystal-clear sea is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, and the deep green forests and waterfalls make it an attractive place for nature walks.
In 2021, Amami Islands was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in recognition of its unique biodiversity. The island is loved by many tourists as a perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and feel the depth of nature and culture.
CLICK→Find Hotels in Amami Island!
| Access from Tokyo | Airplane (Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to Amami Airport) |
| Travel time | approx. 2 hr. 30 min. |
Okinawa: The most popular tropical paradise for Japanese,
Okinawa is a tropical paradise located at the southern tip of Japan and is a very popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
However, its attractions are not limited to nature. Okinawa has a unique history and culture as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and these traditions and customs are still very much alive today. Visitors can experience the depth of Ryukyuan culture through Shuri Castle, traditional dances, and Okinawan cuisine.
In addition to the main island, Okinawa has more than 40 inhabited islands. Among them, Miyako Island is one of the few remaining paradises in the world. The clarity of the sea is one of the best in Japan and is highly recommended.
| Access from Tokyo | Airplane (Haneda Airport to Naha Airport) |
| Travel time | approx. 2 hr. 45 min. |
Enjoy your only travel at diverse cities！
Japan is blessed with many cities, each with its own unique character in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the snowy landscapes of Sapporo to the tropical atmosphere of Okinawa, each destination is sure to attract travelers from around the world.
And yet, these destinations are still unknown, and most people only go to Tokyo. This is a great opportunity for you to visit the cities we have introduced here.
Enjoy your only travel！