Hidden Gems of Japan: Lesser-Known Cities and Towns Bursting with Local Charm

November 15, 2023

Japan is a land of breathtaking beauty and enthralling customs. While popular tourist spots including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto draw large crowds, there are many other hidden gems to be discovered. This holds for gastronomic and cultural events as well. Don't worry if you have previously done sushi, tempura, and ramen, as well as sushi preparation workshops and Samurai/Ninja costume adventures. There is still plenty to learn.

If you are a seasoned traveler with many trips to Japan under your belt, you may find it difficult to find fresh and interesting things to do on your next trip to Japan. Even though Japan is regarded as a land of crowded megapolises and typical tourist sites, it has lots of rural regions full of local flavor that remain little-known abroad. Other less well known cities and towns also provide a truly unbeatable travel experience in Japan.

Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the scenic Japanese Alps, is known as "Little Kyoto" for its architectural splendor and well-maintained customs. It is a very picturesque old city, well-known for its old quarter that could be explored along its narrow and cozy streets filled with wooden houses and shops. Takayama is known for its bi-annual festival where huge floats are displayed together with traditional performances.

Shodoshima

There is also a place called Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea that is one of the secrets of natural Japan for adventurers. Olive trees cover this small island whose coasts and quaint fishing towns give it a breathtaking Mediterranean vibe. In addition, visitors can learn about traditional soy sauce and olive oil production on the island and enjoy the fun of hiking or cycling across the island's rich landscape. Take care in advance about your Japan eSIM to have a stable internet connection to build up your hiking routes. Just install it in advance on your Android or iPhone.

Amanohashidate

A visit to Amanohashidate will expose you to one of the distinctive sides of Kyoto. This thickly vegetated sandbar spans the entry of Miyazu Bay. When viewed from the mountains, each end of the bay looks to be a route connecting heaven and earth and it is sometimes called the "bridge to heaven". It is unquestionably one of the most stunning views in the country! Install a virtual SIM card so that you can immediately share your fantastic pictures!

Fukuoka

While Fukuoka is a popular domestic and Asian tourist destination, it is typically too distant from Tokyo and Osaka for most first-time visitors to Japan. But the journey is well worth it. After a five-hour train ride from Tokyo, you'll be met with a brighter environment, a laid-back atmosphere, and a food scene that is superior even by Japanese standards. Fukuoka, home of ramen chain Ichiran and buzzy yatai street food stalls, is such a gastronomic city that you may struggle not to devour delicious nosh at every step.

Tottori

You will have to constantly remind yourself that you are not in the Middle East while you are riding a camel across these 30 square kilometers of dunes on Japan's western coast. Unless, of course, you go in winter when the dunes are blanketed in snow, which is an even more strange sight. Visit the Sand Museum to see some of the most exquisite sand sculptures in the world, or travel further to enjoy traditionally relaxing Japanese woods, temples, and hot springs.

Shirakawa-go

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed community is known for its traditional Gassho-style farmhouses, which truly are one-of-a-kind architectural masterpieces. The high thatched roofs, built without a single nail and originally housing silkworms, resemble hands in prayer and survive heavy snowfall each year while also creating a timeless aura that transports visitors to a bygone age.

When you are not getting comfy in this one-of-a-kind lodging, wander around town and visit the Wada House Museum to learn more about the region's rich history, browse artifacts, and get a look into the traditional villagers' everyday lives. Use SIM cards for travelers to find out more useful information.

Kanazawa

Discover the enchanting Kanazawa, a little historical town that flawlessly combines the charms of old-world customs with the energy of modern life. Visitors can lose themselves in the enthralling beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three great gardens. Here, perfectly groomed landscapes and quiet ponds offer a peaceful haven, especially when blanketed with a new layer of snow. Kanazawa Castle, a powerful fortification right out of the samurai age, is a must-see on any visit to this town.

Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi is a town in the northern prefecture of Iwate. As the headquarters of the feudal Fujiwara clan, the town originally aspired to be as culturally prosperous as Kyoto but has since been somewhat relegated to the humble little town that it is today. Hiraizumi's Buddhist temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction is Chusonji Temple, which is still magnificently decorated in gold leaf, lacquer, and mother-of-pearl as it was during Hiraizumi's heyday.

Motsuji, a short distance away, soothes the soul with its restored "Pure Land" landscape garden, which evokes the picture of a Buddhist paradise with its bucolic qualities.

And more...

Japan has countless other undiscovered hidden gems, such as Kurashiki, with its beautiful preserved Edo-period architecture, and the hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen. Whether your interest is in history, culture, nature, or just getting out, Japan's lesser-known places have something for everyone.

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