You already know Japan isn’t just temples and neon lights.
But most guides keep sending people to the same places.
This list doesn’t.
Here are 15 places where you can meet locals, taste unique flavors, and explore parts of Japan that feel unspoiled.
Ranked from familiar to remote, each one offers something genuine, not packaged.
Regional Japan gives you more for less.
You’ll eat better, spend less, and come home with stories that most tourists miss completely.
Why Visit Regional Japan?
Japan’s government actively promotes regional tourism to spread visitor numbers beyond overcrowded hotspots.
This means better roads, improved transport options, and more English signs in these places than ever.
You’ll enjoy real experiences along with modern comforts to make your trip easy.
Regional Japan also offers incredible value.
Accommodation is cheaper, meals are tastier with local ingredients, and you might be the only foreign visitor around.
Local people welcome you warmly because international visitors remain rare and special.
Regional places in Japan – Here are some experiences to start:
The Well-Known Regional Gems
1. Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
You’ll fall in love with Takayama’s preserved Edo-period streets and sake breweries.
The morning markets buzz with local energy, whilst traditional ryokan inns offer mountain views and hot spring baths.
Visit the Hida Folk Village to see authentic thatched-roof farmhouses relocated from across the region.
Best time to visit:
- April-May for cherry blossoms
- October-November for autumn colors
Getting there:
- 2.5 hours by train from Tokyo via Nagoya.
2. Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Kanazawa combines stunning gardens, traditional crafts, and exceptional food.
Visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
Then, stroll through the preserved samurai and geisha districts.
The city’s covered markets offer the freshest seafood from the nearby Japan Sea.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Spring and autumn are especially beautiful.
- Getting there: It takes 2.5 hours by shinkansen from Tokyo.
3. Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
Nikko has more than just the famous Toshogu Shrine.
It boasts stunning mountain views and clear lakes.
You can hike through Nikko National Park, soak in natural hot springs, and stay in traditional mountain lodges.
The autumn colours here rank among Japan’s most spectacular.
Best time to visit: May-June and October-November
Getting there: 2 hours by train from Tokyo
4. Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto’s original black castle provides a dramatic backdrop to this alpine city.
You can explore traditional neighbourhoods, visit sake breweries, and use the city as your base for hiking in the Japanese Alps.
The nearby Kamikochi valley offers some of Japan’s best mountain walking.
Best time to visit: April-November (Kamikochi valley closes in winter)
Getting there: 3 hours by train from Tokyo
5. Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture
Step into a living museum in Kurashiki’s Bikan historical quarter.
White-walled storehouses line willow-fringed canals, creating picture-perfect scenes.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather
Getting there: 3.5 hours by shinkansen from Tokyo
The Emerging Discoveries
6. Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture
See Japan’s best flower displays here.
Visit during off-peak times to skip the crowds.
The park transforms throughout the year with different flowers creating carpet-like landscapes.
Blue nemophila in spring and red kochia in autumn create otherworldly scenes.
Best time to visit: Late April-early May for nemophila, October for kochia
Getting there: 2 hours from Tokyo by train and bus
7. Beppu, Oita Prefecture
Experience Japan’s hot spring capital on the volcanic island of Kyushu.
You can bathe in different coloured hot springs, try sand baths on the beach, and witness the dramatic “Hells of Beppu” geothermal sites.
The city offers every type of onsen experience imaginable.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with cooler months being more comfortable
Getting there: 1.5 hours by plane from Tokyo, or 6 hours by train
8. Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture
Explore the historic canal district on a traditional wooden boat in this old merchant town.
Explore Edo-period streets, visit sweet shops, and enjoy views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
The town maintains its authentic atmosphere without tourist commercialisation.
Best time to visit: Spring through autumn
Getting there: 1 hour by train from Kyoto
9. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails, Wakayama Prefecture
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and pilgrims on these ancient sacred trails through the Kii Peninsula mountains.
Stay in traditional lodges, visit Shinto shrines, and enjoy spiritual Japan without the crowds.
The trails offer various difficulty levels and lengths.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
Getting there: 4-5 hours from Tokyo via Nagoya and local trains
10. Matsue, Shimane Prefecture
Discover Japan’s “water city” with its original castle, traditional gardens, and peaceful moats.
You can enjoy boat trips around the castle moat.
Also, visit Adachi Museum to explore one of Japan’s best traditional gardens.
Experience authentic samurai culture while you’re there.
The city feels genuinely undiscovered by international tourism.
Best time to visit: April-May and October-November
Getting there: 4 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen and local trains
The Hidden Authentic Experiences
11. Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture
Step into samurai history in this castle town that played a crucial role in Japan’s transition to modernity.
Explore the rebuilt castle.
Visit traditional sake breweries.
Learn about the sad tale of the White Tiger samurai unit.
The town preserves authentic samurai culture without tourist gloss.
Best time to visit: April-May for cherry blossoms around the castle
Getting there: 3 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen and local trains
12. Iya Valley, Tokushima Prefecture
Cross ancient vine bridges suspended over emerald rivers in one of Japan’s most remote valleys.
Stay in thatched-roof farmhouses.
Bathe in hot springs by the river.
Experience mountain life that hasn’t changed for centuries.
The valley requires effort to reach but rewards you with untouched beauty.
Best time to visit: May-June and October-November
Getting there: 4-5 hours from Tokyo via plane to Tokushima then bus
13. Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
Escape to this mountain town famous for its pilgrimage temples and traditional festivals.
You can visit 34 sacred temples.
You can also explore traditional sake and whisky distilleries.
Plus, enjoy mountain hiking, all just 90 minutes from Tokyo.
Local festivals showcase authentic Japanese community spirit.
Best time to visit: April for cherry blossoms, October-November for autumn colours
Getting there: 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo
14. Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki Prefecture
Experience the birthplace of Japanese mythology in this dramatic volcanic gorge on Kyushu island.
Paddle boats beneath tall basalt cliffs.
Visit shrines tied to Japan’s creation myths.
Watch traditional Shinto dance performances.
The area remains deeply spiritual and uncommercialised.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with spring and autumn being most pleasant
Getting there: 5 hours from Tokyo by plane to Kumamoto then bus
15. Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture
Journey to Japan’s former exile island where traditional culture thrives in isolation.
Watch famous taiko drumming shows, explore old gold mines, and see traditional arts like Noh theatre in their original places.
The island offers Japan at its most authentic and unchanged.
Best time to visit: May-October for best weather and ferry connections
Getting there: 3.5 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen to Niigata then ferry
Planning Your Regional Japan Adventure
Transport: Purchase a JR Pass for trains, but budget extra time for local transport to remote destinations.
Some locations require buses or ferries for the final leg.
Accommodation: Book traditional ryokan inns where possible for authentic experiences.
Many regional destinations have limited accommodation, so reserve well in advance.
Language: English signage varies greatly.
Download translation apps and learn basic Japanese phrases.
Regional areas reward effort to communicate in Japanese.
Timing: Stay away from Japanese Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August).
During these times, domestic tourists fill even remote spots.
Budget: Regional Japan costs significantly less than major cities.
Expect to pay 30-50% less for accommodation and meals whilst getting better quality and authenticity.
Your Journey Awaits
These 15 destinations show you the Japan that most tourists never discover.
You’ll swap convenience for authenticity, crowds for real connections, and tourist spots for true cultural experiences.
No matter if you pick a nearby mountain town or a distant island, you’ll come back with amazing stories and memories that no guidebook can hold.
Start planning your regional Japan adventure today.
The real Japan waits beyond the tourist trail, ready to welcome you with open arms and experiences you’ll treasure forever.
