Japan is famous all over the world for its beautiful landscapes, glorious past, and rich history, which is why for some travelers, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka jump directly to mind. However, hidden in the vast country are many relatively undiscovered cities, away from the crowds of metropolitan towns, where the actual life of Japan is shown through its culture, history, and nature sites. These hidden cities are the best if you look forward to an offbeat Japanese adventure. Here are a few of the underrated places in Japan that you must not miss for a true experience.
Kanazawa is a little-known secret on Japan's western coast of Honshu. Often, this beautiful city is overshadowed by Kyoto and Tokyo but gives a fantastic glimpse into old Japan. The historic districts in Kanazawa are impressively preserved, and tourists can experience Edo-period architecture, narrow streets, and charming merchant houses.
Among the greatest gardens in Japan, one of the main attractions in Kanazawa is Kenrokuen Garden with ponds, a meandering stream, and various walking paths land- and water-scrupulously designed. Higashi Chaya District is another favorite place to visit where visitors can be taken back to the old days to step into old teahouses that were some gathering places for Geisha culture. Kanazawa is also known for its rich culinary scenes with fresh seafood taken from the Sea of Japan, turning out to be a heaven for foodies.
Takamatsu is one of the cities found on the island of Shikoku, rarely visited by tourists but very full of experiences in Japanese culture. The city is famous for Ritsurin Garden, a beautifully landscaped park that reflects the elegance of traditional Japanese garden design. Tourists can walk through the beautiful park, famous for its massive ponds, stone bridges, and pine trees.
Another site in Takamatsu is Kotohira-gu Shrine. The shrine demands the visitors to climb 1,368 steps to the top, but the view over the Seto Inland Sea is worth it. Sanuki Udon is the regional udon noodle that thrives with the local cuisine in the city. With its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty, Takamatsu is the perfect destination for those looking for a slower, more authentic experience of Japan.
The city of Nagasaki is a city on the island of Kyushu and is steeped in the history and culture of Japan. Even though the city has received much attention because of its tragic association with World War II, Nagasaki has much to offer regarding traditional Japanese culture, colonial history, and natural beauty. The city's history as a port for international trade during the Edo period has led to a diversity of cultural heritage, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals.
The Dejima artificial island where the Portuguese and Dutch traders used to be confined for so long gives a view into the past of Nagasaki as an international trade exchange city. The Glover Garden is a hillside park that houses Western-style houses; thus, it can be taken to show the foreign influence within the city. It is also host to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, both providing a poignant glimpse of what occurred so long ago in 1945. In many respects, however, this remains a robust, friendly, and gracious city.
Kurashiki is a quaint city with its preserved canal district, offering one an authentic Japanese experience, and is also known as the Venice of Japan. A beautiful old merchant house adorns it, and these old merchant houses are lining the lovely canals that adorn the place. Bikan Historical Quarter is very famous for these white-walled, black-tiled warehouses that have turned into art museums, shops, and cafes.
It also has the Ohara Museum of Art, the first Western-style art museum in Japan, whose collection contains masterpieces by El Greco and Monet. Kurashiki is, therefore a perfect destination for those who want to explore the quiet beauty of a traditional Japanese town while enjoying the area's artistry and craftsmanship.
Matsuri is one of the under-visited cities of Japan, a place located in the very depths of the Japanese Alps offering its visitors a unique mixture of nature and traditional culture. This city actually borders some of the most wonderful mountain landscapes and is excellent for outdoor activities. Those who come can hike, ski, and experience the beautiful scenery of the Alps while gaining peaceful experiences in the countryside of Japan.
Matsuri is another known town for its famous hot springs, perfect relaxation after one's day exploring the mountains. The city is very home to several temples and shrines where one can serenely and peacefully seek quiet to reflect and do some meditation. If wanting to stay away from crowded cities and experience a few traditional Japanese in solitude, this is a really good town to visit.
Oita is located on the island of Kyushu. It has a great culture of natural sceneries and hot springs. However, compared to Fukuoka, it will be more interesting to tourists; this place provides a tranquil and natural experience in emulating the world-famous culture of onsen found in Japan.
Just outside of town is the well-known Beppu Onsen. This hot spring resort ranges from mud and sand baths to being one of Japan's most famous hot springs. There are several natural landscapes within Oita. One of the places features the small hot spring resort town of Yufuin, which is surrounded by mountains. Of course, for those visiting Oita, there's an option to immerse themselves in the more traditional elements of the Japanese culture by soaking in the off-the-beaten-path baths of the many onsens throughout the region.
Aomori is Japan's northernmost region with minimal tourists visiting it but is abundant in natural sceneries and cultural attractions. It is a town of forests, mountains, and coastlines that present a beautiful scene for nature lovers and adventurers.
Aomori has become very famous with the Nebuta Matsuri, an animated summer festival of big lighted floats accompanied by traditional Japanese music and dances. Another significant place in the city is the Aomori Museum of Art, which houses the works of local artists and gives an idea of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Nature lovers should not miss visiting the Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada, which are a little further away but offer some breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. Due to its remote location, Aomori offers visitors an authentic experience of Japan without the crowds of other tourist destinations.
While Japan's best-known cities Tokyo and Kyoto definitely provide unforgettable experiences, there's something special about discovering the lesser-known cities across the country. There's the peacefulness of Kanazawa's gardens, history in the streets of Nagasaki, and an energetic geyser in the hot springs of Oita, these are hidden gems, which allow a visitor to get a glimpse of a less-trodden side of Japan.
The more you move off the beaten path, the more you discover stunning natural beauty as well as an intense cultural heritage of Japan that's been locked in time for so many years. These cities offer a sense of authenticity that is simply impossible for any major tourist destination. Next time you go to Japan, visit these cities and experience the great diversity and heritage of Japan. From local cuisine to visiting ancient temples and getting immersed in natural hot springs, this city truly just needed a little bit of home memories and brings an understanding of the depth of Japan.
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