Perhaps you’re looking forward to visiting Japan, but aren’t excited about the press of crowds and standing in hour-long lines to take pictures or eat at a restaurant?

A whopping 36.8 million tourists visited Japan in 2024, and the Japan Travel Bureau has reported the country is on pace to exceed those numbers in 2025.

If you’re planning a visit to Japan but want to avoid the usual tourist traps, this article is for you.

Here are 5 places that aren’t Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, but still deliver authentic experiences, unique attractions, and the hefty benefit of fewer crowds.

Nasu & Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historical Charm and Natural Beauty

Tochigi prefecture is a couple of hours from Tokyo, accessible via car or shinkansen. The area is famous for Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage sites that include shrines preserved from the Tokugawa shogunate era.

*Nikko shrines by Koichi Sato - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0*

If you’re looking for a place rich in cultural heritage and traditional architecture, then a day trip to Nikko will check that box. On the practical planning side, consider renting a besso (Japanese villa) in nearby Nasu.

Located close to Nikko, Nasu is known for its beautiful forests, hiking trails, hot springs, and local cuisine. The surrounding area offers additional attractions and experiences, encouraging travelers to explore beyond the main sites.

For travelers planning a summer trip to Japan but are looking for ways to escape the heat, Nikko and Nasu are great places to consider.

*Readers of this blogpost get a special discount on this charming villa in the heart of Nasu. —>* *Click here for inquiries*

Located near mountains and amidst forests, the area allows you to enjoy Japan without the brutal heat experienced when visiting Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto during the summer.

Ideal for: forest/nature lovers, hikers, anyone who wants to visit Japan’s shrines without the crowds

Visit during: summer to escape the Tokyo heat or during the autumn to enjoy the fall foliage

Tateyama & Minami Boso, Chiba: Coastal Escapes Near Tokyo

Want a beach getaway that’s accessible from Tokyo but feels worlds away from city life?

The Boso Peninsula delivers beautiful scenery and beaches without too many crowds, so you can enjoy the coastline in peace.

The area is great for a weekend trip—just 90 minutes from Tokyo via direct train or ferry—but remains surprisingly overlooked by international visitors.

The seafood here is exceptional and significantly cheaper than what you’ll find in Tokyo. Stop at any local restaurant for sashimi plates that cost half what you’d pay in the big city.

Ideal for: beach lovers, seafood enthusiasts, travelers looking for a quick escape from Tokyo

Visit during: spring for pleasant temperatures or winter to see the Snow Corridor

Karuizawa, Nagano: Mountain Retreat of the Elite with Hot Springs

There’s a reason Japan’s imperial family and celebrities choose Karuizawa as their mountain getaway. This highland resort town sits at the foot of an active volcano and offers a perfect blend of nature and sophistication.

*Karuizawa by Ansjdjducciddkdjd - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0*

Just an hour from Tokyo on the bullet train, Karuizawa feels like stepping into another world. The air is cooler, cleaner, and filled with the scent of pine trees. The convenience of public transportation makes it easy for tourists to explore Karuizawa without needing a personal vehicle.

The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza offers tax-free shopping without Tokyo’s crowds, while nearby Shiraito Falls provides a tranquil retreat with a cascade of water resembling hanging silk threads.

What makes this area special is the balance—luxury accommodations and excellent restaurants sit alongside hiking trails and natural hot springs. You can have your outdoor adventure in the morning and be shopping for designer goods by afternoon.

Ideal for: shoppers, nature enthusiasts who still want comfort, people seeking respite from summer heat

Visit during: autumn for stunning fall colors or summer to escape the humid cities

Hokkaido: Japan's Northern Wilderness in the Japanese Alps

If you’re after truly unique experiences that most tourists never see, head to Japan’s northernmost island.

The Shiretoko Peninsula offers wildlife viewing that rivals Alaska—spot brown bears, whales, and sea eagles in their natural habitat.

The five lakes area provides easy hiking with breathtaking views that don’t require expert-level fitness. The scenic beauty of Hokkaido's lakes can be compared to Lake Ashi, where visitors enjoy picturesque boat rides with views of Mount Fuji.

For foodies, visit Hakodate, a coastal city with the freshest seafood in Japan, hands down.

*Port city of Hakodate in Hokkaido by Forest 99.*

Hokkaido’s local cuisine is distinctly different from the rest of Japan, with an emphasis on hearty dishes, fresh dairy, and, of course, the best sashimi and sushi at prices that are 50% less than what you’d pay in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, amazing seafood, or simply having so much fun, Hokkaido has something for everyone.

Ideal for: wildlife enthusiasts, food adventurers, drivers who want open roads

Visit during: summer for comfortable temperatures or winter for world-class skiing

Tazawako & Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture: Traditions and Rural Beauty

Akita Prefecture offers perhaps the most authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese culture still available to visitors. The region is known for its preserved samurai districts, deep cultural traditions, and hot springs hidden in beech forests.

Kakunodate’s samurai district is referred to as “the little Kyoto of Tohoku” and features perfectly preserved houses from the Edo period, but without the tourist buses that crowd similar attractions elsewhere. Cherry blossoms line the streets during April, so you can expect a few more people during cherry blossom season, but visit at almost any other time of the year and you’ll feel like you have the city to yourself.

While you're visiting Kakunodate, consider day trips to Lake Tazawa’s deep blue waters make for stunning photographs, or Nyuto Onsen hot springs!

Nyuto onsen is famous for its milky white waters surrounded by pristine forest, which you can enjoy, often with the entire bath to yourself.

If you want to enjoy Japan without the chatter of tour groups and foreign visitors, then there’s no place better than Akita.

Ideal for: culture seekers, onsen enthusiasts, photographers

Visit during: winter to experience snow country traditions or autumn for spectacular foliage

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are places to visit in Japan that aren't Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?

For those looking to venture away from where most foreign tourists go, Japan has a plethora of hidden gems and lesser-known major attractions to discover, from the natural hot springs, or onsen, that dot the countryside, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate to Japan’s unique wildlife, to stunning Japanese gardens, historical sites, and traditional temples. We suggest visiting Nikko and Nasu in Tochigi, Tateyama in Chiba, Hakodate in Hokkaido, Kakunodate in Akita, and Karuizawa in Nagano.

What is the best way to travel between these locations?

Renting a car is ideal if you have an international driver’s license. This is particularly the case if you’re planning to explore Japan’s wildlife and more remote areas. Of course, even without a car, Japan’s shinkansens and local trains can also take you almost anywhere you want to go, but plan for longer wait times between trains as you travel farther away from Tokyo.

Do I need to speak Japanese to visit these regions?

While speaking Japanese is a definite plus, most translation apps work just as well in Japan’s countryside as in Japan’s major cities.

Are these places suitable for families/solo travelers?

The destinations listed in this article are perfectly suited for families as well as solo travelers, particularly if you or your family wants to avoid long wait times and large crowds.

In Closing

With its efficient bullet train network, visiting Japan has never been easier, making it simple to explore the country’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in delicious gold leaf ice cream, and sample the local specialty of each Japanese city.

Getting off the beaten path, however, does not mean sacrificing comfort or convenience on your Japan trip.

Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, steeped in traditional culture and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites spread throughout Japan.

Add the destinations in this article to your Japan itinerary and get excellent accommodations, delicious Japanese food, unique experiences, and enjoy Japan without the crowds (and the summer heat) that can make many Japanese cities feel overwhelming.

5 Places to Visit that Aren't Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto