15 Incredible Japanese Cities Beyond Tokyo to Explore

Kyushu island’s largest city blends modern energy with rich traditions. Its yatai (food stalls) bring the streets to life at night, serving drinks and local specialties including tonkotsu ramen with creamy pork bone broth. The Daimyo neighbourhood near the city centre is a hotspot for vintage fashion, record stores and casual dining, including the original Ippudo Ramen restaurant. Just outside the city, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is set in lush gardens and has an exceptional collection of contemporary art installations and historic artefacts, from calligraphy scrolls to traditional samurai garb.

Known for its sunny climate, Okayama is home to Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped green spaces, as well as Okayama Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its dark exterior. A short train ride from Okayama Station will take you to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a well-preserved canal district lined with Edo-period warehouses, art galleries and quaint cafes. Denim fans should check out Kojima Jeans Street, the birthplace of Japan’s premium denim industry, while art lovers can hop on the ferry to Naoshima, the world-famous “art island” that hosts works from greats such as Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet.

Built on the wealth of the Maeda clan, Kanazawa (two and half hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen) boasts an imposing castle and Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens. The well-preserved Nagamachi samurai district and charming Higashi Chaya geisha quarter are great places to delve into local history and their walkable layouts make them a delight to explore. Start with a trip to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art to take in the impressive large-scale installations, then ease into the modernist Zen escape of D.T. Suzuki Museum. Book dinner at Japanese Cuisine Hatanaka for elegant omakase sushi and natural wines.

Once an under-the-radar hot spring town on the coast of Ibaraki prefecture, Izura gained global attention in late 2024 when digital art collective teamLab unveiled its newest permanent exhibition, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces in a forest nearby. Here, ancient rice paddies, trees and waves become immersive light installations. For the full experience, stay in the onsite glamping accommodations, complete with hot springs, for a front-row seat to the ethereal evening illuminations.

A captivating blend of European influences, sizable peaks and a vibrant food scene, Hakodate dazzles. The old foreign settlement, with its steep, sloping streets, evokes Lisbon, as does its cable car network. Hakodate Morning Market Square is a must for seafood lovers, while quirky local burger chain Lucky Pierrot has themed restaurants centring on celebrities from Santa Claus to Elvis. For a soothing break, head east to Yunokawa Onsen for ocean-view hot springs.

Serving as the gateway to the country’s northern alps, Matsumoto is a traditional town built around black-and-white Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest surviving fortress. Just a short walk from Matsumoto Station, Nakamachi Street is lined with kura storehouses that now house craft shops, soba restaurants and bars. The nearby sake town of Suwa offers brewery tours and tastings, and even sake ice cream. Matsumoto is also the ideal base for Kamikochi, a popular alpine hiking destination.

Around 15 minutes west of Osaka by Shinkansen, Kobe is a port city framed by the Rokkō Mountains, where hiking trails reward you with sweeping city views. Visitors can get a taste of old and new here: Arima Onsen in the mountains is a charming hot spring town for a day trip or short stay, while the recently reopened Kobe Port Tower in the heart of town now features a revolving restaurant and light art installations. But the city’s biggest claim to fame? Kobe beef – expertly seared on the teppan at Mouriya, a specialist with a history that stretches back over 140 years.

The heart of Japan's wine country, Kofu is a scenic getaway just over an hour west of Tokyo by train. Sadoya, a short walk from Kofu Station, is the oldest of Kofu's 80 wineries and resembles a village in Provence (you’ll also find familiar French grape varietals here, from Semillon to Cabernet Sauvignon. On a small hill in the centre of town, the Kofu Castle Ruins offer spectacular views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. After a day of hiking the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of Shosenkyo Gorge, warm up with houtou – a hearty dish of noodles and vegetables in a miso-based broth. You don’t need to head back to the city just yet: stay at one of the traditional inns around Yumura Onsen to continue the relaxation.

Japan’s former merchant stronghold still exudes main-character energy, its neon-lit streets and maze-like alleys a photographer’s dream. While Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan are must-sees, the city’s true charm lies in its quieter neighbourhoods. In the shadow of skyscrapers, the neighbourhood of Nakazakicho offers a more nostalgic vibe, with old homes transformed into vintage stores, artisan boutiques and indie cafes. Stop by Neel for an espresso and a crisp katsu sando to fuel your explorations.

Charming Kakunodate – about three hours north of Tokyo by Shinkansen – is renowned for its well-preserved samurai district and exquisite cherry blossoms in spring. Stroll or take a rickshaw ride to explore the samurai houses, then watch artisans craft kabazaiku, the town’s signature cherry bark craft, at the Denshokan Museum. If you want to step back in time, stay in a restored merchant storehouse at Wanoi Kakunodate and to immerse yourself in nature, head to the town’s eastern outskirts where you can hike through the forests of Dakigaeri Valley.

Beating the crowds in Kyoto is easy if you’re an early bird – get up super early to explore hotspots like Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, open 24 hours, as well as the city's historic temples, many of which open at 9am. Stroll the backstreets of the Karasuma neighbourhood to discover elegant machiya (old merchant houses), now home to chic boutiques, tea shops and even vintage vinyl stores like Plastic Soul Records. Kyo Amahare is a must-visit for ceramics and glassware, with an adjoining tea room that’s decorated with storm-grey washi paper. After exploring the bustling Nishiki Market in the centre of town, head to Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji for calm respite.

Most travellers speed past Toyama (on Honshu’s western coast) on their way to Kanazawa but its stunning landscapes make it worth a stopover. The snow-capped Tateyama Mountains rise dramatically behind Toyama Bay, creating a serene postcard-pretty view, while the thoroughly modern architecture of the city centre provides a striking contrast (the Kengo Kuma-designed Toyama Glass Art Museum feels like a modern cathedral of light). Beyond, the mountain hamlets of Ainokura and Suganuma offer a fairy-tale escape, especially in winter when the thatched-roof houses are blanketed in snow.

Just over an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is the city of feudal lord Date Masamune, whose jet-black armour influences everything from the lacquered Osaki Hachimangu Shrine to the stylish Shokado Cafe. The towering Sendai Daikannon statue, taller than the Statue of Liberty, offers panoramic views from inside. When hunger hits, the city is known for gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda mochi, a sweet soybean treat. If you're staying a while, Matsushima Bay – just 40 minutes north by train – is an easy day trip spot that offers picturesque pine-covered islets.

Roughly midway between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya boasts a rich food culture centred on hatcho miso, featured in dishes such as miso katsu – a crispy pork cutlet topped with a sweet-savory miso sauce. At the heart of the city sits the historical Nagoya Castle, contrasted by the sleek Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. Built in 1954, the Eiffel-esque tower now houses The Tower Hotel, which offers exclusive after-hours access to its observation deck for guests. On the city’s east side, Ghibli Park brings Studio Ghibli’s films to life with enchanting landscapes visitors can walk through and interact with, bringing to life the beloved anime films of Hayao Miyazaki.