If you head outside Japan’s main cities, you’ll find plenty to discover. There are traditional onsen towns, preserved merchant districts, mountain villages, and hidden cultural hubs ready for exploring. Below, our Japan specialist, Erin , shares the places that surprised her most during her recent journey through Japan. Erin with Miyajima torii gate, Hiroshima Tokyo and Kyoto deserve their place on almost every first-time Japan itinerary. Tokyo is all about energy, modern design, and a sense of forward thinking. Kyoto is packed with ancient temples, geisha districts and centuries-old traditions. But, after spending a good amount of time travelling around Japan this spring, I was reminded that many of the experiences that really stay with you happen well away from the big-name cities. I soaked in a hot spring in a classic onsen town, I wandered through old merchant streets and explored areas known for their crafts and local traditions. And I’m so excited to start slotting these authentic moments of magic into my Japan holiday itineraries now I’m home. Whether you're visiting Japan for the first time or planning a return trip, here are some places that I'd wholeheartedly recommend including in your trip, alongside the Tokyo and Kyoto classics, of course. Tokyo city, taken by Erin Back streets of Kyoto, taken by Erin on a bike tour Kinosaki Onsen Learn More Best for traditional Japan Erin at onsen Kinosaki onsen by night, taken by Erin Erin wearing a yukata at the onsen If you're researching where to experience authentic Japan and want to experience the country the way you’ve always imagined it; wooden inns, steaming hot springs, lantern-lit streets and locals strolling in yukata robes, I’d probably say Kinosaki Onsen is the place to head to. It’s one of those places that still feels very traditional. Kinosaki hasn’t changed much over the years. You’ll see people wandering along the willow-lined streets in yukata and wooden sandals, heading from one bathhouse to the next just as they always have. TIP: It’s worth staying overnight here, rather than just popping in for a quick soak. Staying in a ryokan here was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire recent trip. My room was traditionally styled, with tatami-mat floors and a futon laid out at night. In the early evening, the room was transformed into a private dining space where I was served a beautiful kaiseki dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal and a quintessential part of the ryokan experience. Every dish felt carefully prepared and beautifully presented, almost too pretty to eat. Inside Erins royokan Inside Erins royokan, ready for sleep The atmosphere of Kinosaki is so special; it was lovely to see guests from neighbouring ryokans stroll through the streets in yukata robes, their wooden geta sandals clicking on the pavement as they walk between the seven bathhouses spread across town. The pace of life here feels wonderfully relaxed. When I visited, a local guide named Yokota showed me around her hometown and shared stories about each bathhouse. One of my favourites was Kono-yu, also called the "stork bath." Legend tells of an injured Oriental White Stork that healed its leg in the hot spring waters hundreds of years ago, leading locals to discover the springs' healing properties. I thought it was such a lovely story and somehow perfectly suited to the peaceful atmosphere of a town centred on restoration and wellbeing. 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Why visit Kinosaki Onsen? ✔ Experience an authentic ryokan stay ✔ Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner ✔ Visit seven historic bathhouses ✔ Discover a slower pace of Japanese life ✔ Perfect addition between Kyoto and Hiroshima Matsumoto & the Nakasendo Trail Learn More Best for walkers and history lovers Erin before hiking the Nakasendo trail An afternoon stroll through Matsumoto, taken by Erin Jenni from concierge at a jazz and wine bar in Matsumoto This ancient route once connected Tokyo and Kyoto during Japan's feudal era, allowing samurai, merchants and nobles to travel through the spectacular scenery of the Kiso Valley. Today, sections of the trail remain beautifully preserved. I walked the popular stretch between Magome and Tsumago and immediately understood why it has become such a sought-after experience. Magome has a lovely atmosphere, you’ll find traditional wooden houses, little tea shops, waterwheels turning slowly, places to try the most delicious soba noodles and a handful of quiet souvenir shops. From there, the trail winds through forests, waterfalls and beautiful mountain scenery. Matsumoto castle and bridge, taken by Erin Erin at Matsumoto castle One of my favourite moments was stopping at a tea house for ginger tea and cake while overlooking the valley views. The whole walk had such a calm and comforting atmosphere. Even though the trail feels incredibly historic, like you could turn a corner and find samurai walking beside you, it also feels surprisingly familiar and welcoming. I felt very much at home there and couldn’t help but imagine how lovely it would be to walk my dog, Caesar, along the route on a sunny morning, just as many of the locals were doing. When we reached Tsumago, we stopped for soba noodles, which felt like the perfect dish after hiking in the Japanese sunshine. Originally, we planned to catch the bus to Nagiso Station, but since it was only another 3.5 kilometres, we decided to continue on foot and soak up even more of the valley scenery. TIP: If you do the walk yourself, definitely bring some snacks to enjoy at the rest stops along the way, bring plenty of water, and wear comfortable walking shoes, oh and a bear bell! The jingling soundtrack from fellow hikers quickly becomes part of the experience. The forests around Matsumoto and the Nakasendo Trail are home to the Asiatic black bear, (Ursus thibetanus), often called the moon bear. They are easy to recognise by the crescent-shaped white or cream patch on their chest. They spend most of their time in trees, are very intelligent, and are now, unfortunately considered vulnerable because of habitat loss and poaching. 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Why walk the Nakasendo Trail? ✔ Historic samurai route ✔ Scenic hiking without technical difficulty ✔ Traditional villages ✔ Incredible mountain scenery ✔ Ideal for travellers seeking a different side of Japan Nara Learn More Best for first-time visitors seeking a quieter side of Japan Bridge in Nara park, taken by Erin Deer in Nara park, taken by Erin Sake barrels in Nara, taken by Erin During my time in Kyoto, I was really keen to squeeze in a trip to Nara. As Japan’s first permanent capital, the city has huge historical importance, but if I’m honest, it was also the promise of free-roaming, petable deer that convinced me I absolutely had to visit. Nara is best known for the friendly Sika deer that wander freely around Nara Park, and honestly, they completely lived up to the expectations. One of my favourite moments from the whole trip happened when I stopped to take a photo with one of the deer, who seemed slightly hesitant about letting me get too close. An elderly Japanese lady noticed this and quickly approached me with the biggest smile on her face. She handed me a little zip-lock bag full of nuts, simply saying, “These are for you,” and suddenly the deer was more than happy to come over for a tickle. It was such a small gesture, but it really stayed with me and reminded me just how kind and hospitable Japanese people are. There’s such a genuine warmth and pride in the way they welcome visitors to their country. Erin feeding Nara deer Nara deer inbetween stone lanterns, taken by Erin Naturally, I then spent the rest of the morning feeding as many deer as possible. I also quickly discovered that if you bow to the deer, many of them will bow back before expecting a snack in return, something I found both hilarious and completely charming. Alongside the deer, I visited Todai-ji Temple to see the enormous Great Buddha and wandered through the lantern-lined pathways leading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Nara felt peaceful, welcoming and full of little moments that made the day incredibly memorable. Compared to Kyoto and Osaka, it had a much calmer, slower pace, making it a lovely place to spend the day. I travelled into Nara to spend the day there from Kyoto, but you can also travel from Osaka. 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Kanazawa Learn More Best for culture lovers, gardens and traditional Japan without the crowds Erin in Higashi Chaya district Bridge at kenroku-en gardens, taken by Erin Erin with guide, Emi If Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, Kanazawa feels like its quieter, more understated sibling. You’ll find many of the things people love about Kyoto here: geisha districts, samurai history, tea houses and lovely gardens. The difference is that everything moves at a gentler pace, and you won’t be jostled by crowds. During my visit, I explored the historic Higashi Chaya District, one of Japan's best-preserved geisha neighbourhoods. Walking along its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden facades felt like I’d blinked and stepped back several centuries. Lanterns hung outside tea houses, small boutiques showcased local crafts, and every corner seemed perfectly composed. One of my favourite moments was stopping for matcha in a traditional teahouse, overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens. It was one of the moments where I enjoyed just slowing things down a little. Simply sitting quietly with a bowl of matcha and taking in my surroundings, unable not to feel extremely lucky to be there. Erin drinking her matcha Kenroku-en statue, taken by Erin Kanazawa is also known for its craftsmanship. For centuries, artisans here have produced lacquerware, ceramics, textiles and the gold leaf you’ll spot on temples and shops around the city. I also was able to visit a samurai residence, which gave me a real sense of how these families lived. Walking through the rooms and peaceful gardens, I felt the history was so close and real. Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring Kenroku-en Garden. Kenroku-en is often called one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Ponds, sculpted pine trees, stone lanterns and seasonal flowers all come together here so beautifully. Kanazawa Castle is just next door and gives you another look at the city’s feudal past, along with good views over the park. In the evening, small izakayas fill up, locals meet for drinks and seasonal food, and the city takes on a slightly different feel. If you’re interested in Japanese design, traditional culture, food or craftsmanship, Kanazawa is definitely worth a visit. 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video.remove(); img.src = "https://placehold.co/600x400/EEE/31343C?text=Browser+cannot+play+video+:(+"; }); video.addEventListener("seeked", function() { if (!isProcessing) return; const canvas = document.createElement("canvas"); canvas.width = video.videoWidth; canvas.height = video.videoHeight; try { canvas.getContext("2d").drawImage(video, 0, 0); const dataUrl = canvas.toDataURL("image/jpeg", 0.8); img.setAttribute("src", dataUrl); } catch(e) { console.error("Failed to generate thumbnail:", e); } video.remove(); canvas.remove(); }); // Add media fragment to only load first second video.src = `${videoUrl}#t=0,1`; video.load(); } }); }); document.addEventListener("click", function(e) { if (e.target.matches(".zen-gallery-expand")) { const items = document.querySelectorAll(".zen-gallery-item"); items.forEach((item, index) => { if (index >= 12) { item.classList.toggle("d-xl-none"); } if (index >= 9) { item.classList.toggle("d-md-none"); item.classList.toggle("d-xl-block"); } if (index >= 6) { item.classList.toggle("d-none"); item.classList.toggle("d-md-block"); } }); const anyHidden = Array.from(items).some(item => item.classList.contains("d-none") || item.classList.contains("d-md-none") || item.classList.contains("d-xl-none") ); e.target.textContent = anyHidden ? "Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Why visit Kanazawa? ✔ Experience a quieter alternative to Kyoto ✔ Explore one of Japan's most beautiful gardens ✔ Discover geisha districts without the crowds ✔ Visit samurai residences and historic neighbourhoods ✔ Enjoy exceptional local food and intimate izakayas Takayama & Shirakawa-go Learn More Best for mountain scenery and old Japan Erin at Shirakawago Flowers and pond near a house in Shirakawago Shopfront in Takayama, taken by Erin Visiting Takayama, up in the Japanese Alps, with its old streets and traditional merchant houses, I felt again as though I was exploring a place paused in time.. As you wander through the old town, you’ll see traditional shopfronts, small sake breweries next to family-run restaurants, and wooden buildings that have stood there for generations. Bridges cross the river, flowers line the pathways, and the mountains provide postcard-worthy scenery. It is utterly beautiful. Not far from Takayama is Shirakawa-go, a rural village that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs built to handle the heavy snow in winter. Mountains surround the village, and rivers run between the old houses and quiet paths. You’ll spot small shrines among the houses, and whichever way you look, there’s something interesting to see. Shirakawago landscape and houses River in Shirakawago What surprised me most was how peaceful Shirakawa-go felt despite its popularity. Away from the viewpoints, visitors wander through the village, stopping to admire gardens, local shops, and the craftsmanship evident in every building. Takayama and Shirakawa-go are wonderful places to visit for a real insight into traditional Japan. You’ll find mountain scenery, old wooden houses and a calm that’s hard to come by in the bigger cities. It’s a good place to step away from the crowds and see a different side of the country. 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item.classList.toggle("d-md-block"); } }); const anyHidden = Array.from(items).some(item => item.classList.contains("d-none") || item.classList.contains("d-md-none") || item.classList.contains("d-xl-none") ); e.target.textContent = anyHidden ? "Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Why visit Takayama and Shirakawa-go? ✔ Experience one of Japan's most beautiful mountain regions ✔ Explore traditional streets and historic architecture ✔ Visit a UNESCO-listed village ✔ Discover rural Japan beyond the major cities ✔ Ideal for photographers and cultural travellers Hiroshima Learn More Best for reflection, history, and island trips Erin with Miyajima torii gate Deer on Miyajima Statue on Miyajima Hiroshima is known for its history, but I was struck by how much there is to see and do here. Of course, visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park is profoundly moving. They offer an important opportunity to understand the city's past and reflect on its remarkable resilience and recovery. Hiroshima today also feels vibrant, optimistic and full of life, and one of the highlights of my visit was travelling by ferry to Miyajima Island. Taking the boat over, you see the torii gate come into view bit by bit. The island feels very different from the city itself. You’ll spot deer wandering through the quieter streets, and shrines tucked in among the trees. I spent time walking around Itsukushima Shrine, following the lantern-lit paths and heading up to the White Peace Pagoda for the views. Another memorable moment was seeing Orizuru Tower, where views across the city are the perfect place to take in Hiroshima’s remarkable resilience and transformation. Ferry over to Miyajima Okonomiyaki Hiroshima restaurant And then there’s the food, which deserves a mention. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is quite different from the Osaka version. Here, they layer noodles, cabbage, egg and all sorts of savoury toppings on a hot plate. It’s hearty, simple and really satisfying. Sharing okonomiyaki in a lively local restaurant quickly became one of my favourite meals of the trip. Hiroshima brings together history, culture, nature and food in a really lovely and meaningful way. It encourages visitors not only to learn, but also to appreciate how places can evolve, rebuild and thrive. 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); FAQ'S Which place changed your perception of Japan the most? Before I visited, I pictured Japan as a super modern, high-tech place with robots and neon lights everywhere. But actually being there, I found it to be full of culture and history. Life moves at a much slower pace. People really value the natural world and take time to enjoy their surroundings. I was really able to take the time to breathe in the space and take in all the beauty. I was present in the “smallest” of moments, making a lovely cup of tea in a beautiful cup, overlooking the beautiful gardens. For me, it's not about the tech or the modcoms; it's all about the beauty of the country, with so much to take in. What is the most authentic place to visit in Japan? While authenticity means different things to different travellers, Kinosaki Onsen , the Nakasendo Trail and Takayama offer particularly immersive experiences rooted in Japanese tradition. Is the Nakasendo Trail difficult? No. The popular Magome to Tsumago section is accessible for most travellers with a reasonable level of fitness and rewards walkers with beautiful scenery, traditional villages and fascinating history. How easy or hard is it to navigate Japan? So easy, one of the easiest countries I believe you can travel through. I highly recommend using “luggage forwarding” when traveling in Japan . Since you often move around by public transport and usually stay for several weeks, you end up with a lot of bags. Plus, the heat makes carrying them on trains uncomfortable. With this service, you can send your suitcase to your next hotel, and it will be waiting in your room when you arrive. It always works and makes traveling between different places much easier. I also found it quite affordable, especially compared to what same-day delivery for a large package would cost in the UK. How many days should I spend outside Tokyo and Kyoto? It really depends on whether you prefer cities or not. I could spend weeks in the countryside because that’s where I feel most comfortable. I love gardens, greenery, and culture. Even if you’re more of a city person, it’s definitely worth going off the beaten path to see another side of Japan . Exploring beyond the major cities is especially rewarding if you’re interested in traditional culture, nature, wellness, or a slower travel experience. So, where should you go in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto? Japan is known for its big cities, but some of the most wonderful experiences happen in the quieter towns and countryside. Maybe it’s walking through lantern-lit streets in Kinosaki Onsen, or relaxing in old hot springs after a kaiseki dinner. It might be sipping matcha in a teahouse with a view of Kanazawa’s gardens, or walking the old samurai paths on the Nakasendo Trail. Or perhaps your highlight will be seeing the floating torii gate of Miyajima rise from the sea. On my recent trip to Japan, these were the places that I will always remember. Tokyo and Kyoto are popular for good reason, but these spots offered a different perspective on the country, one that felt more personal and deeply connected to Japan's culture, local stories, craftsmanship, and traditions. If you’re thinking about a trip to Japan, Erin would love to help you find places that fit your interests, whether you’re after great food, traditional culture, beautiful scenery, wellness experiences, or just want to see how special Japan is. Chat with Erin today to start designing a tailor-made journey through Japan, built entirely around what inspires you most. Explore more of Japan Wondering where to visit in Japan? Chat with our Japan expert Erin today, to build a Japan itinerary just for you. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS