11 Best Places to Visit in Japan Beyond Tokyo
Japan is famous for Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, ancient temples, and high-speed trains, but there’s so much more waiting beyond its capital. From remote islands to hidden mountain villages, Japan offers an array of destinations that blend history, nature, and culture in almost surreal ways.
If you want to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, here are some of the most breathtaking places to give you a fresh perspective on this fascinating country.
Kyoto’s Enchanting Kurama and Kibune
Kyoto may be famous for its temples, but just a short train ride away lies Kurama and Kibune, two tiny villages tucked into the mountains. Kurama is known for its rejuvenating onsen (hot springs), while Kibune is home to the iconic Kifune Shrine, where wooden prayer plaques float on water to reveal fortunes. Visiting in autumn is a visual treat, with the surrounding forests ablaze in red and gold. A scenic hiking trail connects the two villages, offering a peaceful break from Kyoto’s tourist crowds.
The Spectacular Sand Dunes of Tottori
Yes, Japan has a desert…sort of. The Tottori Sand Dunes stretch along the Sea of Japan and resemble a slice of the Sahara. You can ride a camel, slide down the dunes on a board, or take in the endless waves of golden sand. If you’re a fan of quirky museums, the nearby Sand Museum displays intricate sand sculptures crafted by artists worldwide. This windswept landscape feels worlds apart from Japan’s usual image of cherry blossoms and temples.
The Fairytale Village of Shirakawa-go
Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is straight out of a storybook. The village is famous for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall. In winter, the snow-covered rooftops, glowing lanterns, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a magical hideaway. While summer reveals lush green rice fields, the winter illuminations turn this UNESCO-listed village into something truly surreal.
The Mystical Forests of Yakushima
If you’ve ever watched Princess Mononoke, you’ve already seen glimpses of Yakushima. This island inspired the film’s enchanted forests, filled with ancient cedar trees draped in moss. Some trees here are over 7,000 years old, making Yakushima one of Japan’s most otherworldly places. Hikers can venture into the island’s dense greenery, where misty trails and hidden waterfalls make every step feel like a journey into a forgotten world.
The Remote Beauty of Aogashima
Japan has plenty of islands, but Aogashima takes remoteness to a new level. Sitting in the Philippine Sea, this volcanic island is home to just a few hundred people. The island itself is the caldera of an ancient volcano, with another smaller volcano rising from its center. Reaching Aogashima requires either a helicopter or a ferry from Tokyo’s Izu Islands, but those who make the trek are rewarded with untouched nature, geothermal hot springs, and one of the clearest night skies in Japan.
The Edo-Era Charm of Kanazawa
Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa boasts well-preserved samurai districts, traditional teahouses, and one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, Kenrokuen. Unlike Kyoto, it doesn’t attract crowds, so you can leisurely stroll through its historic streets without dodging selfie sticks. Kanazawa is also a paradise for seafood lovers, offering some of the freshest sushi from the nearby Sea of Japan. If you appreciate gold, this city is famous for its gold leaf craftsmanship. Yes, even gold-covered ice cream exists here.
The Tranquil Temples of Mount Koya
Mount Koya is an unforgettable place for those looking to experience a more spiritual side of Japan. This sacred mountain is home to over 100 Buddhist temples, many offering temple stays where visitors can join monks in meditation and sample traditional vegetarian cuisine. The Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest, is an eerie yet peaceful site with towering cedar trees and thousands of moss-covered gravestones. It’s a place that feels deeply connected to the past.
The Hidden Valleys of Iya
Tucked away in the mountains of Shikoku, the Iya Valley remains one of Japan’s most secluded spots. It’s best known for its vine bridges, which are made from woven plants that sway slightly as you cross. An experience that’s both thrilling and mildly terrifying. The valley is also home to onsens with views of misty cliffs, traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, and quiet roads that wind through untouched nature.
The Coastal Charms of Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate, often called “Japan’s Bridge to Heaven,” is a sandbar covered in pine trees stretching across Miyazu Bay. Legend says if you bend over and look at it upside-down through your legs, it resembles a bridge to the sky. Whether or not you try the odd viewing method, the views from the surrounding hills are breathtaking. Nearby, you can visit small temples, enjoy fresh seafood, and enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere.
The Historic Streets of Kurashiki
Kurashiki’s old merchant quarter, Bikan, is a picturesque reminder of Japan’s Edo period. Its white-walled storehouses and willow-lined canals make it one of the country’s prettiest historic districts. You can take a boat ride along the narrow waterways, browse small artisan shops, and step inside well-preserved buildings that now house museums. The Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum for Western art, adds an unexpected cultural twist to this charming town.
The Surreal Art of Naoshima
If you think art museums are just for indoor spaces, Naoshima will change your mind. This small island in the Seto Inland Sea has been transformed into an open-air art paradise. Giant polka-dotted pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama sit on the shore, underground museums blend into the landscape, and avant-garde installations pop up in unexpected places. Even the island’s accommodations, including Benesse House, are designed as works of art. Naoshima proves that creativity and nature can beautifully coexist.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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