Japan is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world—and rightly so. But there’s a problem: most people who visit the country follow exactly the same route. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima. Bullet train, temples, ramen, sushi at Tsukiji. Photographs in the Bamboo Forest. Return home.
There’s nothing wrong with that. These places are extraordinary. But Japan has so much more to offer—layers of culture, landscape, and experience that most tourists never get to see.
If you’ve already visited Japan and want to return in a different way, or if it’s your first time and you don’t want to follow the usual itinerary, this article is for you.
Kanazawa — The Kyoto that Kyoto once was
Kanazawa is, for many travelers who know it, the best city in Japan. Located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, two hours from Tokyo by high-speed train, it preserves an authenticity that Kyoto lost long ago to mass tourism.
The city was one of the richest in feudal Japan—second only to Edo (present-day Tokyo)—and its legacy is visible everywhere: in Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in the country; in Higashi Chaya, the historic geisha district; and in the ceramic, silk, and craft museums that make this city a silent capital of Japanese art.
There are no American military bases in Kanazawa, which historically spared it from bombing raids during World War II. The result is an ancient city that survived intact—and that you can explore with almost no other tourists around.
What not to miss: Kenroku-en Garden at dawn (free entry before 8 am), the Higashi Chaya neighborhood, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Omicho seafood market.
Tip: Stay at least two nights. Kanazawa is worth the time.
Yakushima — The Island That Inspired Miyazaki
If you’ve ever seen the movie Princess Mononoke From Studio Ghibli, you already know Yakushima — even without realizing it. This small island in southern Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a forest so dense, humid, and covered in moss that it literally seems to come alive.
Yakushima is famous for its ancient Japanese cedar trees — some over 2,000 years old — and its mountain trails that wind past waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and vegetation that covers everything like a green carpet.
It’s not an easy destination: the most famous trails require good physical condition and appropriate equipment. But for those who love nature, it’s one of the most unique experiences Japan has to offer.
What not to miss: The Jōmon Sugi trail (home to the island’s oldest cedar tree, approximately 7,200 years old), Isso beaches for observing sea turtles (between May and August), and the open-air onsen (hot springs) overlooking the ocean.
Practical tip: The island has very high rainfall — bring waterproof clothing regardless of the time of year. Rain is part of the experience.
Naoshima — The Island of Art in the Inland Sea
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has transformed into one of the world’s most surprising artistic experiences. What was once a declining island has become, in recent decades, an open-air museum with works by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and other major names in contemporary art integrated into the landscape and local architecture.
The result is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else: an island where you can cycle between museums built by Tadao Ando, see giant sculptures on a beach, and sleep in a traditional Japanese house transformed into an art installation.
What not to miss: The Chichu Art Museum (literally buried in the hill), Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow pumpkin on Miyanoura Beach, and the Benesse House Museum.
Tip: Book in advance. Museums have visitor limits and fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Tohoku — The Forgotten North
The Tohoku region, in the north of Honshu Island, is perhaps the most overlooked part of Japan by international tourists, which makes it one of the most rewarding to explore.
Tohoku boasts volcanic mountains, onsen in remote villages, some of the most spectacular festivals in the country (the Nebuta Festival in Aomori is one of the three largest in Japan), and a distinctive regional cuisine that few Westerners get to know.
In winter, the region is covered in snow and the forests transform into dreamlike landscapes. In autumn, the colors of the leaves rival those of Kyoto—without half the tourists.
What not to miss: Matsushima (a bay with islands covered in pine trees, considered one of the three most beautiful views in Japan), the historic village of Kakunodate with its cherry blossoms and samurai houses, and the onsen of Nyuto Onsen in a remote mountain.
Best time: October and November for the autumn leaves; January and February for the snow and winter festivals.
Hiroshima Beyond the Memorial
Hiroshima is a destination that almost everyone includes in their itinerary — but few stay long enough to discover what lies beyond the Peace Memorial Park.
The city has a vibrant energy, a distinctive cuisine (Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki is different — and many argue it’s better — than Osaka’s), and a nearby island that is one of the most magical places in Japan: Miyajima, with its famous red torii gate that seems to float above the water at sunset.
But beyond that, Hiroshima has lively street neighborhoods, fish markets, castles, and a vibrant and proud city atmosphere that surprises those who expected only a memorial.
What not to miss: The Peace Memorial Park (of course), Miyajima Island at sunset, the Hondori neighborhood for eating and strolling, and the okonomiyaki-mura — an entire building of restaurants specializing in okonomiyaki.
Tip: Stay two nights in Hiroshima. One day is not enough.
Ready to Discover Japan in a Different Way?
Japan is a country that rewards those who go beyond the obvious. Each of these regions has the potential to be the best part of your trip — if you have the time and someone to help you plan the right details.
In Oliveira TravelWe help you build a Japanese itinerary tailored to your needs — with the destinations you want, at your preferred pace, with all bookings and logistics taken care of.
Talk to us at oliveira-travel.com Your trip to Japan starts here.
Have you ever visited Japan? Do you have a secret destination you’d love to share? Tell us in the comments.
