When most people plan a trip to Japan, Tokyo takes the spotlight. It makes sense—neon lights, endless neighborhoods, energy that doesn’t quit. But after a few days, or even just a few hours, you might start wondering: Is there somewhere else? Somewhere a little less crowded?
The answer is yes. Actually, too many to count.
Japan is full of cities that don’t always make the glossy travel guides but leave just as strong an impression—sometimes stronger. Some are peaceful and traditional, others are quirky or quietly modern. And a few, like Imabari, are so low-key you might miss them entirely… unless someone points them out.
So here’s a list. Not definitive. Not ranked. Just twenty cities worth considering if you want to experience Japan beyond the obvious.
Cities in Japan Worth Visiting Besides Tokyo
Japan is so much more than its capital. Below are 20 cities worth visiting besides Tokyo, each offering something unique, surprising, or quietly unforgettable.
1. Kyoto
The classic choice. It’s the image most people have when they think of “traditional Japan”—temples, shrines, geishas, quiet gardens. And yes, all of that’s there. In fact, it can feel like a time capsule in certain spots, especially early in the morning before the tour buses show up. Many of the best places to visit in Kyoto are exactly what you’d imagine: peaceful, historic, and steeped in elegance.
But that’s the thing. Everyone knows about Kyoto. Which means it gets very crowded, especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. Sometimes the serenity it’s known for feels like it's hiding behind the camera phones and group tours. Still, for many travelers, skipping Kyoto feels unthinkable. It’s just... maybe not where you linger if you’re hoping for calm.
2. Osaka
Chaotic, colorful, unapologetically loud. Osaka isn’t trying to charm you with subtlety—it’s showing you where to eat, what to eat, and when (the answer is: always). Street food in Dotonbori. Okonomiyaki sizzling on a grill. It’s a place for appetite more than introspection.
It’s not what you'd call peaceful. Some areas are gritty. But Osaka has a kind of warmth that sneaks up on you. People laugh louder here. They talk to strangers. If Tokyo is the polished face of Japan, Osaka’s the real-life version in motion. It’s hard not to remember it.
Osaka Castle
3. Hiroshima
A hard stop. Not in a bad way—but in a pause-and-think way. The Peace Memorial Park is heavy, emotional. You don’t really go to Hiroshima to “have fun,” though the city itself is more vibrant than many expect.
And there’s more than just history here. Miyajima Island is nearby, with that famous floating torii gate—and yes, it’s stunning in person. But something about Hiroshima lingers longer than the visuals. It humbles you a little. Which, depending on your trip, might be exactly what you need.
Peace Memorial Park
4. Kanazawa
Sometimes called “little Kyoto,” though that feels unfair. Kanazawa stands on its own. You’ll find preserved samurai districts, delicate gardens like Kenrokuen, and even entire shops dedicated to gold leaf (they even put it on soft-serve ice cream, which—well, it’s something you try once).
It’s quieter than Kyoto. Less flashy than Osaka. But there’s an elegance to it. Like it knows its worth but doesn’t feel the need to shout about it. If you like wandering quiet streets and noticing the small details—this might be your city.
5. Takayama
If there’s a “small town” feel in this list, Takayama has it. Set in the mountains, it’s got this crisp air and laid-back pace that makes you slow down without even realizing it. Morning markets with vendors selling pickles and miso. Streets lined with wooden houses that haven’t changed in centuries—or at least they don’t look like they have.
It’s not packed with “big sights,” and maybe that’s the point. It’s more about mood than checklist. You walk, you pause, you find yourself staring at some old doorframe or a flickering lantern and thinking: this is nice.
6. Nara
Yes, the bowing deer are real. And no, they don’t always play nice (watch your snacks). But Nara is more than just its famous deer park. It’s also home to Todai-ji, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, and a massive bronze Buddha that makes you stop mid-step.
Still, it’s quieter than you'd expect. Maybe even a little sleepy depending on when you go. But that calm works in its favor. You get a sense of scale here—of ancient things that have simply endured, no fanfare needed. It's easy to overlook if you’re rushing, but worth slowing down for.
7. Sapporo
Best known for beer and snow, but Sapporo’s a surprise in every season. In winter, it feels like a snow globe—especially during the annual Snow Festival, when sculptures the size of buildings line the streets. It’s cold, yes. Brutally sometimes.
But in summer? A different world. Lavender fields bloom in nearby Furano, and the whole region feels open and alive. Sapporo’s also where you’ll eat buttery miso ramen that makes you forget about the cold entirely. Or at least not mind it as much.
8. Fukuoka
Some say it’s the friendliest big city in Japan. Hard to prove, but you’ll get it once you’ve had a bowl of tonkotsu ramen from a yatai food stall at night. The city smells like broth and ocean and something a little smoky. And it works.
It’s not overly polished, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find beaches, temples, shopping—but mostly, it’s the atmosphere. The pace feels livable. Not everything is about sightseeing. Sometimes, it's just about standing under a neon sign with a bowl of noodles and thinking: this is perfect.
9. Nagasaki
There’s a quiet dignity to Nagasaki. It shares Hiroshima’s heavy past, but it feels... different. Maybe more introspective. More layered. The blend of Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese influences makes it feel almost like a Japan that took a few unexpected turns and decided to keep going.
There’s a port, a Chinatown, a Catholic church, and a peace park—sometimes all within walking distance. And somehow, it works. It’s not flashy. But it’s memorable in a way that creeps up on you after you leave.
10. Kobe
Famous for its beef, sure—but that’s just the start. Kobe has this balance between being modern and laid-back. The harbor’s got a crisp, open feel to it, and the mountain backdrop gives the city a kind of grounded elegance.
Hop on a cable car, and suddenly you're surrounded by greenery. Or stay in town and explore the Western-style houses in the Kitano district. And when it comes to food, yes—the beef is unbelievably tender. But even if you skip that, Kobe still delivers on experience. It’s stylish without trying too hard.
11. Sendai
There’s something refreshing about Sendai. Maybe it’s the tree-lined avenues or just the slower rhythm of things. It’s not trying to impress you, and that makes it easy to like. You might hear it called the "City of Trees"—and honestly, that fits.
It’s also a perfect base if you’re heading to Yamadera. That mountain temple isn’t close, exactly, but the trip feels worth it from here. You climb hundreds of steps, and then suddenly everything opens up—views, silence, a kind of peace that’s hard to explain. Sendai makes that kind of experience feel reachable.
12. Nagoya
Nagoya often gets skipped. It’s in between Tokyo and Kyoto, both literally and metaphorically. Not as big, not as old-world beautiful—but there’s something under the surface here. A sort of industrial strength, if that makes sense.
And the food? Miso katsu. It's deep-fried pork cutlet with a rich miso sauce that’s… intense. In a good way. Maybe not elegant, but unforgettable. That’s kind of Nagoya in a nutshell. You don’t come for charm. You come for heartiness. And maybe a castle or two while you're at it.
13. Hakodate
A port town with a bit of a European vibe—Hakodate feels different from most Japanese cities. The slopes, the historic Western-style buildings, the old red brick warehouses along the water—it’s all very picturesque, in a slightly unexpected way.
Then there's the night view from Mount Hakodate. People talk it up a lot, but it actually lives up to the hype. Maybe it’s the way the lights curve along the bay, or how clear the sky feels up there. It’s cold, often windy, and somehow completely worth it.
14. Beppu
Beppu smells like sulfur. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just the truth. The city is famous for its steaming onsen, and you see them everywhere. The vents hiss out of the ground like it’s breathing. Some are for bathing, some just for looking, and a few... maybe best admired from a distance.
Still, there’s a strange comfort here. Sitting in warm mineral water, watching steam rise into the air—it quiets the mind in a way that’s hard to describe. Just don’t expect luxury everywhere. Some of it feels a little dated, a little old-school. But that’s part of the charm.
15. Matsuyama
If you’ve heard of Dogo Onsen, this is where it lives. It's one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and it feels like it. In the best way. The building itself looks straight out of a storybook. In fact, it partly inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away, which is fitting—there’s a little magic in the air here.
Above the town, there’s Matsuyama Castle, perched on a hill. You ride a little lift to get up there, and the view stretches out to the sea. The city itself isn’t huge, but that’s what makes it relaxing. It's a place where you can wander slowly. No rush.
16. Kurashiki
Kurashiki isn’t loud about what it offers. The charm sneaks up on you—quiet canals lined with willow trees, old white-walled storehouses turned into cafes or tiny museums. It feels preserved, almost like a little stage set, but without the tourist overload you'd expect.
You can stroll slowly here, maybe stop for coffee in a building that’s been around for centuries. It’s the kind of place that feels best in the late afternoon. You don’t need a plan. Just wander and let it settle in.
17. Matsue
There’s a stillness to Matsue. Not sleepy exactly, just calm. It's a castle town, one of the few where the original wooden keep still stands. Not flashy. But it has presence.
The city wraps around Lake Shinji, and the sunsets there—people do talk about them. There’s also a strange poetic thread running through the place. It was once home to Lafcadio Hearn, a writer who fell in love with old Japan. Matsue kind of makes you understand why.
Matsue Castle
18. Imabari
Imabari doesn't shout for attention, but it's quietly unforgettable—especially if you’re into coastal rides. It’s the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route that hops from island to island across the Seto Inland Sea. That ride is something else. Crisp sea air, jaw-dropping bridges, and not a crowd in sight.
But Imabari is more than a bike trail launchpad. It's also known for its craftsmanship. If you're wondering where to find the best Japanese bath towel, this city might surprise you—Japarcana, for example, offers authentic Imabari towels that are made here. Soft, absorbent, beautifully made. You don’t even have to be a towel person to notice the quality.
19. Okayama
People often stop in Okayama just to see Korakuen Garden, and yeah—it’s one of Japan’s top three gardens for a reason. Meticulously shaped but somehow not sterile. You walk through it and feel the seasons shift, even in a single afternoon.
Nearby is Okayama Castle, with its unusual black exterior. They call it “Crow Castle,” which suits the silhouette. The vibe is a little moody, a little dramatic. But the city itself? Actually pretty chill. And well-connected, if you’re heading to other parts of western Japan.
20. Kamakura
Technically, Kamakura could be a day trip from Tokyo. But it doesn’t feel like it. The moment you step off the train, the pace shifts. There are temples tucked into hillsides, bamboo groves, and of course—the Great Buddha, just sitting there in the open air. Calm. Immovable.
You might catch a sea breeze while walking down Komachi Street, or hear waves crashing if you wander out toward the beach. It’s not untouched, but there’s something enduring about it. A place where the past still hangs in the air… even if you're just passing through.
Final Words
Of course, there are more. You could argue a different 20, and honestly, you wouldn’t be wrong. But if you’ve already done Tokyo—or just want something with a little more space to breathe—these cities have a lot to offer.
If you can’t visit Imabari in person, there’s Japarcana, where you can buy authentic Imabari towels online—fresh from Imabari City itself.
Check out Japarcana today and experience the quality of true Imabari towels.