Japan is full of world-famous places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But beyond these popular destinations, there are many underrated cities that are full of charm, local culture, and unique experiences. Some of them are quiet, others are full of history or natural beauty. In this article, I want to introduce some lesser-known Japanese cities that are definitely worth visiting, especially if you’ve already seen the main sights or want to avoid large crowds.
As someone living in Tokyo, I sometimes feel it’s too busy and fast. When I travel to smaller cities, I notice the people are more relaxed, the food is cheaper, and I feel closer to nature and real Japan. Many locals in these cities are happy to see visitors, and the slower pace makes it easier to connect.
Here are my top underrated cities you should consider for your next trip to Japan.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Kanazawa is sometimes called “Little Kyoto,” but it has its own style and culture. You can find traditional streets like Higashi Chaya District, where old teahouses still remain. There’s also Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.
The local seafood at Omicho Market is fresh and delicious, especially in winter. I once visited Kanazawa in early March. It was still snowing lightly, and the garden covered in white was beautiful. It reminded me of a Japanese painting.
Kanazawa is easy to reach by shinkansen from Tokyo (about 2.5 hours), so it’s a good weekend trip too.
Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)
Located in Shikoku, Takamatsu is not often included in travel plans, but it’s a great base to explore the Seto Inland Sea. The city is famous for Sanuki udon, which has a firmer and chewier texture than other types of udon.
I went to a small self-service udon shop that locals recommended. It was simple and cheap, about 350 yen, but better than any restaurant in Tokyo. There’s also Ritsurin Garden, which is quiet and peaceful, with old pine trees and a tea house inside.
From Takamatsu, you can take a ferry to Naoshima, the art island, or explore nearby small towns in Kagawa that are full of character.
Hagi (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Hagi is a small coastal city with a lot of historical importance. In the Edo period, it was the capital of a powerful domain. Many famous Meiji leaders came from this area. The city still has samurai districts, old walls, and a calm atmosphere.
One thing I liked about Hagi was how quiet it was. I walked through narrow streets where there were no other tourists, just old wooden houses and a few cats. You can also visit the ruins of Hagi Castle, with views of the sea and mountains.
If you are interested in Japanese history, especially the Meiji Restoration, Hagi is a hidden gem.
Kurashiki (Okayama Prefecture)
Kurashiki is known for its Bikan Historical Quarter, with old warehouses, canals, and white-walled buildings. It feels like stepping into the past. There are small museums, cafes, and souvenir shops, but it’s not too touristy.
I went there with a friend on a day trip from Okayama City. It was only about 20 minutes by train. The city has a romantic feel at night when the streets are lit up. You can also visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which has both Western and Japanese works.
Kurashiki is great for couples or travelers who like art, slow walks, and pretty photos.
Tottori City (Tottori Prefecture)
Tottori is the least populated prefecture in Japan, but it has some amazing natural attractions. The most famous is the Tottori Sand Dunes, the only large sand dunes in Japan.
You can ride a camel, try sandboarding, or just enjoy the view of the sea and desert-like hills. There’s also a Sand Museum with sand sculptures from artists around the world. I was surprised by the detail and size of the art.
Tottori is also home to Mount Daisen, often called the Mt. Fuji of western Japan. It’s beautiful in every season and a great hiking spot.
Uwajima (Ehime Prefecture)
This small city in southern Ehime is surrounded by mountains and the sea. It’s famous for Uwajima Castle, one of the few original castles still remaining in Japan. There’s also a unique shrine called Taga Shrine, related to fertility, which is quite rare in Japan.
When I visited Uwajima, I was surprised by how kind and talkative the locals were. A fish shop owner told me about a local summer festival called Uwajima Ushioni Matsuri, where giant bull-shaped floats parade through the streets.
You can also eat tai-meshi, a local dish made with sea bream and rice, different from the version in Matsuyama.
Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture)
Aizu-Wakamatsu is a castle town in northern Japan, with a strong samurai spirit. The main attraction is Tsuruga Castle, rebuilt in white with red tiles, which is rare in Japan.
Nearby is Iimoriyama, where you can learn about the Byakkotai — a group of teenage samurai who fought and died during the Boshin War. It’s a sad story but very important in Japanese history.
The town also has traditional lacquerware, and many shops offer hands-on workshops. It’s a great place if you want to experience both culture and history in one trip.
Did Any of These Places Catch Your Eye?
These cities may not appear in guidebooks as often as Tokyo or Kyoto, but they offer something special. You can enjoy authentic food, meet kind locals, and see a side of Japan that many tourists miss.
Also, visiting smaller cities helps support local economies, which is especially important now. According to a 2024 report by the Japan Tourism Agency, regional tourism spending increased by 14% compared to 2022, as more travelers looked for unique, uncrowded destinations.
If you have extra time during your Japan trip, try choosing one of these underrated places. You may find it becomes your favorite memory.
