10 Best Cities to Visit in Japan Besides Tokyo to Add to Your Bucket List

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the capital of Japan, it is no surprise that Tokyo is one of the main stops for most foreign travelers. From its futuristic urban landscape to the Tokyo Tower lit up red at night, this city is always a suitable starting point before exploring the other side of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Even so, Japan has many other cities that are no less interesting to visit. From the charm of traditional culture to stunning natural beauty, each city offers a unique experience that will enrich your trip.

US News, Traveloka, and Vogue share a series of recommendations for cities in Japan to visit besides Tokyo that are worth including in your itinerary. What cities are there?

List of Interesting Cities in Japan besides Tokyo to Visit

1. Kyoto

As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto exudes a strong cultural and historical charm. This city is famous for its magnificent temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of red torii gates. In addition, the Arashiyama area offers a calming green view of the bamboo forest.

2. Osaka

As the third largest city in Japan, Osaka is your go-to destination if you want to enjoy delicious cuisine, especially okonomiyaki. Visit the Dotonbori area to see iconic billboards, such as the Glico Man.

In addition, the local people in Osaka are also known to be friendlier than other Japanese metropolitan areas. Try making a gun gesture with your hand and see how silly the Osaka people react!

3. Fukuoka

The next city in Japan besides Tokyo that is worth visiting is Fukuoka, a modern port city on the island of Kyushu with a traditional touch. This city is famous for its yatai, which are street food carts that serve local dishes such as tonkotsu ramen. Fukuoka is also a mainstay destination for those of you who want to taste the best quality mentaiko.

4. Yokohama

The capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama offers a variety of tourist attractions that are ready to please your day. Minato Mirai is a waterfront area with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and amusement parks. Foodies can visit the Ramen Museum to learn more about the history of the dish and even create your own ramen.

5. Kobe

If you’re in Kobe, make sure to visit the Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park to commemorate the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the city in 1995. In addition to the memorial park, Kobe still has the Oji Zoo, perfect for a family vacation, and Mount Rokko for hiking enthusiasts.

6. Sapporo

Apart from Tokyo, Sapporo is another of Japan’s best cities to visit, especially during winter. The Sapporo Snow Festival features stunning giant ice and snow sculptures. Plus, a trip to the capital of Hokkaido means you shouldn’t miss out on its premium beer and fresh seafood. J

7. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a heartwarming city with a deep history. The Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Museum provide insight into the atomic bombing and the message of peace. In addition to navigating dark memories of the past, this city still offers other interesting activities, such as taking a leisurely stroll in Shukkeien Garden and observing exhibitions at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.

8. Kanazawa

What tourist attractions can be visited in Kanazawa? Of course, there are many, ranging from museums, onsen, parks, to temples. This city is also the best place, especially during late March to April, to view cherry blossoms in bloom.

9. Nikko

Put Nikko on your travel list if you want to visit lakes, national parks, and even UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Toshogu Shrine, the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is the most popular attraction in this city.

Nikko also has a national park that offers waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, and beautiful hiking trails, providing an opportunity for every tourist to be more connected with nature.

10. Beppu

Beppu, a city in Kyushu, closes this list of recommended cities in Japan besides Tokyo. The city is a top destination for an unrivaled onsen experience and finding a hot spring is not hard to do. Hells of Beppu and Umi Jigoku are a few examples. For local cuisine, the must-try dishes are chicken tempura and chicken karaage.

Editor's Choice: 10 Recommended Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations in the United States

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