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Undiscovered Japan
Many people are searching for the “real Japan”, a slice of local everyday life beyond the biggest sights. Visiting towns and areas that are less familiar to tourists and aren’t on the “top 10 lists” is one of the best ways to explore Japan, as it is really lived.
Imagine yourself walking down a street of old samurai residences all on your own. Enter a local carpenter’s shop where the 74-year-old artisan is fast at work and happy to have his first visitor of the day. Explore the hilly uncrowded backstreets of Nagasaki on your way to dinner on the waterfront, no reservations needed tonight.
While some parts of Japan are seeing record numbers of tourists, this is only because most visitors go to the same places and visit the same sites. Globally, 80% of travellers go to just 10% of the world’s tourist destinations. And Japan follows a similar pattern. But, there’s so much more to this country than just Kyoto, Mount Fuji and Tokyo when you venture off to more rural areas and unfamiliar towns.
We’ve explored the country from top to bottom and picked five of our favourite regions where you can experience the very best of Japan but without the crowds. We've worked with local communities that are eager to welcome travellers, especially those who aren’t merely looking to follow what the AI travel planner is suggesting.
Here's what customers are saying about lesser-visited areas in Japan:
“We are grateful to our InsideJapan travel consultant for sourcing meaningful experiences for us in small cities and towns that are accessible via public transit. We were able to access less-touristed, visually stunning and culturally rich mountain and coastal regions.” (Robin - United States, travelled May 2025)
“Inside Japan have excellent knowledge of Japan and I would like the possibility of visiting places off the beaten track in future.” (Navamany - United Kingdom, travelled November 2025)
Undervisited Japan itineraries
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Luxury Japan (IJT Superior)
Luxury Japan is our newest superior Small Group Tour. Designed for travellers who want to see Japan's most celebrated sights alongside the lesser-known spots, without compromising on comfort.
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Samurai Footsteps (Superior)
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya—plus time on the old Nakasendo. A classic route with samurai connections and space to slow down.
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From Shogun to Shinkansen (Superior)
Travel Japan's history from samurai strongholds to modern bullet trains, with time outdoors and space for family fun.
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Kyushu Adventure (Superior)
Discover the impressive landscapes and vibrant cities of Kyushu on this journey from the forests of Yakushima to Kurokawa Onsen's hot springs
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Kyushu Adventure (Classic)
If you're an adventurous traveller who wants to discover a side of Japan rarely seen by outsiders, this itinerary could be the one for you.
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Japan's Undiscovered North (Classic)
For travellers who want to discover a Japan that feels more traditional, with landscapes that feel wild, our Japan's Undiscovered North tour was made for you.
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Undervisited Japan destinations across Japan
Inuyama
Japan’s oldest castle keep, quiet backstreets, and a riverside town steeped in tradition
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Japan's Undiscovered North
This is a self-guided itinerary that takes you to the Japan that most international visitors don't even know exists.
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Hidden Zen
Experience moments of Zen alongside big city excitement; stay in an authentic 'ryokan' and soak up a more local way of life.
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Samurai Footsteps
Walk in the path of warriors on this trip through Japan's cities and countryside, tracing the legacy of the samurai.
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Kyushu Adventure
Discover the vibrant cities and impressive natural landscapes of the Kyushu region, from Kurokawa Onsen's hot springs to the primeval forests of Yakushima.
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Toyama literally means “rich with mountains,”
And it's everything you could want rural Japan to be.
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Introducing Our Undertourism Strategy
Dealing with overtourism through Japan's under visited destinations
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