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Undertourism, not over tourism.
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.
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. For over a year, we 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.
In a country with endless choices, it felt an impossible task to get to just 5 areas but when all was said and done, here’s where we chose:
- Toyama – Only two hours from Tokyo but a world away. Think snow capped mountains, a town brimming with carpenters, walks through rice paddies, and some of the very best sushi in Japan.
- Nagasaki – Known for a single event but with centuries of history that shaped all of Japan. Nagasaki is unlike anywhere else in the country. Be warned, two nights is not enough.
- Yamaguchi – This is what slow travel is all about. Forget the crowded temples of Kyoto, you can enjoy first rate gardens, shrines, cafes, pottery shops, and izakayas all to yourself.
- Nagoya – It may be one of the largest cities in Japan, but doesn’t get anywhere near the numbers of those other big cities. Stay as long as you like because the day trip options would last for weeks.
- Aomori – This region in the far north sees fewer than 2% of all visitors to Japan. Beyond the natural beauty of its mountains and coastline are tiny bars and welcoming locals.
Japan is so much more than the handful of cities that most visitors congregate.
For those willing to venture beyond the Golden Route, a world of under-visited towns and countryside awaits.
Here's what customers are saying about under 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, Travel Date 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, Travel Date November 2025)
Recommended Undervisited Japan Experiences
Whether you are deep in the countryside or simply visiting one of Japan's lesser known cities, there is no shortage of great activities. It might be learning to craft with a local artisan or singing karaoke in your own private room complete with disco lights and food delivered on demand. Our travel consultants have lived in the country and will help you discover a Japan trip that is yours alone.
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Gunkanjima cruise
Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
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Nagasaki's Glover Garden
Meiji Period architecture, lovely European gardens and fantastic views across Nagasaki.
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Guided Oirase Gorge Walking Tour
The Oirase Gorge is pure Tōhoku magic—clear streams, moss‑covered stones, and waterfalls that appear around every bend.
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Aomori City Private Walking Tour
Aomori is a working port city where the bay shapes everyday life—lantern craft at Nebuta WA‑RASSE, salty air on the waterfront, and arcades stacked with local snacks.
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Meiji Mura open-air museum
Step back in time to explore the heady architectural boom of Japan's Meiji Period (1867-1912).
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Undervisited Japan itineraries
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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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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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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.
Read more >
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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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