8 Underrated Places to Visit in Japan in 2025

Matsushima is famous for its beautiful bay with over 260 small islands covered with pine trees. It is one of Japan's three most scenic views. You can take boat tours around the islands and visit Zuiganji Temple, which belongs to the powerful Date family. The area is easy to reach from Sendai by train in about 40 minutes. You can enjoy fresh seafood, especially oysters, and take peaceful walks along the coast.

Fukuoka is popular with Asian travelers but often too far for first-time visitors to Japan. However, it's worth the trip with its sunny weather, relaxed atmosphere, and amazing food scene. The city is known for its street food culture and yatai (food stalls) that serve delicious ramen. You can visit Fukuoka Castle ruins and beautiful Kushida Shrine. The city also has modern shopping areas and is a great place to experience local Japanese life away from tourist crowds.

Hakodate is a charming port city in southern Hokkaido with a unique mix of Japanese and Western culture. The city is famous for Mount Hakodate, which offers stunning night views that are considered some of the best in Japan. You can visit the historic Hakodate Red Brick Warehouses and try fresh seafood at the morning market. The city has beautiful Western-style buildings from the 19th century and is known for its delicious soft-serve ice cream and local crab dishes.

Miyajima is considered one of Japan's three most scenic spots, but many visitors overlook it compared to more famous destinations. The island is home to the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which looks magical during high tide. You can see friendly deer walking around the island and hike up Mount Misen for beautiful views. The island also has traditional shops selling local crafts and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes). It's easily accessible by ferry from Hiroshima.

Tottori has amazing sand dunes that are nine miles long and about a mile wide. These white sand dunes stretch into the city center and look more like the Sahara desert than Japan. You can try sandboarding or camel riding on the dunes, which is a unique experience in Japan. The area also has beautiful coastlines and traditional hot springs. Tottori is perfect for people who want to see a completely different side of Japan with its desert-like landscape and peaceful atmosphere.

Nagasaki is mentioned as one of Japan's underrated locations with incredible history. The city has a rich international history and unique culture influenced by Dutch and Chinese traders. You can visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city's important history. Nagasaki also has beautiful temples, traditional gardens, and famous Castella cake. The city's harbor setting and historic foreign quarter make it feel different from other Japanese cities.

Kobe is a stylish port city known for its famous Kobe beef and beautiful harbor views. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with many foreign influences and excellent restaurants. You can visit the historic Kitano foreign district with its Western-style houses and take the cable car up Mount Rokko for panoramic views. Kobe also has beautiful night illuminations, especially in the harbor area. The city combines modern urban life with traditional Japanese culture in a unique way.

While tourists pack into Kyoto's streets, Kanazawa quietly preserves its cultural heritage without overwhelming crowds. The city has pristine Edo-period districts, outstanding gardens, and remarkable traditional crafts. Kenroku-en Garden shows different beauty in each season, and the Higashi-chaya District feels like stepping back in time with its wooden teahouses. Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf crafts, fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, and traditional geisha performances. The city is easily accessible by bullet train and offers authentic Japanese culture.