8 Highly Underrated Spots in Japan You Absolutely Have to See

Japan is filled with rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, and beautiful shrines and temples, offering some truly amazing scenery. While many tourists stick to the big cities, fascinated by the high-tech and vibrant urban life, they often miss out on the quieter, equally incredible side of Japan. If you're planning a trip, consider exploring these less-traveled spots to uncover some of the country’s most breathtaking views.

Kiso Valley (Nagano)

The Kiso Valley, nestled in the Nagano Alps, sees only a trickle of tourists—mostly locals—despite its deserving popularity. This charming area is dotted with traditional Japanese towns that make you feel like you've stepped back to 18th-century Japan. Known as 'post-towns,' these spots served as rest stops for travelers journeying through the mountains on the historic Nakasendo trail, which once connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

Yamadera (Yamagata)

The name 'mountain temple' really lives up to its promise. Perched on a prime spot, it offers breathtaking views of the valley and mountains below. Unfortunately, many visitors stick to Tokyo and miss out on the Tohoku region, which is known for some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan.

Ishigaki (Okinawa)

Okinawa often gets overlooked because people don’t usually think of Japan as a tropical paradise. But it’s actually home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters in stunning shades of blue and green. While the main island is full of activity and entertainment, the real beauty of Okinawa shines on the smaller islands of the Ryukyu archipelago. Our top pick is Ishigaki, one of Japan’s southernmost islands. Its scenery is truly out of this world and can easily stand up to famous tropical destinations like the Philippines and Thailand.

Lake Suwa (Nagano)

This scenic lakeside city is a gem, full of ancient shrines, great restaurants, and relaxing hot springs. It’s popular with locals as an onsen town, and many of the traditional inns, or ryokans, on the south side of the lake come with their own hot springs. Some even have outdoor baths on higher levels, offering fantastic views of the lake while you soak in the mineral-rich waters.

Be sure to sample the local eel dishes—there are plenty of unagi restaurants around, thanks to the lake’s abundance of eels. The mountains surrounding the lake provide excellent hiking opportunities, especially in the Takabotchi Highlands. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

Hakodate (Hokkaido)

A lot of travelers who visit Hokkaido stick to Sapporo and miss out on the island's amazing scenery. If you’re looking for a stunning night view, check out Hakodate at the southern tip of Hokkaido. The mountain there gives you a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the coastline. Plus, Hakodate is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to visit the local fish markets and enjoy some of the best catches around.

Izu Islands (Tokyo)

Many people are surprised to learn that Tokyo’s metropolis includes a string of beautiful Pacific islands, each offering a stunning contrast to the city’s concrete jungle. Among them, Aogashima stands out as the most unique. This island is a volcanic crater rising dramatically from the ocean, looking like something straight out of a Bond movie. It’s an incredible sight and a far cry from the bustling cityscape of Tokyo.

Nachi Falls (Wakayama)

The Kii Mountain Range, spanning Nara and Wakayama prefectures, is a sacred pilgrimage route that’s been traveled by Shinto and Buddhist followers for over a thousand years. It's not just about the historic temples and shrines, though—this region is a treasure trove of natural beauty, perfect for hiking through lush forests.

One of the standout sights along the trail is Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters. The view of the waterfall with the Shinto shrine in front is absolutely stunning and often overlooked by tourists. It’s a hidden gem that’s well worth the trek.

Yakushima (Kagoshima)

Not many people make it out to this subtropical jungle island, but those who do are always pleasantly surprised. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, with forests that have been around for over a thousand years, and some trees even dating back 7,000 years. Hiking here is truly magical, especially when the mist rolls in, giving the whole place an eerie, enchanted vibe.

Conclusion

Once you venture beyond the 'Golden Route'—the areas around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka—you’ll find that Japan is packed with amazing sights that are off the beaten path and away from the usual tourist crowds.