Japan’s popularity shows no signs of slowing, but travelers looking for a more relaxed experience may want to venture beyond the country’s best-known tourist destinations.
Japan welcomed 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, with many first-time visitors following the traditional “Golden Route” through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. While those cities remain major attractions, rising visitor numbers have also contributed to growing concerns about overcrowding.
A recent survey found that 59.7% of respondents said their residential areas were overcrowded, while 60% said congestion was negatively affecting their everyday lives.
For travelers who want to experience Japan without spending much of their vacation waiting in lines, travel booking site Omio has highlighted three cities that offer a similar mix of culture, food and entertainment while providing an alternative to the busiest tourist hubs.
Nagoya: Tokyo’s Smaller-Scale Alternative
Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya offers a combination of modern attractions and historic landmarks that can appeal to travelers who enjoy Tokyo but want a less hectic setting.
The city features futuristic shopping destinations, including spaces known for distinctive architecture and illuminated designs. Visitors can also explore Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto sites.
Food is another reason to visit. Local specialties include hitsumabushi, grilled eel served with rice, and miso katsu, a breaded pork cutlet topped with Hatcho miso sauce.
From Tokyo, the shinkansen can reach Nagoya in about 1 hour and 33 minutes, with fares cited by Omio at around £56.
Kanazawa: A Quieter Kyoto Alternative
Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is an attractive option for travelers drawn to Kyoto’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
The city is known for its tea houses, narrow streets, gold-leaf production, ceramics and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore Kenroku-en Garden, the Higashi Chaya District, former samurai neighborhoods and Omicho Market, where fresh seafood is a major draw.
Kanazawa is also accessible by high-speed train, taking about 2½ hours from Tokyo and roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kyoto. Omio lists fares from Kyoto starting at approximately £30.15.
Fukuoka: The Osaka Alternative
Travelers seeking Osaka’s energetic food and nightlife scene may find a similar experience in Fukuoka.
The city is particularly famous for tonkotsu ramen, made with a rich pork-based broth. Fukuoka also offers bustling nightlife, karaoke, izakayas and food-focused experiences.
Trains from Osaka take less than 2½ hours, while the journey from Tokyo takes under five hours.
Skip the JR Pass?
For this itinerary, Omio estimates that buying individual train tickets could cost about £249.22, compared with approximately £442.64 for a JR Pass.
For travelers willing to look beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, these three cities offer another way to experience Japan—with plenty of culture, food and history without following the most crowded path.
For those heading to Japan and wanting to work out the cheapest way to travel, Omio’s rail pass calculator can come in extremely handy.