'Untouristy' places to see in two weeks

Hi all,

We will be visiting Japan around sakura (cherry blossom) season next March/April. This is unintentional, but I'm aware of the massive impact it will have on tourist numbers in places such as Kyoto.

Therefore, I was wondering whether anyone had any 'untouristy' locations they could recommend. Our basic plan is to start in Tokyo, end in Hiroshima and take the shinkansen back to Tokyo. So anywhere at all along that route, accessible with a JR pass, would be fantastic.

Any ideas welcome!

Hello,

If you're into art, head to Naoshima!
<snip>

Tim

Hi Tim,
Great idea! I've been there before, but my girlfriend hasn't so perhaps we'll consider it.

There are lots of untourity places in Japan, but they are untouristy because they either lack sights of interest or the sights they have are only of interest for a few.

Kobe has a bunch of western style buildings and a decent Chinatown. It's untouristy.

Nagoya has a large restored concrete castle, a tiny wooden castle, a few interesting modern pieces of architecture, and the Meiji Mura achitectural park. For the committed you can visit Toyota's world headquarters outside town. It's untouristy.

Or you could just stay in Tokyo. Much of it is untouristy and there is tons to see. A day trip to Yokohama or further down to Yokosuka.

This thread should have plenty of things not affected by sakura season.

There are a ton of untouristy places in Japan, many of which are fascinating. What are your interests though? What do you like about Japan?

Here are some random suggestions:

Okazaki - Okazaki's a lovely little town on the way to Nagoya. It's cherry trees are famous, so I suspect it will be busy during sakura season, but probably with a local crowd.

Inuyama - Lovely town, some really great sights. More off-beat things in the surrounding region.

Shiga Prefecture - The whole prefecture is a gem. There's a ton to see and do in Shiga, and it's beautiful, Japan's largest lake surrounded by hills and mountains. The prefecture sees few tourists, certainly compared to Kyoto. Even Otsu - which is basically on the outskirts of Kyoto - sees far fewer tourists than the city, despite having some of the nicest temples and shrines in the Kyoto area. Given its proximity to Kyoto though, I expect that accommodation in Shiga will also be in high demand during sakura season.

Nara Prefecture - Lots and lots and lots to see and do, in Nara city itself, and also in the surrounding region.

Kobe's good if you like to hike - I think the city's hikes are the best thing about it. Okayama's a nice base, with various interesting attractions in the surrounding region. If you don't mind the extra travel, head to the Sea of Japan. Beautiful coastline in Hyogo (though it's hard to see without a car), sand dunes in Tottori, the impressive Daisen mountain, Matsue, which is one of my favourite little cities in Japan. Matsue-Hiroshima is an easy bus trip, with foreigners getting a steep discount!

You could also head to Shikoku.

Lots and lots of options.

I would recommend Matsuyama. The area is accessible with a JR pass and it's a bit off the beaten path.

Here are a couple of places to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5506.html

Enjoy!

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