Underrated Cities in Japan Worth Visiting
Posted by Traveleveryhour
from the Travel category at
17 Jun 2025 07:32:33 am.
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When I was in Japan, I was so impressed by the big citiesthat I wanted to see something different and the other part of the country.Quiet canals and ancient trading towns were among the things that made thesefour Japanese cities truly stand out for me.<o:p></o:p>
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It reminded me of how my journey had started back home witha smooth short stay parking Heathrow,setting the tone for a trip filled with personal touches and thoughtfulmoments.<o:p></o:p>
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Culture in Kanazawa, but Without the Crowds<o:p></o:p>
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Hearing that people describe Kanazawa as “Kyoto without thecrowds” made me wonder. However, after spending only a few hours there, Iunderstood exactly what they meant. <o:p></o:p>
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The wooden tea houses, small streets and shops decoratedwith gold leaves looked the same, though there were less tourists.<o:p></o:p>
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One day, I went to visit Kenrokuen Garden which isconsidered one of Japan’s best gardens. Spring was just starting and the cherrytrees were beginning to flower. <o:p></o:p>
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I recall sitting next to the pond, drinking matcha andfeeling like I was in a beautiful picture. Just that one peaceful moment madeeverything I went through worthwhile.<o:p></o:p>
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Kurashiki is a town that seems to have stoppedmoving through time.<o:p></o:p>
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I ended up in Kurashiki after deciding to search for analternative route between Hiroshima and Okayama. When I entered the BikanHistorical Quarter, I felt like I was in the past. The warehouses by the canalare now cafés, art museums and small shops.<o:p></o:p>
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I boarded a peaceful boat and passed by stone bridges as Iglided by weeping willows. I had such a leisurely time that I didn’t even checkmy phone.<o:p></o:p>
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Takayama: A Town with Enchanting Mountains<o:p></o:p>
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Takayama is a small town in the Japanese Alps that seemslike it’s been preserved as a museum. Many old houses, breweries and woodencraft shops are found along the streets of Sanmachi Suji.<o:p></o:p>
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I got to Takayama when the spring festival was taking place.At night, the streets were lit by lanterns and beautifully decorated floatspassed through the town. People in the neighborhood were very friendly and Iwas invited by a small group to help make mochi in their courtyard.<o:p></o:p>
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The meals are another reason to love Italy. Be sure not tomiss Hida beef, as it’s made from local cattle and is incredibly tender.Grilling beef slices on a charcoal grill at a small family restaurant with snowfalling outside was among my favorite meals.<o:p></o:p>
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Note: Always check Long Stay Parking Stansted before your trip and book according to your needsand travel duration. <o:p></o:p>
Matsue is known for its calm lakes and itssamurai history.<o:p></o:p>
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Matsue is a wonderful place that many people overlook. Thereis an original castle, Matsue Castle and the city has a long history withsamurai.<o:p></o:p>
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I spent my nights in a guesthouse that was very close to thecastle’s moat. Most mornings, I would walk by the sea and greet the people whowalked by there every day. The atmosphere was calm and very peaceful. Maybeit's the vibe of Japan that makes it peaceful like that.<o:p></o:p>
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One day, I walked through the old samurai area and saw theformer residence of Lafcadio Hearn, who came to Japan and made Matsue his home.His descriptions of the city made everything I witnessed seem more significant.<o:p></o:p>
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After the sun went down over Lake Shinji, the sky turnedpink and gold. Locals remained quiet and sat along the shore to observe. <o:p></o:p>
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No music, just everyone sitting down and enjoying the show.Matsue is a city that is both undramatic and incredibly moving.<o:p></o:p>
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