Japan’s regional cities draw travellers beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Australian travellers looking beyond Japan’s major tourism centres are being encouraged to consider regional cities including Nagano, Sendai, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kanazawa, as demand grows for culture, food, nature and seasonal travel experiences outside Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

Nagano, in the Japanese Alps northwest of Tokyo, remains one of the country’s best-known mountain destinations. Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, the city and surrounding prefecture attract visitors throughout the year, from winter sports travellers to those seeking alpine scenery, hot spring towns and cultural landmarks. Key attractions include Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its bathing snow monkeys, and traditional onsen towns such as Shibu Onsen. Flights from Australia to Tokyo are available through Omio, with onward rail fares to Nagano starting from A$86.

In northern Japan, Sendai** offers travellers a gateway to the Tohoku region. Known as the “City of Trees”, the coastal city is noted for its broad green boulevards, historic associations and access to nearby natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the ruins of Sendai Castle, hot spring towns in the surrounding region and Matsushima Bay, long regarded as one of Japan’s most celebrated scenic views. Flights from Australia to Tokyo are available through Omio, with train fares to Sendai starting from A$105 and bus fares from A$64.

Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido, continues to draw winter travellers with its snow season, nearby ski resorts and annual Sapporo Snow Festival, scheduled for February 4 to 11, 2027. The city is also known for Sapporo beer, ramen and access to Hokkaido’s broader winter landscapes. Domestic flights from Tokyo to Sapporo are listed on Omio from A$63.

Further south, Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Kyushu, offers a more relaxed coastal alternative for travellers interested in food, beaches and access to southern Japan. The city is particularly known for its yatai street-food stalls, ramen culture and lively evening dining scene. Flights from Tokyo to Fukuoka start from A$106 through Omio, while rail fares to Hakata Station are available from A$225.

Kanazawa, on Japan’s west coast, is often compared with Kyoto for its preserved geisha districts, samurai houses and traditional teahouses. The city is also home to Kenrokuen, widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which has helped position Kanazawa as a centre for both traditional and contemporary culture. Train fares from Tokyo to Kanazawa start from A$140, while bus fares are available from A$86 through Omio.

Together, the destinations underline the breadth of Japan’s regional tourism offering, from alpine temples and winter festivals to coastal food cities and historic garden towns.

*Flight, rail and bus prices are as of 20th May 2026. Please note prices are subject to change and may vary depending on availability and timing of booking.

** route available as of June 2026