Loved Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka? Repeat visitors and adventurous first-time explorers to Japan are discovering regional gems full of charm and character, with fewer crowds. Check out six alternative destinations to fall in love with Japan’s history, culture, cuisine, and scenery … with a different view.

In a country so vast and varied as Japan, it can be difficult to know what to do during a short visit. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, culture seeker, outdoor adventurer, or just someone who likes to soak up the sights and enjoy a relaxing time, there are a few uniquely Japanese experiences you should try at least once.

Japan’s popular Golden Route connecting Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, attracts many international visitors every year, but that doesn't mean you have to follow the crowds to experience the essence of this incredible trail.

Blessed with the surrounding ocean and fertile lands across its four main islands, Japan offers travellers an array of food experiences that will leave you feeling connected to the natural landscape and local culture. Here’s a regional guide to Japan’s must-try food experiences, spanning the country’s rural inland prefectures to its coast and stretching from the wintry north to the balmy south.

Accommodation statistics collected by the Japan Tourism Agency and compiled by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows Japan’s rural and regional destinations are now attracting Australians at a faster rate than its major cities – which have historically been the biggest drawcard for Aussies visiting the country.