This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
For culture and history, it’s hard to beat Kyoto — but its densely packed concentration of temples and heritage architecture has inevitably led to big crowds and high prices. There are dozens of other ancient cities and towns to explore across Japan, with former samurai strongholds, old wooden shops and sake and beer breweries sitting alongside art galleries and quirky museums.
1. Kurashiki
With cobbled streets centred around a willow-lined canal, the historical quarter of Bikan in Kurashiki is one of the prettiest in Japan. It’s on the Seto Inland Sea coast; travellers can drift along the canal on a traditional wooden boat, or admire the wooden machiya (townhouses) and converted white kura (storehouses). Japan’s jeans industry also started in this area and denim shops are a speciality of the city, along with cute cafes and cosy izakaya bars.
Top tip: Look out for Bizen ware, a traditional local pottery style that originated in the 14th century, still sold all over the city.
2. Nara
An easy day trip from Kyoto — and even more rewarding overnight stop — Nara was the capital of Japan before Kyoto. The rapidly increasing power of its Buddhist monasteries was the key reason for moving the political centre here briefly in the eighth century, and the temples are still the main draw today. Wander through the city’s historic core to see vast shrine complexes, elegant gardens, a small geisha and entertainment quarter and — famously — free-roaming sacred deer.
Top tip: When visiting the temples, save Nigatsu-do for last. It’s the best sunset viewpoint in town and looks especially beautiful once its lanterns have been lit come dusk.
3. Kanazawa
Ishikawa’s prefectural capital is often called ‘Little Kyoto’, thanks to its geisha districts, temples and gardens. But its appeal extends to a samurai district plus museums and galleries, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Kanazawa also produces about 98% of Japan’s gold leaf, which crops up in crafts, hotel decor and even snacks.
Top tip: Head to D T Suzuki Museum, named after and dedicated to the much-revered 20th-century Buddhist philosopher. Highlights are the minimalist architecture and the peaceful Water Mirror Garden.
4. Hiraizumi
In the 12th century, the Tohoku town of Hiraizumi rivalled Kyoto in terms of splendour and power. Today, it’s one of the best places to see temples from the era and runs interesting historical events. Motsuji Temple is a highlight: it hosts a poetry festival with period costume in May; stages tea ceremonies amid the temple garden’s 30,000-odd iris blooms in June; and hosts gagaku court musicians as the bush clover blossoms in September.
Top tip: Hiraizumi is easy to get around on two wheels; you can hire bikes and e-bikes right by the train station.
5. Matsumoto
This city in central Honshu enjoys a spectacular setting, with the Japan Alps looming above it. The black keep of Matsumoto Castle, set against a backdrop of white-topped peaks, is an iconic image of Japan. But travellers can also admire woodblock prints at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and explore the independent shops, restaurants and craft beer brewery set in the former storehouses of the central Nakamachi district.
Top tip: Matsumoto has some charming small museums. Don’t miss the Matsumoto Timepiece Museum and the Matsumoto Folk Craft Museum.
6. Matsue
Along with Matsumoto, Matsue has one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, which dates back to the early 17th century. The capital of Shimane Prefecture in southwest Japan, it’s also notable for its well-preserved samurai district, which contains the house of Lafcadio Hearn — a European writer who lived here from 1890 and was one of the first to document Japan after its period of international isolation, which lasted from 1639 to 1853. There are also two remarkable gardens: Yushien, sitting on an island in Lake Nakaumi, and the Adachi Museum of Art garden, widely regarded as Japan’s best.
Top tip: You can take a relaxing ride in a wooden boat on the castle moat and canals — there are departures roughly every half hour during the day.
Published in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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