Four Beautiful Less-crowded Places In Japan To Explore With The Japan Rail Pass: Tokai, Kansai, Shikoku And Kyushu

Published on September 16, 2025

Japan’s high-speed obstruction web makes it imaginable to research overmuch much than Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. With nan Japan Rail (JR) Pass, travelers tin easy scope smaller cities and hidden towns that clasp hundreds of years of history, unsocial nutrient traditions and spectacular scenery. Beyond nan awesome tourer centers, destinations specified arsenic Magome-juku successful Gifu, Himeji successful Hyogo, Kochi successful Shikoku and Fukuoka successful Kyushu uncover a quieter yet arsenic captivating broadside of nan country. This article highlights a 14-day sample travel designed for JR Pass holders, offering nan chance to bask Edo-era towns, castles, temples, coastal views and location cuisine — each while redeeming much than ¥60,000 successful train fares.

Tokai Region: Magome-juku, Gifu Prefecture

Nestled successful nan Kiso Valley, Magome-juku is 1 of nan astir picturesque station towns on nan aged Nakasendo trail. Once a stopover for lords and merchants walking betwixt Edo and Kyoto, nan municipality preserves its Edo-period charm pinch cobbled lanes, waterwheels and accepted inns.

Visitors tin measurement into nan Toson Memorial Museum, dedicated to nan Meiji writer Toson Shimazaki, aliases research nan Magome Waki-Honjin Museum, which displays relics from nan town’s days arsenic a hub of recreation and trade. A celebrated activity is hiking nan Nakasendo way from Magome to adjacent Tsumago-juku, a scenic locomotion done forested hillsides dotted pinch waterfalls and aged farmhouses.

Food lovers should not miss gohei mochi, skewered atom cakes brushed pinch a nutty miso sauce, a crockery rooted successful nan area’s agrarian traditions.

Kansai Region: Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

A short shinkansen thrust from Osaka brings travelers to Himeji, location to Japan’s astir celebrated feudal fortress. Himeji Castle, besides known arsenic nan White Heron Castle, is 1 of Japan’s earliest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its agleam achromatic walls and soaring support predominate nan cityscape, making it a item for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

For those seeking peace, Engyoji Temple atop Mount Shosha offers meditation and sutra-copying workshops. Reached by a ropeway ride, nan temple grounds person appeared successful films and supply sweeping views complete nan region.

Hyogo is besides known for akashiyaki, a delicacy akin to takoyaki but dipped successful dashi broth alternatively than topped pinch sauce. It’s a must-try erstwhile visiting Himeji aliases nan adjacent larboard metropolis of Akashi.

Shikoku: Kochi Prefecture

Shikoku remains 1 of Japan’s least-visited islands, yet it rewards travelers pinch unspoiled beauty and beardown taste traditions. Reaching Kochi by train is an acquisition successful itself: nan Limited Express Nanpu crosses nan Seto-Ohashi Bridge, pinch sweeping views of nan Seto Inland Sea.

In Kochi city, highlights see Kochi Castle, a uncommon surviving woody wall from nan 17th century, and Hirome Market, wherever travelers tin sensation location dishes for illustration katsuo nary tataki (seared bonito). Nearby, Ryugado Cave offers a glimpse into 1 of Japan’s largest limestone cave systems.

Garden lovers tin sojourn Monet’s Garden Marmottan successful Kitagawa Village, modeled aft nan artist’s gardens successful Giverny, complete pinch h2o lilies and vibrant flower beds.

Kyushu: Fukuoka Prefecture

The itinerary ends successful Fukuoka, nan lively gateway to Kyushu. Known for its thoroughfare nutrient culture, Fukuoka is nan birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, featuring a rich | pork-bone broth. Travelers tin bask nan city’s celebrated yatai (open-air nutrient stalls), which statement nan riverbanks and streets aft sunset.

Beyond food, Fukuoka offers nan historical Kushida Shrine, bustling Canal City Hakata shopping analyzable and easy time trips to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. For those looking to research further, Kyushu’s obstruction connections supply speedy entree to basking outpouring towns specified arsenic Beppu and Yufuin.

Why nan Japan Rail Pass Is Worth It

The JR Pass covers some shinkansen and constricted definitive trains, allowing unlimited recreation for a group period. For this suggested 14-day travel crossed Tokai, Kansai, Shikoku and Kyushu, nan savings tin transcend ¥60,000 compared to buying tickets separately. It not only offers financial worth but besides gives travelers elasticity to alteration plans aliases adhd broadside trips without other cost.

A Journey Into Japan’s Hidden Side

From stone-paved station towns and iconic castles to land gardens and thoroughfare nutrient markets, this 14-day way offers a chance to acquisition a broadside of Japan often overlooked by first-time visitors. With nan Japan Rail Pass successful hand, travelers tin bask not only nan destinations themselves but besides nan landscapes and section flavors that make nan travel unforgettable.