10 Underrated Places to Visit in Japan: Reviewing a List of Japan's Best Spots

So I've got something fun for you today.

I’ve spent the last few days experimenting with Chat GPT, the AI chatbot that’s taken the internet by storm.

And having asked the omnipotent God for 10 Underrated places to visit in Japan, it instantly blurted out a list of 10 fantastic locations around the country - some I’d never have thought of - but all of which we’ve visited at some point on Abroad in Japan.

Below is the list along with my rating of each one (from 1 to 5) and my personal thoughts on if each one is genuinely worth visiting or not. SPOILERS, they're all very good.

Enjoy!

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10 Underrated Places to Visit in Japan

1. Takayama

Abroad Review: I love Takayama and always go out of my way to visit the city when passing through central Japan. It’s home to my favourite museum in Japan, the 1960’s themed Showa-kan, where we filmed the Dr Jelly Ad. Meanwhile the town’s historic streets are a joy to get lost down and the street food is delicious. The only downside is it’s a bit out of the way, but the journey to Takayama itself is part of the adventure.

- A solid 5/5.

🍿 Takayama on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/JAYgsainb0I

2. Iya Valley

Abroad Review: One of the most remote regions in south Japan, Iya Valley is a real adventure to get to. When Connor and I drove there on our first ever Wacky Weekend outing, we found ourselves caught in a torrential storm, with waterfalls gushing all over the narrow mountain passes we precariously made our way down. But when the rain subsided, we found a valley of untouched beauty, abandoned buildings, terrifying rope bridge and an awful lot of scarecrows. A journey not for the faint hearted, but perhaps the closest to a genuine adventure on this list.

-   4/5

🍿 Iya Valley on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/9SbuBy562YA

3. Tottori Sand Dunes

Abroad Review: Having failed to sleep on the long overnight train from Tokyo, Natsuki and I arrived bleary eyed in Tottori, standing upon the majestic sand dunes, towering over the Sea of Japan. They have their charm and I’d love to return well-rested to shoot a short film, but unless paired with a road trip or the overnight train, it may not be a worthy enough destination, solely for the sand tunes.

- 3/5

🍿Tottori on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/aVT0BvWZcLg

4. Fukuoka

Abroad Review: Everyone loves Fukuoka. For the ramen, for the nightlife and for the high quality of life, it’s no surprise the city is a popular destination to move to for younger generations. As much as I enjoy the city, I generally don’t recommend it that often as a tourism destination, just as there are more rewarding cities and spots to explore on the island of Kyushu where the city is located. But if you’re in Japan for an extended stay, it's definitely worth a visit or to use as a jumping off point. Especially to see the largest bronze reclining Buddha on the planet at the stunning Nanzoin Temple.

- 3/5 (as a tourism destination)

🍿Fukuoka on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/RF1fqlIzay0

5. Yakushima

Abroad Review: We were lucky to visit Yakushima on our first episode of Journey Across Japan: The Lost Islands, staying on a farm, fishing and exploring the ethereal mountain forests which served as inspiration for the movie Princess Mononoke. If you’re an outdoors person looking to hike, the UNESCO world heritage forests are one of the best locations in Japan. Best of all, you might discover Natsuki’s lost pirate pants, which magically disappeared after he somehow fell into a waterfall.

- 4/5

🍿Yakushima on Abroad in Japan:  https://youtu.be/T-rIWP1icf4

6. Naoshima

Abroad Review: Often referred to as “Art Island”, I visited Naoshima about ten years ago and enjoyed cycling around the island, particularly as it was a glorious E-Bike requiring no effort to cycle. But given it was a bit of a trip to get to the island, which is located in the middle of Japan’s inland sea, I’m not sure it was worth the effort for what we saw. If you want the inland sea, go and cycle the Shimanami Kaido. And if you want to experience island life in a more dramatic location, try Yakushima or Sado.

- 3/5

No video sadly! Someday...

7. Aomori

Abroad Review: I realised recently, we may have featured Aomori in our videos more than any other prefecture in Japan over the years. That should be no surprise, given how culturally rich Honshu’s most northern prefecture is. From the most prized tuna in the world and Japan’s largest morning market, to delicious authentic cider, hot springs in waterfalls and even the so-called place where Jesus is allegedly buried, Aomori is perhaps Japan’s most epic prefecture to uncover, second only to its neighbour of Hokkaido, across the Tsugaru strait. Easy to access by shinkansen (3hrs north of Tokyo), but would recommend renting a car when you get there to explore it all.

• A top recommendation, 5/5

🍿Aomori on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/bpWwTAJrkQE

8. Ishigaki Island

Abroad Review: Forever remembered as the place I fell of a boat and ruptured my eardrum, before the agonising pain, I was rather enjoying the tropical paradise of Ishigaki. From diving inside a hidden cave and paragliding above the clear waters, to mouthwatering Okinawa ramen and lightsaber fights between Natsuki and Ryotaro, the island of Ishigaki has an undeniable spirit of adventure. But it’s the unspoilt seas and sandy shores that make it a real natural paradise and perhaps one of Japan’s most beautiful scenic backdrops. A bit of a journey to get to (3.5 hrs by plane), but well worth it when twinned with a visit to neighbouring Okinawa. That said, renting a car is essential.

- 4/5

🍿 Ishigaki on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/1u1jbyNzB9M

9. Kanazawa

Abroad Review: I love Kanazawa, I really do. Last summer Sharla and I went to visit for a rare weekend break without our cameras and came away wondering if we should move there. Kanazawa was once a rich merchant town dubbed 'Little Kyoto' and that wealth seeped its way through society to create a city packed full of arts and crafts, fantastic restaurants and izakayas with artisanal cuisine and seafood, and a beautifully preserved historic quarter, rivalled only by Kyoto itself in its splendour. However, for a first time visitor I’m not sure I’d recommend it, as it's a bit out of the way unless twinned with a trip to Takayama or Shirakawago village. The city is also quite well spread out, though it’s a joy to walk around, particularly alongside the riverbanks at night. We made one video there when passing through Kanazawa on the original journey across Japan featuring Omicho market and it's perhaps my favourite market in Japan. The food is to die for. (Not literally, that'd be tragic).

- 4/5

🍿Takayama on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/It338b61dU8

10. Kurashiki

Abroad Review: I only spent a few hours in Kurashiki when cycling through the city on Journey Across Japan, but it made quite the impression. Japan’s answer to Venice is lined with stunning canals, being gently punted downstream with gawping tourists and quaint shops selling delicious street food to enjoy as you gaze upon it all. A great stop on your way to Hiroshima, I had an absolute field day photographing the town for the video and I hope to get back there before the year’s out and appreciate it without feeling half dead from cycling.

- 4/5

🍿Kurashiki on Abroad in Japan: https://youtu.be/F29HGMNKcnk

If you’d like more articles like this guys, let me know in the comments and below and what’s YOUR number 1 underrated spot in Japan. Share your wisdom with us all!

Have a great weekend!

Chris