Japan's tourism boom shows no signs of slowing, but with that popularity has come growing concerns about overtourism. Destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka continue to attract record numbers of visitors, prompting many travelers to look beyond the country's biggest hotspots. In a recent feature highlighting 15 underrated cities across Asia, The Sydney Morning Herald singled out two Japanese destinations that deserve a closer look: Nagoya and Niigata.
The publication describes Nagoya as a city that has long battled an unfair reputation for being "Japan's most boring", but argues that it is anything but. Japan's fourth-largest city rewards visitors with a fantastic food culture, atmospheric standing bars and attractions that are often overlooked by international tourists. One standout is Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, where expansive grounds and towering cypress trees provide a peaceful escape from the crowds found at more famous temples elsewhere in the country. Nagoya is also refreshingly easy to explore by bicycle, making it ideal for slower-paced sightseeing.
Further north, The Sydney Morning Herald highlights Niigata's reputation for exceptional rice and sake. Blessed with high-quality rice, pure mountain water and generations of brewing expertise, the region has become one of Japan's premier sake destinations. Visitors can sample a huge variety of local brews at Ponshukan inside Niigata Station or venture to breweries across the prefecture for tastings and tours.
Niigata also offers easy access to Sado Island, where dramatic coastlines, scenic cycling routes and the island's distinctive tarai-bune tub boats create an experience unlike anywhere else in Japan.
As Japan's best-known destinations continue to feel the effects of overtourism, Nagoya and Niigata offer a reminder that some of the country's most memorable experiences can still be found away from the busiest tourist trail.
