Your Second Trip to Japan: How to Travel Deeper, Smarter, and Better
Visiting Japan for the second time is a completely different experience. You’ve already seen the bright lights of Shibuya, walked through thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari, maybe even slurped ramen in a tiny Tokyo alley. This time, your priorities shift—from checking off boxes to creating a more personal, relaxed, and in-depth journey.
Here’s how to plan your second trip to Japan differently—and better.
1. Why Your Second Trip Feels So Different
Let’s start here: if your first trip included Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Hakone, you made the right choice. These destinations are famous for good reason. They provide the perfect introduction to Japan’s blend of ultra-modern life, deep-rooted traditions, and breathtaking beauty. You’ve seen Mt. Fuji, golden temples, lively markets, and majestic castles. That’s not basic—it’s foundational.
Skipping those iconic places the first time would have been a missed opportunity. They’re essential to understanding what makes Japan so special. They leave you with the unforgettable first impression every traveler hopes for.
But now that you’ve been there, you don’t need to go back—unless you want to. Your second trip is a different adventure. This time, you’re not starting from zero. You know how to use the trains, how to pay at a conbini, and maybe even how to say “sumimasen” with confidence.
You no longer need to rush. You don’t need to follow guidebooks step-by-step. Now you can slow down. Explore more freely. Discover what you love. You’ve gained knowledge, experience, and confidence. That changes everything.
2. What to Skip (This Time)
Let’s be honest: you probably don’t need to cross Shibuya Scramble again or wait in line for that hyped-up restaurant everyone on Instagram talks about. If certain areas felt too crowded or overdone, skip them.
Reclaim your itinerary. You don’t have to revisit every shrine or temple—unless one truly moved you. Replace packed sightseeing days with a slow, purposeful walk through a single neighborhood, or take part in a hands-on experience you didn’t have time for last time.
3. There’s Still More in the Big Cities
Even if you’ve already explored Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, and Hiroshima, chances are there’s still so much you haven’t seen—especially in Japan’s major cities. These places are incredibly layered, with more to discover than one trip (or even a lifetime) could ever reveal. Even locals often say they haven’t seen it all.
So, if you’ve already walked through Shibuya or strolled Gion—great! But your time in these cities isn’t over. There’s likely a whole side you missed: quiet shrines, cozy cafes, neighborhood festivals, or even lush parks hidden just a few train stops away.
Your second trip is the perfect time to go deeper. Visit local spots. Try experiences you skipped last time—like joining a seasonal festival, shopping at a flea market, taking a sushi-making class, or cheering at a baseball game. The big cities have layers upon layers—and your second visit is when they begin to unfold.
4. Places Japanese Travelers Actually Love
Here’s a common pattern: first-time visitors hit the big five—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakone. Then, some travelers leap all the way to the other extreme—rural villages with no English signage or public transport. That jump can be exciting, but it’s often too much, too soon.
So what’s the middle ground? Go where the Japanese go. These are places Japanese travelers choose for their own holidays—destinations that are rich in culture, food, and natural beauty without being overly touristy or hard to reach.
Here are some top domestic travel favorites that are perfect for your second Japan trip:
- Hokkaido – Ideal for nature lovers and foodies. Sapporo offers beer and snow festivals, Hakodate is known for fresh seafood, and Furano or Biei shine with flower fields and hills in summer.
- Okinawa – A tropical break with clear beaches, vibrant Ryukyu culture, and hearty cuisine. Visit Naha, Zamami, or Ishigaki Island.
- Fukuoka & Kyushu – Fukuoka is famous for tonkotsu ramen and street food. Don’t miss Nagasaki for its unique history, Kumamoto for nature and castles, and Kagoshima for hot springs and volcanoes.
- Tohoku Region – Still underexplored, this region features dramatic coastlines, relaxing onsen towns, and strong traditions. Aomori’s Nebuta Festival, Sendai’s food scene, and Yamadera’s spiritual atmosphere are all worth a visit.
- Shikoku – Known for the 88-temple pilgrimage. Try Kagawa for udon, the Iya Valley for dramatic landscapes, and Dogo Onsen for history.
- Awaji Island (Hyogo) – A favorite local getaway with ocean views, unique art spots, flower parks, and delicious seafood—just a short drive from Kobe.
- Kanazawa (Ishikawa) – A charming city with samurai districts, gold leaf crafts, markets, and one of Japan’s best gardens.
Other Onsen Favorites in Japan
Beyond Hakone, Japan is filled with onsen towns beloved by locals:
- Kusatsu (Gunma) – High sulfur content and the famous yumomi water-stirring ritual.
- Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – Walk the town in yukata, visiting seven unique bathhouses.
- Arima Onsen (Hyogo) – One of Japan’s oldest hot springs, known for its mineral-rich golden and silver waters.
- Gero Onsen (Gifu) – Renowned for smooth waters and a scenic riverside.
- Ise & Toba (Mie) – Visit Ise Jingu (Japan’s most sacred shrine) and sample fresh seafood at Mikimoto Pearl Island.
- Karuizawa (Nagano) – A chic, nature-filled mountain retreat with cycling, shopping, and cool summer breezes.
- Kurashiki (Okayama) – Explore a lovely canal district, traditional architecture, and high-quality denim.
- Beppu & Yufuin (Oita) – Beppu’s “hells” and Yufuin’s café culture and countryside charm offer a unique contrast.
- Matsue & Izumo (Shimane) – Lakeside castle town and home to the legendary Izumo Taisha shrine.
These spots are well-loved by Japanese travelers because they’re beautiful, unique, and easy to access. They’re also still under the radar for most foreign tourists—giving you the rare experience of seeing something fresh in Japan without going totally off-grid.
5. Theme-Based Planning
Instead of focusing on cities, build your trip around a theme. This gives your journey direction and makes it feel more meaningful.
Food Trip – Try Hida beef in Takayama, kaiseki in Kyoto, tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka, and kushikatsu in Osaka. Explore depachika food halls and neighborhood izakaya. Take a cooking class and learn how to make your favorite dishes.
Nature Escape – Go beyond gardens. Rent a car or bike to ride the Shimanami Kaido across the sea, hike Mt. Aso in Kyushu, or circle Lake Biwa in Shiga. These kinds of adventures show you another side of Japan.
Spiritual Journey – Stay at a temple in Koyasan, hike a portion of the Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, or visit Ise Jingu. These places slow you down and reconnect you with Japan’s spiritual heart.
Art & Design – Start with Naoshima’s art islands. Visit Kanazawa’s craft studios, see Tadao Ando’s architecture, or explore museums in Tokyo and Kyoto. Read Japanese literature, then visit the places behind the stories. Don’t overlook small towns like Kurashiki or Mashiko—famous for textiles, ceramics, and design.
6. Combine Big Cities with Local Favorites
By now, you’ve likely realized that even Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka still have plenty left to offer. At the same time, there are many other destinations throughout Japan that locals deeply value.
These aren’t remote villages—they’re accessible, culturally rich, and filled with things to see and do.
One of the smartest ways to plan your second trip is to combine both: revisit a major city to dive deeper, and pair it with a lesser-known region that Japanese people love. This approach gives you the best of both worlds—familiar comforts and exciting discoveries.
It’s a slower, more balanced way to travel. And it often leads to the most memorable moments.
Final Thoughts
Your second trip to Japan won’t feel like a sequel. It’ll feel like a reunion—familiar, but full of new meaning. This time, it’s not about checking boxes. It’s about connection.
You don’t have to see Japan. Now you can feel it.
And honestly? You’re just getting started.
