5 Alternative Towns to Crowded Kyoto

It’s not only Kyoto that has ancient landmarks and pretty townscapes. All around Japan there are samurai districts, castle towns, and various walkable towns with everything Kyoto has to offer. The only thing missing is the fame and crowds that come with it.

Some of the towns we’ll look at below have traditional streets that look like those in Kyoto or landmarks from times long past. Others have their own unique traditions and architecture that rival those of Kyoto. Whichever you choose to visit, you’re sure to come away feeling immersed in Japanese history and culture.

Kawagoe

First up is an option that can easily be done as a day trip from Tokyo, and that is the town of Kawagoe. Located in Saitama Prefecture, it takes just over 30 minutes to reach from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station.

Before Tokyo got its current name in 1868, it was called Edo. During that time, both Edo and Kawagoe were home to many traditional storehouses, called kura tsukuri. The kura tsukuri townscape was most commonly associated with Edo, so Kawagoe ended up with the name “Little Edo.”

These days, almost no kura tsukuri remain in Tokyo, but you can still see them in Kawagoe. This means you can explore the traditional-looking townscape and immerse yourself in the culture by trying on a kimono, visiting the Kawagoe Festival Museum, or trying one of their many sweet potato snacks.

Note: Not all of Kawagoe looks traditional! Search for the Kawagoe Festival Museum to find the old townscape.

Nikko

Next on our list is Nikko. Nikko can be visited from Tokyo in a day, but to experience the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to its fullest, an overnight stay in Nikko or the neighbouring Kinugawa Onsen area is a good option.

Nikko is not exactly similar to Kyoto, but is a good alternative if you like Japanese culture and nature.

Near Nikko Station, you will find a variety of small shops and family-owned restaurants, but follow the road up to Shinkyo Bridge and you’ll find yourself in a more natural, spiritual area.

The area across the bridge has a number of shrines, temples, and a pagoda, the most notable of which is Nikko Toshogu, an elaborate 17th-century shrine complex. If you rent a car, you can also visit the various waterfalls and natural sights in the area, such as Kanmangafuchi Abyss or the famous Kegon Falls.

Kanazawa

Going further out from Tokyo, another area with a beautiful townscape rivalling that of Kyoto is Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The most iconic area of Kanazawa is the Higashi Chaya District. Much like Kyoto, the area is home to many geisha tea houses where the wealthy once visited for entertainment.

Kanazawa is also the gold leaf capital of Japan, and produces an impressive 99% of the country’s gold leaf. That’s why you’ll find a lot of gold leaf items around Kanazawa, especially in the Higashi Chaya area. You can even try gold leaf ice cream!

Kanazawa is not close to Japan’s larger cities, so it’s best to spend a few nights here or visit as a part of a trip around Japan’s northwest. There are plenty of cultural and historic sights to see, such as Kenrokuen Gardens.

Chiran Samurai District, Kagoshima

Going all the way down to Japan’s southern coast, you’ll find the Chiran Samurai District in Kagoshima.

This area is definitely an alternative to Kyoto rather than a similar area, as walking around the residences is a very peaceful experience, with no bustling shop streets or overcrowded temples.

Instead, what you’ll find is a rock-walled set of pathways around former samurai residences, with carefully trimmed gardens and traditional roofs everywhere you look. The warm southern weather makes for a relaxing walk around the buildings. Despite its contrasting look to Kyoto, though, it has still earned itself the informal name of “Little Kyoto” for its cultural and historical characteristics.

The gardens are near the Toyotamahime Shrine and the Chiran Peace Museum, all of which can be done in a day or half day. The area is easiest to access by rental car, but it gives you a good excuse to visit Japan’s southern Kyushu area and explore further afield.

Onomichi

Lastly, perhaps the closest to Kyoto in terms of looks, is Onomichi in Hiroshima. This is another town that has gained the name “Little Kyoto”.

Japan is often split into the east (Kanto) and west (Kansai) areas in terms of how the food tastes, how its residents behave, and even in their architectural styles. In that sense, Onomichi is quite close to Kyoto both in character and physicality.

The port town flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868), leading to wealthy merchants building many temples in the area. The most iconic of them is Senkoji Temple, which stands on a tall hill accessible by a ropeway that looks over the town.

But to experience the more Kyoto-like atmosphere, it’s best to explore Cat Alley or to go a bit off the beaten path and explore some of the smaller narrow streets around the hillside. These picturesque streets are a lot of fun to wander around.

Some other places to explore include the Saikokuji Temple and the Hirayama Ikuo Museum, but perhaps the most famous thing about Onomichi is its entrance to the impressive Shimanami Kaido cycling route.

Explore Japan Further to Find More Kyoto Alternatives

As well as the five beautiful towns we’ve already explored, there are plenty of historic towns around Japan that offer many of the benefits of Kyoto. Just like Chiran and Onomichi above, there are also many other towns around the country that have earned the name “Little Kyoto”.

Not all of them are exactly like Kyoto itself, but there are plenty of fun places to explore! If it’s more the romantic and peaceful side of Japan that you’re looking for, why not have a look at this article of ours about exactly that?