Forget Tokyo and Osaka - try this ‘golden route’ by train instead

Japan remains at the top of the wish list for many Aussie holidaymakers.

Most travellers who visit the nation for the first time tick of the classic golden triangle of cities: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

But amid a crackdown on tourism – Kyoto has just upped visitor taxes – quieter gems are becoming more sought after.

And with public transport in the country renowned for being among the most reliable in the world, it’s not difficult to get around.

For visitors hoping to venture beyond Japan’s packed tourist hubs, global travel booking site Omio has named some lesser-known cities to look at.

They offer “much of the same charm and character, but with fewer crowds”, according to Omio’s travel experts.

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Nagoya

Nagoya, although smaller, has a similar atmosphere to Tokyo.

It has a futuristic shopping mall called Oasis21 to wander around and discover local and international fashion. The centre has an illuminated spaceship-style roof.

Much like Tokyo, Nagoya has plenty of culture, with Nagoya Castle and one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, Atsuta Shrine.

Try some of the local food, including hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and miso katsu, a deep-fried, breaded pork cutlet that’s covered in Hatcho miso sauce.

Experts suggest downloading TableLog to find some of the best culinary spots in the city. 

You can travel to Nagoya by train from Tokyo, which takes just over 90 minutes.

A ticket costs just over $100.

Kanazawa

It’s referred to as ‘little Kyoto’ thanks to its traditional architecture, tea houses, and narrow lane, just like the famous tourist spot. 

However, you’ll find far fewer visitors.

The city is renowned for gold leaf production, tea ceremonies, and ceramics.

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Some must-do activities in the city include a visit to Kenroku-en Garden and Higashi Chaya District, a stroll through the samurai district and a stop at Omicho Market to sample fresh seafood.

Kanazawa is easily reachable from major hubs, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, thanks to the high-speed shinkansen. 

Trains from Tokyo take around two and a half hours, while trains from Kyoto take around an hour and 40 minutes.

Or from Osaka, you can also take a train to Kanazawa in just over two hours. 

According to Omio’s rail pass calculator, the cheapest way to travel to Kanazawa is from Kyoto.

Trains start from around $60.

Fukuoka

Osaka is renowned for its food culture and a grittier atmosphere than Tokyo and Kyoto, which is how experts also describe in Fukuoka. 

It is the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen, a pork-based broth many Aussies will be hankering to try.

Fukuoka is renowned for a friendly atmosphere and a bustling nightlife, so it’s great if you’re heading to Japan to experience night markets, karaoke and traditional izakayas. 

It is a little further from the famous cities.

You can travel from Tokyo via train to Fukuoka in under five hours, and from Kyoto in less than two and a half hours.

It’s a similar journey time from Osaka in almost than two and a half hours. 

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The best way to get to Fukuoka is to travel directly from Osaka, with train prices starting at roughly $160.

When travelling to Japan, many tourists opt for a JR pass, which can save you money if you’re doing multiple long-distance trips.

And if you’re travelling in Japan by train, be aware it’s a blunder to bring big suitcases. Instead, you can easily ship them ahead.