현지인이 알려주는 일본 소도시 여행 추천 10곳 총정리 (가마쿠라 / 시즈오카 / 마쓰야마 / 다카마쓰 / 히로시마 / 요나고 / 오이타 / 사가 / 구마모토 / 기타큐슈)

City park known for spring cherry blossoms, with reconstructed remains of a centuries-old castle.

Fishing, boating & Mt. Fuji views at a lake where the iconic volcano is reflected in the water.

Atami is a seaside city on Japan’s Izu Peninsula, in the Shizuoka Prefecture southwest of Tokyo. It’s set on volcanic hills within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which is also home to Mount Fuji. A prominent resort for centuries due to its numerous natural hot springs, it has several public onsen baths and an artificial sand beach on Sagami Bay.

Island that's home to a number of temples & shrines, plus the Museum of History & Folklore.

Yonago is a city on the north coast of central Japan. It’s known for Minatoyama Park, with its cherry blossoms, and for the hilltop ruins of Yonago Castle overlooking the city and Lake Nakaumi. Nearby, the Waterbirds Sanctuary has wetlands rich in birdlife. Southeast, Fukuichi Park contains archaeological remains of a settlement from the ancient Yayoi period. Kaike Onsen hot-spring spas are to the north, on Miho Bay.

This 50-hectare flower park features outdoor gardens, as well as a greenhouse & enclosed walkways.

Ōita is the capital city of Ōita Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. As of 30 November 2023, the city had an estimated population of 474,804 in 230,867 households, and a population density of 950 persons per km². The total area of the city is 502.38 km².

Nakatsu is a city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. In the center, rebuilt Nakatsu Castle has an observation deck with coastal views. Nearby Goganji Temple is known for its striking red walls. In the mountains to the south, Aonodōmon is an 18th-century tunnel carved out of the rock face. Rakan-ji Temple is decorated with thousands of stone Buddha statues. Trails lead to the rock formations and hot springs of Yabakei Gorge.

Kitakyushu is the northernmost city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. Kokura Castle is surrounded by Katsuyama Park, known for its spring cherry blossoms. Riverwalk Kitakyushu is a shopping mall by the Murasaki River. Northeast, Moji Port Retro Area has 1900s buildings, like the red-brick Moji Customs Building and striped Old Mitsui OSK Line Building. Vintage locomotives are displayed at the Kyushu Railway History Museum.

Kitakyushu is the northernmost city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. Kokura Castle is surrounded by Katsuyama Park, known for its spring cherry blossoms. Riverwalk Kitakyushu is a shopping mall by the Murasaki River. Northeast, Moji Port Retro Area has 1900s buildings, like the red-brick Moji Customs Building and striped Old Mitsui OSK Line Building. Vintage locomotives are displayed at the Kyushu Railway History Museum.

This reconstructed 17th-century castle houses gardens, a folk museum & the Matsumoto Seicho museum.

Minatomachi, Moji Ward

Shimonoseki is the westernmost city on Japan’s main island, Honshu. At the island’s tip, there are panoramic views from the Kaikyō Yume Tower observation deck. Kaikyokan Aquarium has penguins, dolphins and around 100 species of blowfish. Nearby Karato Market is also known for its blowfish stalls. Kanmon Bridge and the undersea Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel link the city to Kyūshū, the big island across the Kanmon Straits.

Large, bustling market featuring many vendors selling sashimi & sushi, plus other prepared foods.

Modern aquarium featuring many species of pufferfish, a dolphin show & a tunnel tank with penguins.