Top Places in Japan With Fewer Crowds
- Rachel Kawate
- Dec 13, 2025
- 4 min read
There is so much more to Japan than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka! Don’t get me wrong, those three cities are amazing, but I’m telling you, the East Japan Golden Route is a must for your next Japan trip.
This route starts in Tokyo and follows the JR East Shinkansen (bullet train) up to Hakodate, which is in Japan’s northern region, Hokkaido. There are a few amazing stops along the way, like Sendai and Aomori. All of these cities have their own delicious foods (so much amazing seafood), stunning views, unique cultural activities, and offer a quieter, less crowded, and more local experience than the larger Japanese cities.
We honestly wish we had more time for this route because we loved our experience so much!
One pass made the whole trip incredibly seamless and more budget-friendly: the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass. If you do explore this region of Japan by Shinkansen (which you absolutely should), this pass is so worth it!
Why the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass Is a Game-Changer
Trains in Japan are known for being efficient, clean, and fast, although the cost of long-distance Shinkansen rides can add up quickly. With this pass, you get unlimited rides for 6 flexible days across a massive area stretching from Tokyo all the way up to Hokkaido. See which specific lines and areas are covered with this pass here.
On our trip, we used it for:
Tokyo → Sendai
Sendai → Aomori
Aomori → Hakodate
Hakodate → Tokyo
After purchasing and picking up your pass, you just:
Reserve seats (or use non-reserved cars)
Scan your pass at the gate
Hop on the Shinkansen
We saved money and time using the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, and we were never anxious about our schedule because we knew the passes were so flexible. If you want to see more of Japan while keeping your budget happy, this is definitely the move.
Our East Golden Route Highlights
1. Sendai: The Gateway to Tohoku Region
Sendai was our first stop, and staying right next to the station at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East made everything easy. The city is not too far from Tokyo and is a perfect mix of modernity and nature.
What We Loved in Sendai
Gyutan (beef tongue): the city’s specialty. If you’ve never had gyutan grilled fresh in Sendai, you’re missing out.
Zunda sweets: a creamy, slightly sweet edamame paste used in shakes, mochi, and more. We were surprised how delicious the shake was!
Nikusoba: hearty noodles topped with tender meat. Perfect after a day of exploring the city.
Sendai is also a great base for day trips! Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s “Three Most Scenic Spots,” is just a short train ride away.
2. Aomori: Seafood, Culture & Apple Everything
Next up: Aomori! We checked into the ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay, conveniently located right by Aomori Station. This city is now one of our favorite places in Japan. The seafood is so fresh, the air is clean, the water views are beautiful, and the people are so kind!
Relabo is a must-stay as well! This wellness-focused hotel was one of the highlights of the trip, with amazing onsen facilities, morning yoga, relaxing spa services, and the food was incredible!
The dinner we enjoyed used local ingredients and fused Japanese and French cooking techniques to create a truly exceptional experience. We eat a lot of amazing food on our adventures, and this was definitely one of the best meals we have ever had!
Don’t Miss in Aomori
Nokkedon at Aomori Gyosai Center: choose your own toppings and build a custom seafood rice bowl, sourcing fresh seafood from all the vendors in the building.
Aomori apples: crisp, sweet, and iconic. Try them as juice, cider, pastries, or just straight up.
Nebuta Museum WA RASSE: an immersive look into the famous Nebuta Festival with massive illuminated floats made from wood, wire, lights, and paper.
Aomori is calm and quaint. If you're someone who loves the cultural side of Japan, this is an incredible place to visit.
3. Hakodate: Bright Lights & Hokkaido Flavors
Our final stop was Hakodate, and the JR Inn Hakodate was literally attached to the station.
Hakodate is known for its seaside charm and incredible views, especially from Mt. Hakodate, where the night skyline is famously one of the most beautiful in the world.
Hakodate Highlights
Morning Market: fresh seafood bowls, grilled squid, and delicious crab everywhere.
Lucky Pierrot: famous local burger chain with quirky decor and hearty flavors.
Motomachi: a historical district with sloping streets, old churches, and a nostalgic atmosphere.
Cape Tachimachi: a little hike to get here, but the ocean view is unbeatable!
There's something magical about Hakodate, it’s relaxed, scenic, and full of unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a trip to Japan and want something that goes beyond the usual tourist spots, the East Japan Golden Route is perfect for you. We discovered new foods, beautiful scenery, local culture, and places we never would’ve seen otherwise.
And truly, the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best way to do it. It saved us money, time, energy, and gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
We’re already talking about going back and spending even more days up north. That’s how good it was.
If you want hidden gems, fewer crowds, stunning nature, and incredible food, this route is for you.
*This trip was hosted by JR East. Opinions are my own.