I've traveled beyond Japan's popular Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route. There are 4 cool day trips I'd actually recommend.

Compared to popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka, Wakayama City has a quieter, residential feel. Alessa Hickman After moving to Japan, I started taking day trips beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka travel circuit. Saitama was easy to get to from Tokyo, but felt like a completely different place. Wakayama City, Kobe, and Nara are a few of my other favorite spots for food, scenery, and shopping. The first time I visited Japan, I followed the so-called Golden Route and visited three major…