What is the best alternative to Sapporo?

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score 5 · Answer 1

Kanazawa

Top Pro

Some of the best-quality sushi in Japan

The local fish market has affordable, fresh sushi shops. There are also dozens of high-end sushi restaurants that people from all around Japan travel to Kanazawa to eat at. See More

Top Con

Less English-friendly

Since Kanazawa is a popular destination for Japanese people, and foreigners tend to go to Kyoto, many of the attractions in Kanazawa are less language-friendly to English-speakers. That being side, most signs are in English, and many of the main attractions still offer pamphlets and directions in English. See More

Top Pro

Beautiful gardens and Edo-period architecture

Comparable, if not more beautiful than Kyoto's famous shrines, temples, and gardens. Since there are less people, the scenery if more peaceful. See More

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score 4 · Answer 2

Onomichi

Top Con

Is a tourist town, but for locals and not foreigners

Onomichi has lots of locals living in it, but it's definitely a popular place for Japanese locals to visit. From that perspective, it's still interesting for a foreigner, but has some of the same drawbacks as the standard touristy cities. See More

Top Pro

Nice walking paths

There are several walking paths that take you through the hills, past many interesting sites and nice views of the city. See More

Top Con

Very little English communication

Most signs are Japanese-only, and very few locals speak any English at all. See More

Top Pro

Friendly street cats

Top Pro

Easily accessible by train

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score 3 · Answer 3

Miyajima Island

Top Pro

Maple leaf cakes

MIyajima is famous for freshly made maple leaf-shaped cake. See More

Top Con

Crowded during the daytime

Miyajima is a popular day-trip location from tourists in Hiroshima, so there's quite a few people walking around town during the day. However, the last boat back to Hiroshima leaves prior to sunset, so watching the famous tori gate during the sunset will be far less crowded. See More

Top Pro

Wild deer

There are several locations in Japan populated by wild deer. Although Nara is most famous for them, Miyajima is a lesser-known deer city. See More

Top Con

Requires a boat ride to get to

Since Miyajima is an island, you have to take a boat from Hiroshima to get to it. See More

Top Pro

Only floating shrine in all of Japan

Seeing the waves splash against the shrine is considered one of the Three Views of Japan. The location is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See More

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score 1 · Answer 4

Ise

Top Pro

Home of the highest ranking Shinto shrine

The Ise Grand Shrine is unique in Japan as being the top of the hierarchy of Shinto shrines connecting to Japan's imperial house. It is taken down and completely rebuilt every 20 years. See More

Top Con

Not a lot to do after a few days

Ise is a small town, so there's a fairly finite number of attractions in Ise. Ise is best for 2-day-1-night trips. See More

Top Pro

Ise lobster

Despite being a small town, Ise is home to the Ise lobster, which is well-known throughout Japan for its culinary applications. There are entire traditional course meals using the Ise lobster at Ise's traditional inns. See More

Top Con

No direct bullet train to Ise

If traveling from Tokyo, travelers must transfer from Nagoya onto the local rail system to get to Ise. See More

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score 1 · Answer 5

Nara

Top Pro

Wild deers everywhere

There are wild deer roaming all the local parks. You can buy feed for cheap and enjoy being chased by dozens of deers. See More

Top Pro

Quiet, serene primeval forest

The Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind the shrine is a peaceful place to go hiking. Although it isn't nearly as mysterious in person as 'primeval forest' sounds, it's still a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban cities. See More

Top Pro

Close to Kyoto

Top Pro

Ancient shrine

Kasuga Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the head of the Kasuga branch of shrines. The moss covering much of the architecture is unique compared to the spotless shrines in other parts of Japan. See More

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score 0 · Answer 6

Ishigaki Island

Top Pro

Unique culture and history

Since Okinawa was originally a separate country from Japan, Ishigaki is one of the best ways to explore Okinawan culture. There are unique food, phrases, and styles of dress visible all over the island. See More

Top Con

Need a car to get around

While there is a bus and some taxis, the more efficient way to get around is by car. Renting a car will mean added costs, but it offers the most freedom to fully explore the island. See More

Top Pro

'Hawaii' of Japan

The second-largest island in Okinawa, there are long strips of beaches all around the island. See More

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