Looking to take your next trip to Japan to another level? Here are some underrated destinations within a couple hours’ flight of Tokyo.

Nagasaki’s cultural melting pot

While Nagasaki is still synonymous with the WWII dropping of the atom bomb, there’s much to love about this Kyushu city’s rich and vibrant history. As the country’s second port to open to foreign trade, Nagasaki today bears many markers of Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese influences. One of the most famous attractions is Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park built to mimic a Dutch 17th century village. Elsewhere in the prefecture, Sasebo is considered Japan’s home of the burger, a phenomenon that sprung up due to its close proximity to a US Navy base. The city’s many American-style diners serve up all sorts of tasty, super-sized burgers.

Don’t miss: Aside from must-visit historical sites like Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, perhaps the most unique attraction is Hashima Island, also known as Japan’s ghost island. Once populated by miners, the island off the Nagasaki coast was officially shut down in 1974 leaving behind creepy industrial ruins that served as inspiration for the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.

Flight duration from Tokyo: 2 hours

Okinawa’s beach paradise

Why here: This long stretch of a few dozen islands sits to the far south of the Japanese mainland and offers a subtropical climate and white-sand beaches—things not usually associated with the country. With their own language and customs, Okinawans boast a cultural identity that’s unique from the mainland, too. Sometimes referred to as the land of festivals, Okinawa’s highlight events include the giant traditional dance festival Eisa in August, which coincides with the island’s Orion Beer Fest, and the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival in October, which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest event of its kind. Closer to the water, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is Japan’s largest aquarium and the third largest in the world.

Don’t miss: Want to impress your friends back home? Okinawa is actually the earliest part of Japan to have cherry blossoms, in January-February, so you can snap those colorful shots long before visitors to the mainland.

Flight duration from Tokyo: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Kagoshima’s spectacular volcanic scenery

Why here: Nicknamed the “Naples of the East,” Kyushu island’s southernmost region is brimming with natural heritage. The most spectacular sight is no doubt Sakurajima, a 1,117-meter still-active volcanic island which last erupted in 2013. Due to its volatile state, tourists aren’t allowed within a two-kilometer radius of the volcano, but you can get a pretty awesome vantage point from Yunohira Observation Point. For more serene surroundings, the magnificent Senganen Garden also offers grand views of the mountain. Kagoshima was also home to Saigo Takamori, one of the most powerful samurais in Japanese history, and the historical basis forThe Last Samurai (2003) movie. Visit Chiran Town, a 250-year-old “samurai district” dotted with well-preserved samurai residences.

Don’t miss: The sunamushi (natural steam sand baths) at Mount Kaimon in Kirishima Yaku National Park is truly only-one-of-a-kind. It’s the only place on earth where you can experience a natural onsen-like steam sand bath, which scientists believe offers up to four times the health benefits of a normal hot spring.

Flight duration from Tokyo: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Kushiro’s winter wonderland

Cranes in Kushiro wetland. Credit: Akira Takiguchi

Why here: This city located in the far-east of the northern Hokkaido island comes alive in both spring and winter. It’s home to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the largest wetlands in the country, famous for its Japanese cranes, which perform an exotic sort of ballet in pairs. Apart from Kushiro City Marsh Observatory boardwalk, the Otowa Bridge is a great spot to watch the cranes at play in the morning. Another stunning sight is the volcanic Akan Lake, home to the oldest national park in Hokkaido. Hot spring hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) sit right beside the misty lake. Home to the ancient Ainu settlers, Kushiro also hosts many traditional festivals like the Iomante Fire Festival in both spring and winter.

Don’t miss: The winter activities on the frozen Lake Akan are a must, from ice skating to snowmobiling.

Flight duration from Tokyo: 1 hour, 35 minutes  

Kumamoto’s rural charm

Don’t miss: Further into the mountains, you’ll find Kurokawa Onsen, a truly magical onsen town that’s completely concrete-free. Roam the narrow streets in your yukata for a few days of relaxing onsen-hopping while stopping off for a taste of the local delicacy, basashi (raw horse sashimi) and some locally-brewed cider.

Flight duration from Tokyo: 1 hour, 45 minutes

 Brought to you by ANA

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is currently offering an ANA Experience JAPAN Fare promotion to any domestic destination in Japan for only JPY10,800*  (THB 3,385) until Saturday, Mar 26, 2016.

Visit www.ana-exjapan.com for more information.

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