A heated race is currently underway in Japan. The prize? The honour of being crowned the Japanese secondary capital.
With Japanese lawmakers approving a bill to designate at least one more destination as a backup capital, soon, Tokyo will be joined by another political and economic centre.
Why the need for this move?
This is rooted in disaster preparedness. In 2026 alone, Japan has been beset by strong earthquakes, severe tropical storms and record snowfall.
While the country has one of the world’s most disaster-tested infrastructures, the move aims to ensure the government can continue operating, even if Tokyo is struck by a natural disaster or emergency.
This comes after the government estimated that there is about a 70% chance of a magnitude-seven earthquake hitting the Tokyo metropolitan area within the next 30 years, Bloomberg reported.
Tackling what the law refers to as “overconcentration” within Tokyo is also a priority, with there being plans for investment in government facilities, transport link as well as tax incentives in would-be secondary capital areas.
For travellers, this ongoing development offers a chance to take a fresh look beyond Tokyo and discover some of Japan’s most compelling urban destinations.
From Osaka’s famous food scene to Fukuoka’s scenic coast, here’s why these front-runners deserve a place on your Japan travel itinerary.
Osaka
Just a short Shinkansen bullet train ride away from Tokyo, this large port city is famed for its vibrant nightlife, friendly locals and being an unmissable destination for foodies.
Local specialties include iwa okoshi, a candied puff snack made from millet that dates as far back as 1185. Other Osaka classics include okonomiyaki savoury pancakes, and for the more adventurous, there’s the takoyaki battered octopus dish.
According to Dragonpass, a global travel and lifestyle benefits platform, the city’s street food reputation has earned it the title of being “Japan’s kitchen”.
Away from the dining table, the bright lights of the Tsutenkaku Tower also offer visitors panoramic views from the observatory deck.
Fukuoka
This shoreline destination is set on the northern coast of Kyushu – think sandy beaches, mountain trails and views of greenery.
One of its best-known sights are the 6,000 plum trees of the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine that blossom during spring. The city’s cherry blossoms and tulips typically bloom after, too.
The canals of Yanagawa, Fukuoka’s historic water city, are lined with oarsmen pushing visitors along in long narrow boats, singing poems composed by Meiji-era (1868–1912) poet, Hakushu Kitahara. The leisurely ride takes a little over an hour, offering visitors a unique view of the town.
Nagoya
Nestled between Tokyo and Osaka, this castle town is home to one of the largest castle tower keeps in Japan.
Nagoya Castle’s build was completed in 1612 but destroyed in 1959 amid war. The site has undergone a series of reconstructions, including the Hommaru Palace located in the castle’s precincts, which took 10 years.
Inside the castle keep is a museum with exhibitions unpacking the site’s history, and during spring, the surrounding area blooms with cherry blossoms. Entry costs ¥500 (€2.75) for adults and is free for secondary school students and younger people.
Sapporo
The largest city on the island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is one of Japan’s youngest major cities – having a population that stood at just seven people in 1857.
Today, the city is known for its lush greenery in the summer, being the place to visit for snow during the winter and tasty ramen noodles that are perfect all year round.
Winter in Sapporo is typically long, where annual snowfall is anywhere in excess of five metres.
The annual snow festival, which dates back to 1950, takes place across several locations throughout the city every February across three sites: the Odori Site, Susukino Site and Tsu Dome Site.
Large snow sculptures take centre stage, where the International Snow Sculpture Contest attracts competitors from around the world.