Rank your top 3 Japanese cities outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara

I’m planning my 2nd Japan trip and am not sure where to go next. Please rank your top 3 outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara. I’m looking to visit a city that gives a unique vibe from these cities.

  • Hiroshima seems somewhat interesting.
  • Kanazawa too but I’m concerned it might be too similar to Kyoto.
  • I’ve heard people saying Nagoya is boring.
  • I’ve also heard mixed reviews about Kobe being worth a visit.
  • Is Yokohama just an extension of Tokyo? Ppl seem to mainly just recommend the Chinatown there and a couple of museums. I love China but have already been to several Chinatowns around the world so meh, don’t have much interest.

Sorry if something similar has already been posted. I’ve tried doing my diligence by searching the forums and watching videos but am still undecided.

by JerseyMBA