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 tourist spots: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

I immediately understood why these three cities were so popular.

They all had delicious food, gorgeous temples, and seemingly endless things to see and do.

Since moving here last year, though, I've been making a point to venture beyond the usual stops, hoping to see another side of Japan.

There are four day trips — all located within an hour or two of Japan's biggest cities — that I'd genuinely recommend.

Saitama felt more relaxed than Tokyo, but just as interesting to explore I loved visiting historic sites like Kawagoe Castle. tang90246/Getty Images Saitama made it easy to see a relaxed, everyday side of Japan, just outside Tokyo.

While there, I split my time between Omiya and Kawagoe, both of which were worth the visit.

Known as "Little Edo," Kawagoe is famous for its historic buildings, now home to shops, sweets, and slower-paced sightseeing.

I browsed shopping malls, vintage stores (including BIG TIME), and hobby shops with cool anime merch.

In Kawagoe Old Town, many vendors sell Japanese sweet potato, a local specialty.