I spent a year traveling around Japan. Skip the crowded tourist spots and head to these 4 destinations instead.

Hakone and Sapporo are two of my favorite places to visit in Japan. Sarah O'Keefe After traveling all around Japan, I've found places I love more than tourist hot spots like Tokyo . Instead of visiting popular cities like Kyoto, I recommend checking out Miyajima's architecture. My favorite, less crowded option for seeing cherry blossoms is in Sapporo. From slurping steamy ramen to strolling through cherry blossoms and searching for vintage Pokémon shirts, Japan has become one of my favorite places to visit. After nearly a year of traveling around the country, I've explored ancient towns, futuristic metropolises, ski slopes, islands, and many quiet cities in between. Even though I know it can be hard for first-time visitors to resist iconic places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, these cities have become increasingly crowded and usually leave me wanting more. Instead of checking out these tourist hot spots, here are four places in Japan that I always recommend. Miyajima's architecture and views are worth the trip alone. Sarah O'Keefe Crowds typically flock to Kyoto for its historic streetscapes, but I've found similarly exquisite architecture in quieter places like Miyajima, an island off the coast of Hiroshima. Miyajima's charming streets feel frozen in time, but the ocean, mountains, and sacred free-roaming deer make it feel alive. Tidal changes create a magical backdrop for some of my favorite sites in Miyajima, including the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, which features a striking red torii gate that looks like it's floating in the sea during high tide. It's also a great place to catch the sunset. My favorite way to embrace Miyajima's breathtaking landscapes is to take the ropeway up Mount Misen — the island's highest peak — for 360-degree views of the sea, temples, and hiking trails. Beyond its scenery, Miyajima also offers incredible cuisine. I especially enjoyed the matcha served at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony , and the freshly grilled oysters, harvested from Hiroshima Bay. And before leaving the island, I always make sure to grab a couple of maple-leaf cakes, known as momiji manju, from a street-food cart. There's always something to do in Sapporo. Sarah O'Keefe Sapporo is known for its beer, but the reason I keep going back is the variety of festivals offered throughout the year. My favorite time to travel to Sapporo is during its lilac festival in May, which also gives me the chance to catch the last blooms of Japan's fleeting cherry blossoms . Picnicking under thousands of lilacs and sipping Hokkaido wine — in a setting less crowded than Tokyo or Osaka — is an experience I'll never forget. The Sapporo Ramen Show also begins in May, where visitors can sample a variety of ramen flavors — my favorite was the spicy tonkotsu — from master chefs all over Japan. In the winter, the city's snow festival transforms a park into a neighborhood of meticulously carved snow sculptures that tower nearly 50 feet high. I loved indulging in some sweet potato cocoa, a hot sake, and a skewer of wagyu beef from the billowing grills while taking in the stunning statues. Hakone is my favorite place to embrace Japan's natural wonders. Sarah O'Keefe For a long time, Japan's nature didn't interest me as much as the vibrant cities. That changed when I visited Hakone, a volcanic area in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The town is about an hour from Tokyo by car, but it feels a world away with its hot springs, volcanoes, and lakes. One of my favorite ways to take in the sights of Hakone is by taking the ropeway to Owakudani — a cable car that travels through a volcanic valley, offering glimpses of Mount Fuji depending on the weather. In my opinion, a trip to Hakone isn't complete without trying a kuro-tamago , a black egg boiled in the volcanic vents that, according to local folklore, will add seven years to your life. Cycling in Setoda is an unforgettable experience. Sarah O'Keefe Sunny citrus groves, seaside cycling, and a Mediterranean-style climate make Setoda one of my favorite destinations in Japan. This small town, located on Ikuchijima Island, sits along the famous Shimanami Kaido, a roughly 44-mile cycling route winding across several islands. It's one of the most distinctive places I've been in Japan. I like to rent a bike for a few days and ride the leisurely, perfectly paved cycling paths. The routes are stunning, filled with views of suspension bridges over the sea, citrus groves, and little towns featuring all things lemon: lemon ramen, curry, desserts, and cocktails. During my visit, I was in awe of the town's temples, beaches, and mom-and-pop shops — including a liquor store that also grills up okonomiyaki , a savory pancake piled with pork, cabbage, noodles, and sauces. Read the original article on Business Insider