Travel to Japan has never been more popular. Yet, while the country has an enviable amount of assets, most tourists only visit perennial favorites like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and miss out on the incredible richness (and fewer crowds) of Japan’s lesser-known spots. Here are three of Japan’s under-the-radar destinations that will reward an intrepid traveler with stunning sights, cultural heritage and unique activities.
Nasu Highlands, Japan
Just a quick 70-minute high-speed exercise ride from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the Nasu Highlands offer a tranquil escape. This photogenic mountainous region that encompasses the striking volcanic peaks of Mount Nasu, is noted for its inviting hot springs. and abundant feelings. To this day, the Nasu Highlands is home to an imperial villa, a retreat for the imperial family. Revamped by its culinary offering, the domain is the largest strawberry maker in the county and is highly sought after its dairy production (as well as a tasty regional cheesecake), craft breweries, and a well-known Nasu Wagyu.
Where to Stay: By focusing on agri-tourism, Hoshino Resorts Risonare Nasu offers consumers an original immersion into the region’s agricultural heritage with engaging seasonal programming for consumers of all ages in the hotel’s on-site greenhouse and farms. Families can feel practical classes to live from the land and notice how to plant vegetables, fertilize the soil and harvest.
Taketomi Island
While it may be challenging to find on a map, this charming, serene little island of about 350 inhabitants in Okinawa is worth a visit for its traditional Ryukyu village, cultural offerings, unique water buffalo cart tours and welcoming white-sand beaches. Another of the island’s attractions is its unparalleled nocturnal assets. The island is part of the Yaeyama Islands, which together are certified as Japan’s first Dark Sky Place, meaning that the night sky is a not-to-be-missed attraction thanks to the open spaces and lack of artificial light. On a clear night, visitors to the region can spot up to 84 of the 88 constellations.
Where to stay: Capitalize on the tranquility and seclusion of the island with a stay at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island. Until February 28, 2025 the property is offering a Starry Night Hot Pool Float experience where guests can sedately float in a private hot pool underneath the star-packed night sky as a staff member points out significant constellations. The hotel also offers Sabani Tours (island tours aboard a traditional wooden boat), a Sanshin lesson, where you’ll be taught to play an authentic Okinawan instrument, and a number of water-based activities, such as mangrove canoeing, jungle canyoning, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tsunoshima Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Yamaguchi, at the western point of Honshu, is gently reached through a higher speed exercise in large cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Visitors of this underestimated destination will not need to lose the possibility of exploring Hagi, one of the cities of the captivating castle and well preserved in Japan. There are also many opportunities to walk in rural villages and intact landscapes dotted with sanctuaries and beaches, as well as notar Akiyoshyd, the largest limestone cave.
Where to stay: Hot Spring Ryokan Hoshino Resorts Kai Nagato offers simple access to riverside walks and trips to Nagato Yumoto Historical. The hotel has a diversity of conscientiously selected cultural discovery offerings that show the classic crafts of the region such as meditation calligraphy, where attendees can register characters in their own Japanese fanatic and make up inscriptions with Akama Inkstone in an EMA, a pill of Wooden prayer noted in sanctuaries and temples.
A community. Many voices. Create a lazy account to pry your thoughts.
Our network is about connecting other people through open and thoughtful conversations. We need our readers to make their revisions and exchange concepts and facts in one space.
To do this, follow the publication regulations the situations of use of our site. We have summarized some of those key regulations below. In other words, keep it civil.
Your message will be rejected if we realize that it seems to contain:
The user accounts will block if we realize or believe that users have interaction in:
So how can you be a difficult user?
Thanks for reading our network directives. Read the complete list of publication regulations discovered the situations of use of our site.