20 Under-the-Radar Destinations in Japan

Luxurious vacationers to Japan usually follow well-known locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Niseko for snowboarding. However there are hidden gems everywhere in the nation. Excessive-end resorts and ryokans (Japanese inns) that cater to the home market have been in-built rural areas and tiny villages—and barely get worldwide vacationers. Listed below are 20 lesser-known cities, prefectures, and islands in Japan with top-tier lodging and genuine experiences . 

Atami

This coastal city is understood for its seashores in the summertime and onsens (sizzling spring baths) within the winter. It’s dwelling to Atami Kaihourou, a four-room luxurious resort with a surprising glass design by famend architect Kengo Kuma.

Awaji Island

In Japanese mythology, Awaji was believed to be the primary island created by the gods. Guests at present can tour the island’s many constructions and gardens designed by Kuma and Tadao Ando, one other well-known Japanese architect. Awaji Hamarikyu, a classic western-style beachfront resort, is beloved by Japanese households. 

Chiba

This small metropolis is the eponymous capital of Chiba Prefecture, identified for its charming canals lined with cute little retailers and cafés. Keep in Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel, a centuries-old service provider’s home.

Dazaifu

On the lookout for a brief journey outdoors of Fukuoka? Go to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine. Stroll across the beautiful gardens and grounds, after which keep at Cultia Dazaifu proper throughout the road.

Gotō Islands

These islands off the coast of Kyushu are dotted with dozens of historic small church buildings constructed by early Christians fleeing the shogunate. Guide a room on the Gotō Retreat Ray for a wellness-focused keep. 

Hamamachi

Onyado Fukuchiyo—certainly one of Japan’s best sake breweries—has its personal fabulous two-bedroom villa right here. Don’t skip the sake pairing along with your kaiseki dinner.

Izu Peninsula

Ochiairo, a hot-spring inn in-built 1874, may be discovered alongside a riverbank on this picturesque mountain panorama.

Karuizawa

Generally known as “The Hamptons of Japan”, Tokyoites spend weekends right here soaking within the onsens and mountaineering by the mountains. Excessive-end lodging embrace Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota and Fufu Karuizawa.

Kirishima

Guide your keep at Tenku No Mori, 150-acre mountaintop retreat with simply 5 villas on this nature-filled space. Every villa is product of glass and has its personal non-public onsen.

Kinosaki

The principle exercise on this final onsen city is sizzling spring-hopping in your yukata (a light-weight weight kimono). Keep at Nishimuraya Honkan.

Kumano

After mountaineering alongside the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind on the Resort Kumano Club, a 38-room all-inclusive stick with limitless beer and sake.

Kurashiki

I name this charming city the “Bruges of Japan” for its slender streets, cute bridges and canals, and world-class artwork museums. Ryokan Kurashiki is a tiny gem of a ryokan.

Lake Kawaguchiko

Mountaineering, biking, boating, and wine tasting are a few of the standard actions on this resort city. I like staying at both Hoshinoya Fuji or Fufu Kawaguchiko , and waking up with Mount Fuji straight in entrance of me 

Lake Shikotsu

I go to this lake in the course of the summer time to flee the warmth and keep at Mizu no Uta, conveniently situated close to Sapporo’s New Chitose airport.

Shodoshima

The Setouchi Triennale Artwork Competition is held each three years on this island, nevertheless it’s an exquisite vacation spot to go to at any time for its olive timber and soy sauce factories. Shimayado Mari is my most popular ryokan right here.

Matsuyama

Setouchi Aonagi—initially designed by Tadao Ando as a personal museum—is now a lodge with extraordinary structure on this fortress city that claims the oldest onsen in Japan.

Mount Zaō

Go to this vary of volcanic mountains for its thrilling views and outside actions, then keep in Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort and Spa. 

Naruto

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which incorporates 88 temples, begins right here. Keep at Hotel Ridge, an 11-room luxurious lodge with views of Naruto Bridge and Awaji Island.

Uda

Spend an evening at Sasayuri-Ann, a 200-year-old thatched-roof villa overlooking tranquil rice terraces on this small city in Nara Prefecture.

Yakushima Island

Guide a room at Sankara Hotel & Spa on this island identified for its sacred forest of 1,000-year-old sugi cedar timber.

Catherine Heald is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and focuses on journeys to Japan and Southeast Asia. You’ll be able to create a tailored itinerary with Heald at [email protected].