February 12, 2025
3 Unique Destinations Beyond Tokyo

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 fast 70-minute trip by bullet train from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the Nasu Highlands offer a tranquil escape. This photogenic mountainous region that hugs the striking volcanic peaks of Mt. Nasu, is famed for its inviting hot springs and plentiful hiking trails. To this day the Nasu Highlands houses an Imperial Villa, a retreat for the Imperial Family. Renowned for its culinary offerings, the area is the county’s largest strawberry producer and is highly regarded for its dairy production (as well as a tasty regional cheesecake), craft breweries and world-famous Nasu Wagyu.

Where to stay: With a focus on agri-tourism, Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Nasu offers guests an authentic immersion in the region’s rich agricultural heritage with engaging seasonal programming for guests of all ages at the hotel’s on-site greenhouse and farms. Families can experience hands-on lessons to live off the land and discover how to sow 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.

Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Yamaguchi, on the western point of Honshu, is easily reached by bullet train from major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Visitors to this underappreciated destination won’t want to miss the chance to explore Hagi, one of Japan’s captivating and well-preserved castle towns. There’s also plenty of opportunity to hike through rural towns and enjoy untouched landscapes peppered with shrines and beaches, as well as check out Akiyoshido, the largest limestone cave in the country.

Where to stay: Hot spring ryokan Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato offers easy access to riverside promenades and trips to historic Nagato Yumoto. The hotel has a range of thoughtfully curated cultural discovery offerings that showcase the traditional handicrafts of the region like meditation calligraphy, where participants can inscribe characters on their own Japanese paper fan and compose inscriptions with Akama inkstone on an ema, a wooden prayer tablet often seen in shrines and temples.

link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *