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The best places to visit in Japan shouldn’t be limited to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While the popular triangle is certainly convenient—and memorable—for visitors, there’s so much more to the Land of the Rising Sun than these three major cities. In fact, Japan’s true beauty lies in the rural destinations that make up the majority of the country, along with secondary and tertiary metropolises that offer a less, shall we say, traveled opportunity to view the culture.
Once you’ve ventured away from the popular trio, you’ll find yourself craving for more. Alluring landscapes that transform with the seasons, small towns embalmed in the past, the healing powers of natural wonders, and regional cuisine that embraces the country’s 72 micro-seasons are just the tip of the iceberg. Where to start? Well, really, anywhere. Randomly point to a place on a map and you’ll probably fall in love. But if that’s too intimidating, here are 20 of the best places to visit in Japan that you probably haven’t heard of yet.
The Nakasendo Trail
Thanks to the FX hit Shōgun, there’s been a renewed interest in feudal Japan. Walk back in time on the Nakasendo Trail, a 17th-century route that samurai once used to travel between Kyoto and present-day Tokyo. Along the route, several well-preserved post towns offer a glimpse back into the Edo Period, and majestic mountain landscapes serve as the backdrop to traditional timber buildings and cobblestone roads. Two of the most popular and picturesque post towns are Magome and Tsumago, but it’s also worth venturing to some of the others like Narai and Kiso-Fukushima. Hiking at least a section of the route is the best way to get a sense of this piece of history. You can visit centuries-old rest stops for tea—or even umeshu (plum wine)—along the way. If you want to take a more leisurely approach, a local train also stops at some of these idyllic villages.
Where to stay:
Opened in 2021, Byaku Narai is the only luxury boutique hotel that’s set directly along the Nakasendo Trail. Spread across four meticulously restored machiya (traditional wood homes) in its namesake town, you’ll find 16 individually designed rooms with sumptuous touches like self-filling tubs or open-air baths, locally made lacquerware, and spacious courtyards with manicured gardens. The on-site Kura restaurant is also not to be missed, where the menu highlights the abundance of the surrounding Kiso Valley. If you’re traveling with a larger group and looking for an exclusive-use villa that includes experiences and a private chef, Zenagi, located in a rural area of Nagiso, can accommodate up to 12 guests.
Sapporo
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is well regarded for its exemplary produce, dairy, seafood, and beef. In other words, expect phenomenal food. Sapporo, the isle’s capital, is arguably one of the most underrated major cities in the country. Yes, this is where the popular Japanese premium lager was founded, but there’s more to Sapporo than its beer. Pay a visit to Sapporo Art Park, one of the country’s most extraordinary outdoor institutions for contemporary sculptures, or the Sapporo Snow Festival, an annual weeklong event featuring dozens of snow and ice sculptures, including several large-scale installations. And, it’s worth mentioning again that you’ll have some of your most memorable bites here, from creamy soft serves to succulent king crab. Be prepared for lots of powder in the winter (it’s the second snowiest city in the world), but for those who are smart enough to come during the summer, Hokkaido is a nice break from the rest of Japan’s humid climate; there are several picturesque flower fields near Sapporo that make for gorgeous day trips.
Where to stay:
Truth be told, up until recently, Sapporo was sort of a dead zone for hotel lovers. But that started to change in 2020 when Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo opened. A modern take on traditional Japanese inns, the property offers well-appointed rooms, minimalist interiors, and hot spring facilities. This year also saw the arrival of Sapporo Stream Hotel—primely situated in the heart of the city’s entertainment district, Suskino—and Hotel Sosei Sapporo, an M Gallery property that’s part of French hospitality group Accor.
Naoshima
Sandwiched between Honshu and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea are a string of islets known as Japan’s art islands. The most popular—largely thanks to Yayoi Kusama’s yellow Pumpkin—is Naoshima. In addition to the artist’s iconic gourd-shaped sculpture by the water, this is where you’ll also find two of the country’s most prized contemporary art institutions, Benesse House Museum and Chichu Art Museum. There are also several other venues worth visiting, including one dedicated to renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who designed both Benesse House and Chichu, as well as Art House Project, a collection of abandoned homes that have been restored and transformed into installations by various Japanese artists. And even if you’ve visited the island before, this year marked the opening of the Ando-designed Naoshima New Museum of Art, where the focus is on contemporary works by Asian artists. It aims to feature a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions—a welcomed combination as most of the isle’s institutions focus on the former—providing visitors even more reason to return.
Where to stay:
While Benesse House doubles as a hotel, Naoshima Ryokan Roka became one of the hottest hotels in the country when it opened in 2022. The first luxury ryokan of its kind on the island, enjoy chic suites with open-air onsen baths and the property’s own collection of contemporary art. Rooms also showcase pieces by emerging talent and are available for purchase.
Kinosaki
About two and a half hours from Kyoto, Kinosaki is an onsen town famed for its seven tattoo-friendly hot springs (typically, those bearing ink are forbidden from entering these shared facilities due to the association with yakuza). When you arrive, it feels like you’ve been transported back in time: built along a willow-lined river, stone bridges connect the split roads and buildings retain their centuries-old architecture. Visitors are highly encouraged to walk about in a yukata (a casual version of a kimono) and geta (wooden flip-flops) shoes—whether they’re shopping at the various souvenir stores or onsen-hopping. It’s the perfect place to unwind after you’ve had a busy few days exploring some of Japan’s other popular destinations.
Where to stay:
Founded in 1860, Nishimuraya Honkan is widely recognized as one of the country’s best traditional ryokan. There are 29 archetypal rooms—some of which were recently refreshed and expanded—with tatami mat flooring, shoji screens, and futon bedding; in-room kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal) experiences; and a beautifully manicured garden with a small koi pond. The property offers its own public baths, but if you’re shy and prefer a private option, its recently renovated sister hotel just down the street has you covered.
Takayama
Craving small town energy? Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is home to one of Japan’s most meticulously preserved old towns. Known as Sanmachi, the narrow streets are lined with historic wooden buildings dating back to the Edo Period. Once the dwellings of merchants and craftsmen, many have turned into souvenir shops and stalls selling the region’s delicacy, Hida beef (a type of Wagyu), with a few centuries-old sake breweries peppered throughout. While you’re here, head over to Hida no Sato, an open-air museum showcasing dozens of traditional homes that were built in the Edo Period, or make it a launching point for a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a quaint village with wood-beamed gassho-zukuri farmhouses that has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay:
Trade traditional accommodations for an overnight stay in a Buddhist temple at Temple Hotel Zenkoji. The five rooms are simple, but offer a surprising mix of old and new: tatami mat flooring and futons meet modern bathrooms complete with a Toto bidet. Slide open the shoji screens to reveal a beautiful garden and rise early for morning meditation with the resident monk.
Nikko
If a national park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, mountain landscapes, and serene lake are on your travel list, you can tick them all off with one visit to Nikko. This town is most famous for the ornate and gilded 17th-century Toshogu Shrine built in honor of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. But beyond this piece of UNESCO-status history, Nikko offers a scenic escape for those looking for respite from the neon lights of Tokyo. Head further into the national park and you’ll find hot springs, waterfalls, and Lake Chuzenji, Japan’s highest natural lake. Hike along its 15.5-mile circumference or—for something a little more challenging—summit Mount Nantai, a trek that some deem more rewarding than climbing Mount Fuji.
Where to stay:
Nikko is an easy day trip from Tokyo, but the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko makes a strong case for staying a night or two. A majority of the sumptuous rooms look out to Lake Chuzenji, and there’s even a lake house-style restaurant. The hotel offers fantastic programming that runs the gamut from outdoor adventures to cultural activities, including zazen sessions with a monk at the nearby temple and hands-on experience with Nikko-bori wood carving. Unwind at the onsen in your free time and enjoy a nightcap at the bar where you’ll find an extensive range of whiskies from all over the country.
Fukuoka
One could argue that every city in Japan is a food destination, but Fukuoka is truly the epitome of a culinary wonderland. For starters, the capital of Kyushu Island is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen—the unctuous and creamy pork bone-based broth that’s often associated with the noodle dish—and is where ramen stalwarts Ichiran and Ippudo first started. It’s also a go-to spot for high-quality mentaiko (spicy pollock roe), a local delicacy. To top it all off, it’s the only place in Japan that truly has a street food culture thanks to its unique yatai food stalls. These temporary stands pop up in the evenings across the city and serve a variety of comfort foods until well after midnight when they’re broken down and tucked away ahead of sunrise. Unlike typical grab-and-go street food stalls, these have built-in, counter-esque seating so that you can plop down and enjoy your meal with a drink in hand.
Where to stay:
When the Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka opened in 2023, it marked the arrival of the city’s first true luxury hotel. Set in the vibrant district of Tenjin, a bevy of shops and restaurants are just steps away from comfortable, modern digs.
Beppu
Known as one of the country’s most sought-after hot springs destinations, the seaside town of Beppu just southeast of Fukuoka is where you go to relax and soak in mineral-rich waters. What sets Beppu apart from every other onsen town? In addition to having the highest number of onsen sources in Japan, it’s famed for its eight “hells”—distinct-looking hot springs that are too hot to bathe. (Chinoike Jigoku, for example, has a red hue due to the iron oxide–dense mud.) Tour the circuit to see the unmatched geological diversity for yourself and enjoy the unique practice of cooking food over the steam produced by these thermal sites.
Where to stay:
Hugging a bluff overlooking the city, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort Spa affords picture-perfect panoramic vistas from just about every angle of the property. Dip into your en-suite onsen on the balcony and watch as plumes of steam billow up from the ground. If you prefer to be closer to town and the bay, Kai Beppu is in the thick of the action.
Atami
About an hour train ride from Tokyo Station, Atami is an easy day trip or add-on to any Tokyo itinerary. The coastal city on the Izu Peninsula has long been a popular resort destination for those seeking a break from the frenetic city thanks to its abundance of hot springs and a tropical sandy beach. It’s also home to some of the earliest blooming plum trees in Japan, affording visitors the chance to admire delicate pink flowers as soon as January ahead of spring’s busy cherry blossom season. And while most places in Japan limit fireworks to summer, Atami puts on sky-illuminating displays all year round; they’re best viewed from the namesake castle overlooking the city.
Where to stay:
While there are plenty of great hotels in Atami, take this overnight opportunity to visit an off-the-beaten-path locale. Just under an hour away, the quaint port city of Numazu is most known for the anime Love Live! Sunshine!! as well as its production of dried Japanese horse mackerel which is sold in a small but lively morning market. It’s also in Numazu that you’ll find Numazu Club, a 1913 teahouse-turned-WWII refuge-turned-restaurant-turned-members club-turned-hotel. It has quite the past and is now a hidden gem ensconced in a verdant garden with a mix of just eight Japanese- and Western-style rooms that feature traditional elements in a modern space. After a busy day, enjoy a meal of upscale Chinese fare in the historic teahouse followed by a relaxing soak in the spa’s open-air bath.
Noboribetsu
In case you haven’t noticed by now, hot springs are Japan’s pinnacle of relaxation and wellness. If you, too, have become a fan of these mineral-rich waters, a visit to Noboribetsu is in order. Hokkaido’s most popular onsen town is located between Sapporo and Hakodate, making it an ideal layover between the two cities. The main attraction here is Jigokudani. Literally translating to “hell valley,” the moniker alludes to the hot steam vents that rise from volcanic land. Hiking trails wind through the valley, with the most popular leading up to Oyunuma, a sulfurous pond surrounded by a lush forest with a river that doubles as a foot bath for trekkers. The best time to visit is in autumn, when the fall foliage beautifully contrasts the blue water. (In the winter, many paths may be closed due to snow and treacherously icy conditions.)
Where to stay:
Another opportunity for a two-in-one deal, Shiraoi is just five train stops away from Noboribetsu. In this small town, you’ll find Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, an institution dedicated to educating visitors on Hokkaido’s indigenous people. Just around the corner is Kai Poroto, a recently opened onsen hotel on the banks of its namesake lake. The retreat pays homage to Ainu culture with its cone-shaped bathhouses inspired by its traditional architecture, activities that celebrate the Ainu’s connection with nature, and kaiseki meals inspired by local flavors and techniques.
Obama
About two and a half hours north of Kyoto by train, Obama might just be the best-kept secret in Japan. It may not have all the bells and whistles—shopping is limited (although there’s a roastery that doubles as a fantastic leather studio called Okura Coffee), nightlife is practically nonexistent—but it has a sense of community that rings through every fiber of this small coastal town. Take a stroll around Nishigumi district and admire the traditional machiya buildings that look the same as they did centuries ago. Visit the morning fish market, where you can still stand just steps away from the boats as they unload their catch for the daily auction. Set your eyes on some of the most stunning temples in the country, like the moss-covered Choeiji, without another person in sight. Head over to Goshōen, a café and chopstick store that also serves as a community space and gallery for Wakasa-nuri, an elaborate style of lacquerware native to the region. And around every corner you’ll find a pleasant surprise, whether it be a portrait of President Obama made from thousands of toothpicks tucked away in a hotel lobby; a quirky, garage sale–like thrift store complete with a vintage Toyota Publica; or a phenomenal organic bakery called Cocoro by former wagashi makers. It’s honestly such an unbelievably magical place that this writer almost kept it to herself.
Where to stay:
Set right along Wakasa Bay, Wakasa Kajitsu is the most luxurious option in the area. The 13 accommodations are spread across three buildings, and guests have access to a public bathhouse overlooking the beach along with a lounge that offers complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day. The restaurant rivals some of the best in bigger cities, highlighting locally caught fish and seasonal produce. And when it comes to the rooms, it’s well worth splurging on one of the suites, especially 301 where an infinity bath shrouded in charcoal-hued concrete feels like an extension of the sea. But if you want to stay in town and be within walking distance of restaurants and the train station, check out the machiya rentals offered through Obama Machiya Stay.
Ise-Shima
One of the most underrated regions in the country, Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture is a treasure trove of cultural gems. It’s here that you’ll find Ise Jingu, the holiest Shinto shrine complex that’s dedicated to sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the religion’s most important deity, and Toyouke Omikami, the goddess of agriculture and shelter. While you’re here, bop in and out of the shops housed in buildings dating back to the Edo Period on Oharaimachi and snack on local confections like akafuku mochi (red bean–covered rice cakes). Then head out toward the bay and learn about the ama, female free divers who practice a centuries-old tradition of harvesting from the sea, and visit an amagoya hut like Osatsu-kamado or Satoumian and nosh on fresh seafood grilled by one of these seafaring women as they recount adventures. And if you’re someone who’s really interested in Japanese cuisine, book an experience at Tenpauku Katsuo Ibushi Goya and get a first-hand look at how this family-owned business makes katsuobushi (what we in the West often call bonito flakes), arguably the most essential ingredient in Japanese cooking.
Where to stay:
Despite its off-the-beaten-path locale, this area offers some truly phenomenal lodging options. Nestled within the lush landscape and overlooking Ago Bay, you’ll find the ultimate escape at ryokan-inspired Amanemu, complete with a world-class spa and onsen pools. For something that has a more resort-style design, Vison offers a range of accommodations ranging from traditional hotel rooms to standalone villas. Spread across 282 acres (that’s roughly 212 football fields), it’s like its own village of sorts, complete with more than 70 shops and restaurants, along with a market and spa. On the flip side, for something a little more exclusive, Cova Kakuda is a serene, four-key retreat right on the water. Formerly a pearl factory, the current owners have resumed farming operations while also operating this intimate experiential hotel, where every stay includes activities like kayaking, stargazing, and botanical dyeing workshops.
Niseko
Lauded as one of the best ski destinations in the world, Niseko needs no introduction amongst powder hounds. For those who aren’t familiar, at a glance it may seem like any ordinary snowy destination, but at first touch you’ll immediately notice the difference. Dry and fluffy, it’s almost like carving through baking flour. In fact, the snow is so good here that it has its own name: japow. Plus, the town has a spectacular restaurant scene—because, let’s be honest, food on the slopes is oftentimes mediocre at best—where you’ll find Japanese classics (this writer loves Bang Bang for yakitori and other izakaya favorites) alongside internationally influenced bites, like laksa snow crab udon at Roketto. To top it all off, the après scene is impeccable, too, with watering holes like the iconic Bar Gyu+, known for its fridge-like door fashioned from a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine; newcomer Niseko Confidential of Tokyo Confidential fame; as well as whisky and classic cocktail marvel Toshiro’s Bar. But even if a winter wonderland isn’t your speed, Niseko is also becoming a popular summer mountain retreat, with its moderate climate and plentiful hiking trails amongst other outdoor activities.
Where to stay:
Located on one of the quieter sides of Mount Annupuri, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers its guests an elevated experience with fewer crowds. With true ski-in, ski-out access, an on-site rental shop by Diamond X Sport, and an attentive valet service, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. And despite having fewer trails than the other three resorts, there are off-piste runs along with a shared pass to reach neighboring Grand Hirafu. Back on the hotel front you’ll find incredibly spacious and sumptuous rooms that all boast separate living areas, generously sized walk-in closets, and large bathrooms with soaking tubs. A few of the suites have a private onsen, but the property also has public hot spring baths down at the spa. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with highlights being Robata, where grilling is the name of the game, and China Kitchen, with soul-warming hot pot dinners and a coveted dim sum brunch.
Setoda
For devoted cyclists, Shimanami Kaido is a bucket list-worthy route. Spanning approximately 70 kilometers (roughly 43 miles), the scenic journey connects the cities of Onomichi and Imabari through a string of six islands. And about halfway through, you’ll end up in the port town of Setoda on Ikuchijima. But fret not, even if you’re not a fan of being on two wheels, you can also reach it by ferry or car. This area is known for its lemons, and there are plenty of citrusy treats to be found here, ranging from delicate cakes to refreshing drinks. Beyond that there are some really delectable bites to be had along Shiomachi Shopping Street, including the katsu curry at Shiomachi-tei Bicycle Café + Bar, freshly fried croquettes from Okatetsu Shoten, and small rotisserie chickens from Temaki Deli. Make sure to also stop by Natural Green Farm’s taiyaki stand along the road to Omishima and refuel with a made-to-order, fish-shaped pastry before hitting the road again. Aside from biking there are also a couple of temples worth stopping by, but the most intriguing is perhaps Kosanji, a beautiful complex with your expected multi-tiered pagodas and elaborate gates alongside stranger elements like a long underground tunnel that features a series of graphic illustrations of Buddhist hell and a cave of 1,000 Buddhas, as well as an expansive lookout made from white Italian marble.
Where to stay:
Didn’t expect to come across a luxury contemporary ryokan in this small seaside town? That’s the beauty of Azumi Setoda. Spacious rooms swathed in cedar, cypress, and washi set the tone for an elegant stay. Each accommodation has its own soaking tub, but guests also have access to the property’s public bathhouse across the street, which is well worth the visit for the mosaics alone.
Koyasan
Considered to be one of Japan’s most sacred destinations, Mount Koya, also known as Koyasan, is the center of Shingon Buddhism and one of the prominent sites for the network of ancient pilgrimage routes known as Kumano Kodo. Founded in 816 AD by monk Kobo Daishi, this small, secluded temple town is currently home to more than 100 active temples and the Garan complex. As legend goes, Kobo Daishi threw his sankosho (a three-pronged Buddhist ceremonial tool) from China toward Japan in an effort to find a base for his newfound religion and it landed in a pine tree in Koyasan. Said tree continues to grow today and can be found at the center of Garan. Another important site is Okunoin, a beautiful, moss-covered cemetery that’s the largest in the country and where Kobo Daishi is believed to be resting in eternal meditation. Just keep in mind that while the evening Okunoin tours are popular amongst overnight guests, the Hall of Lanterns, where you’ll find Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, is only open during the day.
Where to stay:
About half of the temples in Koyasan also double as a shukubo. This unique lodging option allows visitors to stay overnight at a Buddhist temple and provides a special glimpse into a monk’s life, often including activities such as morning prayer and meditation, along with meals that follow a Buddhist vegetarian concept called shojin ryori. Some lean on the more modest side, but there are a couple of options in town for those who seek a little extra comfort. Ekoin is the most sumptuous due to a recent renovation that significantly modernized its accommodations. But for digs that give a greater sense of place steeped in history, Fukuchiin will be more up your alley. Just make sure to double check your room type as some offer private bathrooms while others require the use of the hotel’s shared facilities.
Nara
While Kyoto is often referred to as the ancient capital of Japan, it’s actually Nara that’s considered to be the country’s first permanent capital. The city has become increasingly popular with tourists due to its large population of free-roaming deer, many of which will bow (and chase) for crackers you can purchase from specific vendors. However, for those who are interested in temples, Todaiji houses one of Japan’s biggest bronze Buddha statues and was the world’s largest wooden building until it was usurped by the Grand Ring that was built for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. For another look into the past, walk around Naramachi, the former merchant district where you can admire traditional architecture while popping into a mix of shops, museums, and restaurants. But if you’d like to explore more of Japan’s varied art scene, drive about an hour southeast to Murou Art Forest where you’ll find an abandoned rice field–turned–sculpture park with larger-than-life installations.
Where to stay:
On the outskirts of Nara Park you’ll find Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The property’s main building once acted as the governor’s residence and the room where Emperor Showa ratified the Treaty of San Francisco has been embalmed as a landmark. Beyond this piece of history, enjoy sleek accommodations, some of which have an open-air onsen, and nightly Champagne hours with views of a serene Japanese garden. But if you don t mind heading out of the city and seeing a different part of Nara Prefecture, Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu is a special hotel nestled within a soy sauce brewery. The restaurant alone is worth the stay, where you’ll find local ingredients paired with their very own shoyu in unexpected ways, and the rustic chic rooms are no slouch either.
Miyajima
Less than an hour away from Hiroshima, Miyajima is often touted as the perfect day trip. The island’s claim to fame is its floating torii gate and its deer population has also resulted in a likening to Nara, although on a significantly smaller scale. It’s also highly popular for foodies, particularly those interested in oysters, with just about every other store lining the main shopping street selling the local delicacy. After you’ve scarfed a few down and snapped your photos at Itsukushima Shrine, make your way over to the ropeway and hop into a gondola for panoramic vistas of the bay and surrounding isles. Just make sure to carve out some time for Daishoin, a temple that climbs up the hillside, resulting in some spectacular views at the top when you reach its captivating, lantern-filled ceremony hall, along with an impressive collection of 500 rakan statues and whimsical jizo statuettes dotted throughout the complex.
Where to stay:
While it’s certainly true you can come for just the day, it’s well worth staying overnight not just to beat the crowds before the ferries dock in the morning, but also to get a sense of just how calming the island is when everyone has left. And there’s no better place to do that than at Itsukushima Iroha. Set right on the main shopping street, the hotel’s prime location makes it incredibly desirable, with all the action right at your doorstep. But once you step inside, it becomes a calming retreat where Japanese and Western elements are harmoniously married together for a comfortable stay. The sea view rooms are definitely the best choice, especially since you’ll be able to admire the famed torii gate from your digs. But even if you’re facing the mountains, the property has a public bath complete with an open-air tub that overlooks the vermilion icon.
Kurashiki
Located in Okayama Prefecture about halfway between Osaka and Hiroshima, Kurashiki is often treated as a layover for Naoshima. However, it also has its own charm, particularly when it comes to its well-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter. Centered around a willow-lined canal—where boat tours are a popular activity—this picturesque corner of Kurashiki once served as the city’s commercial and political center, but is now home to various shops and restaurants. You’ll find an interesting combination of Edo Period and Western architecture, with the former largely being represented by transformed kura (storehouses) that pay homage to Kurashiki’s past as an important merchant town, and the latter most notably present at the Neoclassical Ohara Museum. The prefecture is also famous for its high-quality denim and you’ll find plenty of boutiques selling indigo-dyed goods, as well as some blue-hued treats to go along with them.
Where to stay:
Housed in what was once a sugar wholesaler’s mansion and kura, Ryokan Kurashiki is one of Japan’s finest inns of its kind. While the property dates back to 1957, a renovation last year brought a more modern flair to the ryokan, including conveniences and luxuries like kitchenettes and heated floors. There are just eight suites, crafting an intimate experience that’s made all the better with the hospitality provided by the oft-present proprietress and her longtime helper. A pair of new residences just around the corner from the ryokan is also available should you want some additional privacy. And should you want a reservation at one of the most sought-after restaurants in town or a private tour of a typically not-open-to-the-public denim factory, the team can usually work their magic.
Tomamu
Spanning 1,000 hectares (that’s roughly the size of lower Manhattan), Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a family-friendly getaway in central Hokkaido. The most popular time to come is in the winter, when its 29 courses open up to skiiers and snowboarders. But even if you’re not particularly keen on either sport, there are plenty of other activities, too. Feel your adrenaline rush as you race down the mountain Mario Kart style, go snowmobiling or snow rafting on the farm, or try your hand at ice fishing. Around late December the resort’s signature ice village begins to take shape—where everything is made from, you guessed it, ice—complete with a large slide, skating rink, an open-air bath, igloos you can spend the night in, and a restaurant and bar serving up frosted ramen and cold drinks.
Like Niseko, the resort also doubles as a fantastic summer retreat. During the warmer months, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the property’s dairy cows, unwind on a hammock amongst the sheep, and ATV around the field. But the biggest highlight is getting the chance to fully explore Unkai Terrace and its various observation terraces, along with the chance of witnessing a marvelous phenomenon known as a “sea of clouds.” And no matter which season you choose to come, bring a bathing suit to swim in Japan’s largest wave pool and cap off every evening with fireworks.
Where to stay:
While there are three properties on resort grounds, two of which are operated by Hoshino Resorts, the company’s all-suite Risonare hotel is the way to go. While the accommodations are admittedly dated, they’re incredibly spacious, and each one has its own jacuzzi and sauna. How’s that for unwinding after a day on the slopes?
Otake
About a 40-minute drive from Hiroshima’s city center, Otake is a sleepy seaside town that, quite frankly, wouldn’t typically draw in much tourism, but that started to change in 2023 with the opening of Simose Art Museum. This four-in-one project by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2024 Pritzker Prize, combines a museum with a hotel, garden, and restaurant, and has quickly garnered the attention of design and art enthusiasts. The museum—which makes a dramatic first impression thanks to its mirrored facade—houses about 500 pieces that range from Japanese dolls to Art Nouveau paintings, while its rooftop doubles as a panoramic overlook and the property’s own small solar farm. But its most unique aspect lies in its eight galleries that seemingly float atop a shallow basin, inspired by the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Sheathed in colorful glass, the stark white interior of each cube and the light-filled bridges that connect them are a surprising contrast that magnifies the overall experience, made even more magical at night when they illuminate. To top it all off, the galleries can be arranged into various configurations to suit the exhibition of the moment, potentially making a subsequent visit to Simose an entirely new one for repeat visitors. While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the garden that features flowers that appear in Émile Gallé’s works.
Where to stay:
If you’re making the trip out here, you might as well stay at Simose Art Garden Villa. There are 10 Shigeru Ban masterpieces to choose from, most of which are new designs while the others are re-creations of some of his most iconic vacation homes. For those who want to be down by the sea, the five waterfront villas offer pocket doors, a furnished terrace, and bay-facing tubs for a relaxing indoor-outdoor experience. But the most unique accommodations are arguably tucked away in the trees. Most notable of them is the Wall-Less House, a replica of a home by the same name that Ban built in Karuizawa in 1997. Lined with sliding doors on three sides that can be tucked away to create an open, uninterrupted space with nature that manages to swing between the balances of contemporary chic and a curious, almost Black Mirror–like dystopia, but in the best way possible.
