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20 Under-the-Radar Destinations in Japan
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Atami
This coastal town is known for its beaches in the summer and onsens (hot spring baths) in the winter. It's home to Atami Kaihourou, a four-room luxury resort with a stunning glass design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
Awaji Island
In Japanese mythology, Awaji was believed to be the first island created by the gods. Visitors today can tour the island's many structures and gardens designed by Kuma and Tadao Ando, another famous Japanese architect. Awaji Hamarikyu, a vintage western-style beachfront resort, is beloved by Japanese families.
Chiba
This small city is the eponymous capital of Chiba Prefecture, known for its charming canals lined with cute little shops and cafés. Stay in Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel, a centuries-old merchant's house.
Dazaifu
Looking for a short trip outside of Fukuoka? Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine. Walk around the stunning gardens and grounds, and then stay at Cultia Dazaifu right across the street.
Gotō Islands
These islands off the coast of Kyushu are dotted with dozens of historic small churches built by early Christians fleeing the shogunate. Book a room at the Gotō Retreat Ray for a wellness-focused stay.
Hamamachi
Onyado Fukuchiyo—one of Japan's finest sake breweries—has its own fabulous two-bedroom villa here. Don't skip the sake pairing with your kaiseki dinner.
Izu Peninsula
Ochiairo, a hot-spring inn built in 1874, can be found along a riverbank in this picturesque mountain landscape. A shopping street in Karuizawa.
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Karuizawa
Known as 'The Hamptons of Japan', Tokyoites spend weekends here soaking in the onsens and hiking through the mountains. High-end accommodations include Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota and Fufu Karuizawa.
Kirishima
Book your stay at Tenku No Mori, 150-acre mountaintop retreat with just 5 villas in this nature-filled area. Each villa is made of glass and has its own private onsen .
Kinosaki
The main activity in this ultimate onsen town is hot spring-hopping in your yukata (a light weight kimono). Stay at Nishimuraya Honkan.
Kumano
After hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind at the Resort Kumano Club, a 38-room all-inclusive stay with unlimited beer and sake. A canal in Kurashiki.
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Kurashiki
I call this charming town the 'Bruges of Japan' for its narrow streets, cute bridges and canals, and world-class art museums. Ryokan Kurashiki is a tiny gem of a ryokan .
Lake Kawaguchiko
Hiking, biking, boating, and wine tasting are some of the popular activities in this resort town. I love staying at either Hoshinoya Fuji or Fufu Kawaguchiko , and waking up with Mount Fuji directly in front of me
Lake Shikotsu
I visit this lake during the summer to escape the heat and stay at Mizu no Uta, conveniently located near Sapporo's New Chitose airport.
Shodoshima
The Setouchi Triennale Art Festival is held every three years on this island, but it's a wonderful destination to visit at any time for its olive trees and soy sauce factories. Shimayado Mari is my preferred ryokan here.
Matsuyama
Setouchi Aonagi—originally designed by Tadao Ando as a private museum—is now a hotel with extraordinary architecture in this castle town that claims the oldest onsen in Japan.
Mount Zaō
Visit this range of volcanic mountains for its exciting views and outdoor activities, then stay in Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort and Spa.
Naruto
The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which includes 88 temples, starts here. Stay at Hotel Ridge, an 11-room luxury hotel with views of Naruto Bridge and Awaji Island.
Uda
Spend a night at Sasayuri-Ann, a 200-year-old thatched-roof villa overlooking tranquil rice terraces in this small town in Nara Prefecture. The Sankara Hotel & Spa in Yakushima.
Yakushima Island
Book a room at Sankara Hotel & Spa on this island known for its sacred forest of 1,000-year-old sugi cedar trees.
Catherine Heald is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Japan and Southeast Asia. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Heald at [email protected] .
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