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Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Plan Trips to Japan for a Living—These Are the Best Hidden Gems in the Country
As Japan's popularity soars, many travelers want to experience the country beyond the usual crowded hotspots. I've been on Travel + Leisure's A-list as a top Japan specialist for more than 10 years, and find that there's always more to see in Japan. Recently, I went on a month-long trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. My goal? A crowd-free adventure complete with new destinations, luxe accommodations, and spectacular private experiences. Here are the best underrated neighborhoods I explored along the way—and how you can experience them, too. Tokyo is the most popular tourist destination in Japan, but it's still full of little-known gems. For instance, the funky neighborhood of Sangenjaya is made up of winding streets dotted with tiny bars and cafes catering to locals. Explore bohemian neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama to unearth treasures in vintage clothing shops, independent boutiques, and galleries showing the works of young, emerging artists. Where to Stay : Janu Tokyo, part of Aman's newest brand, boasts eight amazing restaurants and the largest spa in the city. It opened in May 2024, and has quickly become one of the most talked about properties in the city. A view of Tokyo from one of Janu, Tokyo's suites. Kyoto is home to a dynamic nightlife scene. Travelers with insider knowledge can hop to nameless speakeasies or craft cocktail bars down nondescript alleys, or even head to Club Metro, an underground dance club behind a hidden door in the Marutamachi metro station. During the day, visit the birthplace of matcha, Uji, which is just south of Kyoto. Here, visitors can taste matcha from the over-600-year-old Okunoyama Tea Garden, the last of the Muromachi-era Uji Shichimeien (Seven Tea Farms of Uji). Where to Stay : The Shinmonzen is a modern ryokan , or traditional Japanese inn, designed by celebrated architect Tadao Ando. It houses a Japanese-French fusion restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located along the Seto Inland Sea and just a 40-minute shinkansen, or bullet train, from Hiroshima, Onomichi is a picturesque fishing port full of tiny temples, local artisan shops, and charming cafes. It's best explored by taking the cable car up the steep cliffs and wandering down the winding, sloping streets. Then, get lost on the nearby Setouchi Islands by biking over architectural suspension bridges, or by taking a private boat. Meander through quaint fishing villages and along stunning powder beaches perfect for picnics by the azure sea. A cable car descending to the town of Onomichi. thanyarat07/iStockphoto/Getty Images Where to Stay : Azumi Setoda is a charming 22-room ryokan by Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman, who is pioneering tourism to this undiscovered destination. Fukuoka is a vibrant, green city on Japan's southern Kyushu island. Here, you'll find a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Sophisticated travelers can savor world-class dining, from rich Hakata ramen to the most delicious gyoza, or explore modern art, castle ruins, and shops run by local artisans. One of the main draws of this city is that, come November, the Grand Sumo Tournament—Japan's most famous spectator event—moves into the region. Where to Stay : The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is one of the brand's most luxurious properties in Japan, featuring a Club Lounge, four restaurants, and stunning views across Hakata Bay. Instead of skiing in the more well-known town of Niseko, try Hakuba or Nozawaonsen in the Nagano Prefecture for an underrated experience. Then, go for an après-ski soak in nearby hot springs (onsen). In nearby Iiyama, you can get crafty with a gold leaf kintsugi workshop, go ice fishing with a local fisherman, or embark on a silent snowshoe adventure through the woods with a monk. Where to Stay : Travel agencies like The Legacy Untold can organize a stay for you in a privately-owned minka , a traditional farmhouse, restored with attention to western comforts. Or, visit Nagano as a day trip from Kanazawa via train. Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Art Islands consist of several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, like Naoshima and Teshima. Blending art, architecture, and nature, it has become a destination for global art aficionados. Here, you'll find a mix of avant-garde installations, world-class museums like The Chichu Art Museum, and thought-provoking outdoor sculptures like Yayoi Kusama's iconic "Pumpkin' on Naoshima. Where to Stay : Benesse House is both a museum and a hotel on the island of Naoshima. Located on a quiet hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it's perhaps the most immersive way to take in this emerging region. Someone repairing pottery using the method of kintsugi. Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a small city on central Japan's western coastline that offers the cultural wonders of Kyoto without the crowds. Explore Nagamachi, a preserved samurai district, and stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Discover the city's renowned artisans, who specialize in crafts from gold leaf to pottery, and visit a traditional geisha house to drink sake and revel with Japan's most delightful entertainers. While in Kanazawa, don't forget to dine on Kobe beef, perhaps Japan's greatest meal that you can get at a very reasonable price point. Where to Stay: At Korinkyo, an art-gallery-turned-boutique-hotel with an onsite distillery, guests will find peaceful, spacious accommodations with cocoon-inspired interiors. A view of Nagamachi Samurai Lakin is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Japan trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Lakin by contacting him at [email protected] .
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Ditch the crowds and visit this Spanish beauty with flights for only £27
British tourists have been urged to skip some of Europe's top destinations this summer in favour of underrated hidden gems. And it could be the right time to swerve the more popular spots with Santorini introducing a hefty cruise tax and protests hitting Spain 's leading destinations. So, where should you go instead? Dimitris Floros of Welcome Pickups, a transportation service provider, says: 'Detour destinations are often real hidden gems. 'They're typically 60 to 90 minutes from a major international airport, so close enough to popular cities or landmarks to offer ease of access and great value, but just far enough off the radar that they're not overcrowded or overpriced. 'These towns and small cities let travellers tap into something more authentic: local food, regional character, and a slower pace that's hard to find in capital cities swamped by tourism.' Denia, Spain Travel experts have recommended Denia as the ideal spot for an uncrowded Spanish holiday this summer. Dimitris says: 'Located along the Costa Blanca, Denia is a lesser-known gem offering a balanced blend of Spanish tradition and coastal beauty. 'Unlike more commercial resort towns, Denia is cosmopolitan without being overrun by mass tourism, making it ideal for travellers looking for a more authentic coastal experience.' Dimitris recommends checking out the town's historic quarter with its hilltop castle and dipping in and out of tapas bars. Fly to: Alicante from £27 Chartres, France If Paris' crowds put you off exploring the French capital, Dimitris recommends exploring Chartres instead. Located just an hour's drive from Paris, the town is best known for its Gothic cathedral which is a registered UNESCO site. Dimitris adds: 'Chartres combines cultural richness with small-town charm. Its walkability and relaxed atmosphere make it a refreshing addition to a French itinerary.' Fly to: Paris from £46 Brindisi, Italy Next on the list is Brindisi, which is located in Italy's southern 'sun-soaked Puglia region'. Tourists will find ancient Roman sites and fewer crowds than in nearby Bari or Lecce. The travel expert describes it as 'often-overlooked port city rich in ancient history and Mediterranean charm'. Tourists can also visit the wider Puglian region from Brindisi with the Salento peninsula with its attractive beaches not far away. Fly to: Brindisi from £36 Obidos, Portugal This 'postcard-perfect medieval town' is the ideal detour stop in central Portugal, says Dimitris. He says: 'It's home to narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and yellow, and vibrant bougainvillea.' The travel expert claims it offers a 'lovely break' from Portugal's busiest cities - Lisbon and Porto. Fly to: Lisbon from £27 Gjirokaster, Albania A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster is located in southern Albania and the city is built almost entirely from stone. Dimitris says: 'The city remains affordable and relatively undiscovered, making it a rewarding detour for curious travellers venturing through southern Europe or en route to the Albanian Riviera.' He says that the hidden gem town is a 'quiet' and 'culturally rich alternative' to Albania's beach towns. Fly to: Corfu from £40 Paros, Greece This island is an 'excellent alternative to the more touristy Santorini or Mykonos', says Dimitris. He claims: 'Paros is more relaxed and affordable, with stunning beaches like Kolymbithres, ideal for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.' The travel expert recommends hiking or exploring the island's historic streets to find local restaurants.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
A small California coastal town was named one of 26 ‘underrated' travel destinations in US
U.S. News & World Report has chosen 26 places across the United States as one of the best 'underrated travel destinations,' and only one spot in California made the list that boasts national parks and Midwestern towns. The honor goes to the small, San Luis Obispo town of Cambria, which ranked No. 21 on the list of 'beloved, lesser-known' destinations. Cambria was praised by U.S. News & World Report for its location, including for its proximity to sights such as Morro Bay and the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The media company described Cambria's Main Street as 'perfectly quaint' and highlighted the town's Moonstone Beach and stunning scenery at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. U.S. News & World Report said that Cambria, which is along the state's central coast, 'can get lost in the heaps of praise piled on California's coastline.' With a population of less than 6,000 as of the 2020 Census, Cambria is one of California's many pricier places to live. The median price a home is sold for in Cambria is $1.1 million, according to That's about $100,000 less than Redfin's figures on median home selling prices for April. Of course, visiting doesn't mean permanently staying. There's plenty of things to do during a trip to the coastal community, largely related to enjoying the natural landscape and the Pacific Ocean. St. Simons Island along Georgia's coast was the named the best underrated travel destination in the nation from U.S. News & World Report. Other places that made the list included Chattanooga, Tennessee, Big Bend National Park in Texas and Duluth, Minnesota — notably where Bob Dylan was born. A state as large as California means it can be easy to get overwhelmed when picking where you want to visit next. In case you missed it, here are some of the recommendations made by travel and lifestyle experts in the past year: Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks were named among the top national parks in the United States by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet. Carmel-by-the-Sea made HGTV's 50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America list. Former Gold Rush town Nevada City was named one of the country's best small towns for 2025 by Country Living. USA TODAY 10Best selected nine hotels in California, including places in Monterey Bay and Mendicino, for several top 10 lists celebrating places with the best hotel bar or for their eco-friendliness. Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@ This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: See the California town that's called 'underrated' for travel
