These are the Best Hidden Gems in Japan, according to A-List Travel Advisor Mark Lakin

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 for Quirky Finds

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. 

Kyoto for Nightlife and Matcha

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.

Onomichi & the Setouchi Islands for Exploration

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. 

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 for Food and Sumo Wrestling 

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.

Nagano Prefecture for Adventure

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.

The Art Islands For Cultural Immersion

The 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. 

Kanazawa for Craftmanship

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.

Mark 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].