Japan’s Hidden Gems: Adventures Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
Step off the beaten path to experience steaming hot springs, ancient samurai streets, and remote coastal villages where history and nature intertwine
Many visitors to Japan plan trips centered on the bustling streets of Tokyo, the old-world charm of Kyoto, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. Others are drawn in by the country’s delicate cherry blossoms in March and April. While these classic sites are popular for good reason, Japan offers much more for travelers willing to venture a little farther afield.
Here are three off-the-beaten-track destinations, from the mountains to the sea, that reveal a lesser-known side of Japan.
Kyushu
The southern island of Kyushu is one of the best hidden gems in Japan, according to Daniel Herszberg, co-founder of Travel Insighter—a travel planning and inspiration platform—and a traveler who’s achieved the rare feat of visiting every country in the world.
“This island is literally full of places that don’t make it onto most itineraries—but should,” Herszberg says. Among his favorite spots is Beppu, a city famed for its geothermal hot springs. A highlight of any visit is soaking in the Hells of Beppu, a series of otherworldly onsens that range from milky blue pools enveloped in steam to a bright-red natural spring colored by naturally high levels of iron and magnesium.
Just outside Beppu, visitors can hike past enormous Buddha figures carved into the mountainside, discover centuries-old temples, and wander a sprawling park that’s home to more than 500 types of flowers and plants. Travelers can explore independently or join a guided Beppu hot springs and cultural tour.
When visiting Beppu, consider staying at the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa by IHG, a luxurious hillside retreat with sweeping views over Beppu Bay, the surrounding mountains, and the steam-wreathed city below. For a truly local experience, dine at the Cooking Pot Hell, where regional specialties are steamed using natural hot springs too hot for bathing.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa, one of the hidden gems in Japan that often gets overlooked by travelers, sits on the western coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is rich in history, gardens, and samurai culture.
“The city features some of Japan’s most famous gardens and is known for its well-preserved historic districts and traditional Japanese arts and crafts,” says Daniel Smith, who has resided in Japan for more than a decade and is the assistant manager of marketing and communications at Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
Kanazawa is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Japan’s traditional culture away from the crowds of Kyoto. Visitors can enjoy an intimate Geisha performance—witnessing the artistry, music, and dance that have been a part of Japan’s cultural fabric for centuries—explore castles dating back to the Edo period, and meander the city’s historic Samurai District, where you can tour a preserved samurai’s residence and even try your hand at a samurai lesson.
Kanazawa also serves as a great base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, remote mountain communities known for their centuries-old gasshō-zukuri farmhouses and serene rural landscapes. Experience Kanazawa’s rich traditions and history with a full-day guided tour, complete with a hands-on sushi-making experience.
Stay at the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, perfectly located next to the Kanazawa Station in the heart of the city. For a memorable meal, dine at Tsubajin, a traditional Japanese restaurant run by the same family since 1752, where you can savor authentic regional flavors passed down through generations.
San'in Region
Stretching along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the San’in region is steeped in intriguing mythology, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. This tranquil area includes the prefectures of Tottori and Shimane, each offering unique experiences for travelers seeking hidden gems in Japan.
Tottori is a paradise for nature lovers. The prefecture boasts Mount Daisen, a sacred mountain where monks once practiced asceticism; vast sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and camel riding; easy access to the sea; and Sanbutsu-ji’s Nageire-dō, a striking temple carved into the side of the mountain that appears to float above the landscape. Visitors can book a bamboo lantern crafting experience, adding a hands-on cultural experience with local artisans to their trip.
Shimane, one of Japan’s least populated prefectures, offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds common in Japan’s more popular destinations. Here, you can explore the Oki Islands, a chain of nearly 200 volcanic isles known for hiking, watersports, and countless ancient shrines. Shimane is also home to a sacred beach said to be favored by deities, a historic town that once supported silver miners, and one of Japan’s oldest and most revered shrines—sites you can experience firsthand on the Iwami Must-See Tour.
Stay at the Misasa Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn featuring an on-site onsen fed by natural hot springs discovered more than 800 years ago—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Be sure to dine at Unaju to sample the region’s fresh seafood specialties.
If you prefer to visit the San’in region as a day trip from Osaka, you can reach cities in Tottori or Shimane by limited‑express train in about two-and-a-half to three hours. Consider staying at the Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, where you can enjoy modern comforts in the heart of the city. The hotel’s cc: Carbon Copy restaurant offers a diverse menu of Japanese and Western dishes, making it a convenient and flavorful base for your travels.
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Visiting iconic Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto is popular for good reason—but Japan has far more to offer beyond its most famous—and often crowded—destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the volcanic hot springs of Kyushu, the historic streets of Kanazawa, or the serene landscapes of the San’in region, these lesser-known locales showcase some of the hidden gems in Japan just waiting to be explored.