Historic World Heritage Site is a living breathing town that looks like it did when samurai roamed the streets.
off the beaten path
Sake, shrines and onsen hot springs await you at beautiful destinations that are yet to be discovered by overseas tourists.
Local tip-off takes us to a hanami cherry blossom viewing site that’s yet to be discovered by overseas tourists.
Between the breathtaking beach and the bread, we almost died and went to heaven while dining on these divine buns from a favorite spot of the locals.
A road that isn’t wide enough for cars and a dark, secret chamber are just some of the surprises at this off-the-beaten path destination.
The party was a far cry from what our reporter had envisioned, but it was just as satisfying in its own way.
Japan is often known by tourists for its most popular attractions, like Mount Fuji, the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, and its amazing shrines and temples.
But there’s a lot more to the island nation than that.
We took a look at a Quora thread that asked, “what are some of Japan’s best kept secrets,” and rounded up some places that might not be in all the guidebooks, but are definitely worth a visit.
I recently had the opportunity to travel to the Noto Peninsula, an outcrop that sticks out from Japan’s main island of Honshu into the Sea of Japan. The area relies heavily on fishing and agriculture, and is famous for its delicious seafood and beautiful scenery.
Noto’s not so popular as a tourist destination in winter, but I went along on a trip to see what the place has to offer when it’s coooold outside. As it turns out, Noto out of season is about as chilly as I’d expected. But it was also very cool.
The city of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, home to the impressive Toshogu Shrine and its famous evil-averse monkeys, is a popular choice for day trips from Tokyo, what with its World Heritage sites and easy train connections. But if all you’re doing is popping in for an afternoon of temple hopping, you are missing out on a lot of what Nikko has to offer. Take our advice and take a couple of days to check out what everybody else is missing.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Weekly
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan- Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
- Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Family Mart’s eight new cheese treats tempt cheese lovers from across Japan【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful place to write down your beautiful thoughts【Photos】
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Pokémon popcorn buckets coming to Japan’s first-ever permanent Pokémon theme park zone
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
4 Japanese beauty fads that Westerners just don’t understand
-
