Millions are attracted to Japan by breathtaking lights, historical landmarks, and Mount Fuji. But there is much that lies beyond the usual tourist tropes: secret hidden gems. In 2024, let’s explore Japan’s lesser-known towns and islands-from Shikoku’s pilgrimage trail to the Noto Peninsula’s dramatic coastline, every destination offers a little piece of Japanese culture.
Takayama provides marvelously well-preserved Edo-period alleyways and Hida beef, Naoshima boasts modern installations with breathtaking ocean vistas Kinosaki Onsen features bathing culture and relaxing purposes for hot springs. Thatched houses characterize Shirakawa-go. These overlooked destinations allow visitors a firsthand experience in Japan’s full cultural richness through local traditions and meals, making each excursion different and unforgettable. So here are the 2025 japan tour options for you.
Art and Peace Island, Naoshima
Nature Meets Art in Naoshima, Seto Inland Sea A fishing village no more, Naoshima features museums and installations of contemporary art nowadays. Among other attractions, Tadao Ando’s Benesse House Museum offers panoramas of the sea with paintings, and another feature is Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin and serene “Naoshima Pavilion.” These two elements make Naoshima special.
Delight in local cuisine, which focuses fresh sea foods from adjacent waters. Taste the “Naoshima Tofu,” a traditional dish. Learn to share the islanders’ love for storytelling and tradition.
Takayama-style Japanese View
Takayama in Gifu’s hilly Hida area boasts well-preserved buildings from the Edo period. It is also much more subdued and real compared to regular tourist spots. Street markets along the Miyagawa River evoke the old times, with all its folk artists. The Hida Folk Village allows visitors to experience how people used to live with their very own houses made of thatches and historical rituals.
Shikoku’s Iya Valley—Nature’s Paradise
Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy breathtaking landscape, rich mythology, and exhilarating adventures in Shikoku’s undeveloped Iya Valley. Due to its high rocky landscape and beautiful vine bridges, the valley gives a glimpse of rural Japan unspoiled by urbanization. The Kazurabashi Bridge, a thrilling wisteria vine bridge that sways lightly, is a valley attraction. Rice terraces and wooden farmhouses reveal historical tales.
Deer and boar, “Iya Soba,” and buckwheat noodles with mountain vegetables are local dishes. Fresh valley alpine herbs are used in traditional cuisines. For nature and culture enthusiasts, Iya Valley is a bucket-list visit for its beauty and rustic food.
Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, is known as the West’s Little Kyoto due to its ancient temples, historic alleyways, and tranquil atmosphere. Tsuwano, the “Little Kyoto of the West,” contains a well-preserved samurai district with cobblestone roads and wooden houses. The serene Taikodani Inari Shrine offers hundreds of colorful torii gates and wonderful views.
Yonaguni Island, southernmost frontier
Finally, Yonaguni Island, Japan’s southernmost populated East China Sea island, offers a remote getaway. Yonaguni is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise with its beautiful surroundings, clear waters, and magnificent rock formations. The island’s submerged relics, which may be natural or ancient, draw explorers and history buffs.
In conclusion, Japan’s hidden gems provide great cuisine, culture, and traditions. Below the tourist radar, these towns and islands offer unique glimpses of Japan’s history. These off-the-beaten-path destinations will provide us fantastic experiences and a genuine understanding of Japan in 2024.