5 destinations locals want you to visit in Japan

13.07.2024 - 09:15 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 12, 2024 • 6 min read

Exploring Japan offers endless surprises, especially when you venture off the beaten path.

Which is why we asked five experts to share their favorite hidden gems across the storied country – places rich in culture, natural beauty and unique experiences that you might not find on the usual tourist trail. 

From the quiet slopes of Moiwa in Hokkaidō to the historic streets of Tokyo’s Kagurazaka neighborhood, discover Japan through the special places beloved of those who know the country best.

Mimana Kiel is a model, actress and writer based in Tokyo.

Why visit Moiwa?

After working two winter seasons at the renowned ski resort Niseko, I fell in love with Mt Moiwa, a less well-known spot just a few mountains away. A smaller and quieter mountain, Moiwa is popular with Japanese locals and backcountry lovers. Sunrise is a magical time here, when you step into the serene snowy expanse to be greeted with powdered peaks glowing in the distance. I often started start my mornings with fresh, crisp mountain water, available at a public water station down the road. In the evenings, my colleagues and I would clock off and walk over to Izakaya Kobito, where we indulged in hearty bowls of ramen, gyoza and Hokkaido beef sukiyaki.

Must-do activity

Visit Niseko Kanrosui, a natural spring producing mineral-rich water. Derived from the words kanro (immortality) and sui (water), the name Kanrosui took hold after Emperor Showa likened the spring water to pure nectar during his visit to Niseko. Kanrosui’s water comes from snow and rain that falls on Mt Yotei. Over decades, this water seeps through the mountains's porous lava and volcanic ash before filtering into the underground springs.

Moiwa tip

Given that Moiwa is a 30-minute drive from Niseko’s city center and public transportation options are limited, I suggest renting a car either at Sapporo airport or Kutchan station.

Yuko Tamura is a Niigata native who loves writing about culture, travel and women’s life in Japan.

Why Tokamachi?

I spent my childhood vacations fishing and skiing in Niigata. Just a 2-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, this region showcases quintessential Japanese landscapes: ice-capped mountains, lush rice fields and lakes that reflect the sky like a mirror. 

Must-do activities

This year, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field (also known as the Art Triennale) is taking place from July 13 to November 10. This triennial festival exhibits artworks by such renowned artists as Yayoi Kusama in natural settings. Outside of the festival, the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art is a cultural gem that’s well worth a visit for its over 300-piece collection. Instagrammers flock to Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, a passage drilled into the