5 places that locals want you to visit in Japan

Exploring Japan offers endless surprises, especially when you venture off the beaten path, which is why we asked five experts to share their favorite spots across the 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 by those who know the country best.

1. Aomori

Selena Takigawa Hoy is Lonely Planet’s destination editor for northeast Asia. She lives in Tokyo. 

Why Aomori?

The northernmost prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshū, Aomori feels a world away from the hustle and grit of Tokyo. Green rice paddies stretch into the distance, orchards glow cheekily with big red Fuji apples, and in summer, one of the country's biggest and most compelling festivals thunders through the streets. 

Must-do activities

The charming city of Hirosaki has a handsome castle at its center, surrounded by a large park with generous expanses of green and over 2000 cherry trees that burst into cotton candy puffs in late April or early May. It’s one of the best places in Japan for a postcard-perfect picnic. The park also holds a city museum and a lovely old garden with a teahouse serving yōshoku (Japanese-style Western food) and apple desserts crafted from Aomori apples. At the north end of the park is Nebuta Village, a museum dedicated to the Nebuta festival, a raucous summer celebration featuring enormous papier-mâché floats fashioned into fantastical creatures and heroes, lit with lanterns from within. 

Aomori tip

If you want to attend the Nebuta/Neputa festival (the spelling differs depending on the town), be sure to book far in advance. Hotels sell out months ahead, and the remaining rooms are dynamically priced at double or triple the normal cost.

2. Moiwa, Hokkaidō

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 magical when you step into the serene snowy expanse to be greeted with powdered peaks glowing in the distance. I often started my day 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 Hokkaidō 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 the Shōwa Emperor likened the spring water to pure nectar during a visit to Niseko. Kanrosui’s water comes from snow and rain that falls on Mt Yōtei. Over decades, this water seeps through the mountain'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.

3. Tokamachi, Niigata

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 two-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 is taking place from April through November; this triennial festival exhibits artworks by such renowned artists as Yayoi Kusama in natural settings. The Museum on Echigo-Tsumari 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 mountain that’s now an art installation, as well the beechwood forest called Bijinbayashi, which has enchanting scenery.

Tokamachi tips

I recommend staying at traditional hotels with hot-spring baths and exploring neighboring cities like Tsunan, which has a sunflower field maze in July and August and spectacular fireworks. Purchase your ticket for Echigo-Tsumari Art Field in advance; the site is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Every time I go to Niigata, I indulge in local food specialties like top-notch uonuma koshihikari rice, hegisoba noodles and Echigo beer. Don’t forget to try the local sake and buy some high-quality kitchenware from Tsubame-Sanjo, one of Japan's largest craft centers.

4. Kagurazaka, Tokyo

AJ Pearle is a writer and actress based in Tokyo.

Why visit Kagurazaka?

I did a brief stint as a miko-san (shrine maiden) in Kagurazaka, so I have a personal attachment to this neighborhood. But it’s also somewhere I take my visiting friends and family. Though it’s not always at the top of Tokyo must-visit lists, the area is packed with history and worthwhile sights – but not tourists. Once a lively geisha district, it’s now a chic neighborhood with considerable French influence across its bakeries and wine and cheese shops. It’s ideal for an afternoon of shopping, dining and strolling.

Must-do activities

Since the district’s name translates to “hill of godly entertainment,” religious festivities are part of Kagurazaka’s essence. On the main street sit Zenkō-ji and Akagi-jinja, a shrine whose outer building was designed by one of Japan’s most famous architects, Kengo Kuma. In the summer, festival stands and lanterns line the street, the entire neighborhood teeming with excitement for the Awa Odori dance festival.

There are plenty of gourmet offerings, including Michelin-star kaiseki (haute cuisine) restaurants, French patisseries, roasted tea shops and a lovely waterfront Italian restaurant called Canal Cafe.

Kagurazaka tip

Visit on the weekends (arrive at Iidabashi station), when traffic is closed off. The main street is full of enticing eateries and boutique shops. One of the best parts of Kagurazaka is the way you can easily get lost in one of the many cobblestone back streets.

5. Jōgashima, Kanagawa

Winnie Tan is a freelance writer living in Tokyo; her specialties are travel, lifestyle and Japanese culture.

Why Jōgashima?

Located south of tourist hot spots like Kamakura and Enoshima, Jōgashima tends to fall under the radar of Tokyo day-trippers. On days when I need a reprieve from the city, I hop on the train at Shinagawa station to head to this small, quiet island off the Misaki coast and spend the afternoon walking across its craggy rocks.

Must-do activities

Walk along the jagged coastline for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and watch the waves crash against the island’s rocks. Wander for a bit and you’ll come across natural rock formations, resting cormorants and (on a clear day) a majestic view of Mt Fuji. The island is usually quiet but gets livelier in mid-January to February, when the park on the island’s eastern end is blanketed in daffodils.

Jōgashima tips

Opt for the Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket, which gets you get a round trip from Shinagawa station to Jōgashima, plus a meal and activity or souvenir ticket at a participating shop. Seafood is as fresh as it gets here: I love trying a maguro-don (tuna rice bowl) at a new restaurant each time I visit.