8 Hidden Gems in Japan that You Should Add to Your Bucket List

Famous for its striking cobalt-blue waters, Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei offers a surreal and picturesque experience. The hues shift with light and seasons, creating breathtaking views year-round. Its fame soared globally in 2012 when Apple featured it as a wallpaper for Mac.

The pond’s blue color is believed to result from the reflection of light caused by the mix of water containing aluminum and other minerals from nearby rivers. During summer, when the sunlight is strongest, the pond shimmers a refreshing cobalt blue, creating an enchanting and almost mystical atmosphere. Surrounded by rows of larch and birch trees, it’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

While summer is the main season, fall offers a beautiful collaboration of the pond's blue hues with vibrant autumn leaves. During winter, the frozen surface of the pond is dusted with snow, and the contrast between the blue water seen through the gaps and the white snow creates a magical, mysterious scene. At night, the area transforms even further with a light-up display highlighting the snow-blanketed trees in the quiet darkness, enhancing the dreamlike landscape.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer for vibrant cobalt reflections. 

• Location: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido

• Access: Approx. 18 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Airport to JR Biei Station, followed by a 10-minute walk.

Kakunodate, located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a region renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. The Samurai District of Kakunodate is lined with traditional samurai residences, where samurai were said to have lived during the Edo period. Every spring, pale pink weeping cherry blossoms bloom magnificently, drawing visitors from across Japan and beyond.

The origin of Kakunodate's weeping cherry trees dates back to the 17th century when a noblewoman from Kyoto brought saplings to the area as part of her wedding dowry. Today, hundreds of these cherry trees stand tall, forming scenic tunnels of blossoms that visitors can stroll through in spring. You can also explore the preserved samurai residences, such as the Aoyagi House and Ishiguro House, offering a unique opportunity to learn about Japan's history and the lives of samurai.

From late April to early May, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, Kakunodate hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese food stalls and lively festivities. Don’t miss the enchanting cherry blossom tunnel along the Hinokinaigawa Riverbank, a stunning 2-kilometer stretch perfect for a leisurely walk under the blooms.

• Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May during the cherry blossom season. 

• Location: Kakunodate-machi, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 1 hour by Airport Liner from Akita Airport. By bullet train, it takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes from Tokyo Station via Tazawako Station to Kakunodate Station.

Just an hour from Tokyo, the historic city of Kamakura awaits with its rich history and stunning temples. Renowned as Japan’s capital from the late 12th century to the early 14th century, Kamakura is home to iconic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, stunning Zen temples, and grand shrines that have stood the test of time. With seasonal blooms adorning the city, Kamakura offers something captivating year-round.

Located close to Kamakura Station, you’ll find Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a site deeply connected to Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. Every year, more than 10 million visitors come to experience this culturally significant shrine. Nearby, Komachi Street is bustling with traditional shops and eateries, perfect for sampling local delights or finding memorable souvenirs.

For a scenic retreat, take a 3-kilometer hiking trail from Kamakura Station to Kotoku-in Temple. Here stands the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a towering bronze statue approximately 11 meters tall, and one of the city’s most symbolic landmarks. Just nearby, you can also visit Hase-dera Temple, which is set on a hill and offers breathtaking views of Kamakura Bay alongside beautiful seasonal flowers.

Just an hour from Tokyo, the historic city of Kamakura awaits with its rich history and stunning temples. Walk the tranquil streets lined with hydrangeas and visit the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura. Nearby, Hasedera Temple offers a fantastic view of Kamakura Bay. 

• Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for cooler weather and seasonal blooms. 

• Location: Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 1 hour by train from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station

Love the snow? This winter wonderland in Niigata is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in soothing hot springs. With over 10 ski resorts, including the popular Gala Yuzawa, this area provides top-notch powder snow for all winter sports enthusiasts. The resorts also offer ski and snowboarding lessons, along with children’s parks at certain accommodations, making it a safe and enjoyable destination for beginners and families.

After a day full of activities, unwind in Echigo Yuzawa’s soothing hot springs. Immerse yourself in an open-air bath while taking in the breathtaking scenery, allowing you to truly feel the essence of Japan’s winter season. Additionally, Echigo Yuzawa is famous for its sake (Japanese rice wine). You’ll even find a sake museum at Echigo Yuzawa Station, perfect for exploring the region’s renowned sake culture.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May for snowy escapades; spring for relaxing hot springs.

• Location: Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station via the Joetsu Shinkansen. From there, buses take as little as 7 minutes to nearby ski resorts.

Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, is the sacred center of Shingon Buddhism, one of Japan's major Buddhist sects with deep roots in the country's culture and traditions. The area is home to 117 temples scattered across Koyasan, including the main temple, Kongobuji, offering visitors seasonal beauty throughout the year.

The Okunoin, which houses the mausoleum of Kukai, is one of the holiest sites in Koyasan. The path from the Ichinohashi Bridge to the mausoleum is lined with thousand-year-old cedar trees, along with more than 200,000 gravestones and memorials, including those of historical figures. A visit in the early morning allows you to experience an ethereal atmosphere as the area is often blanketed in mist. For a deeper understanding of Mount Koya, consider joining an evening tour led by English-speaking guides who share hidden stories and fascinating insights.

Koyasan is also renowned for its "shukubo" (temple lodgings), which offer a unique overnight experience. Guests can savor shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) featuring locally sourced vegetables and wild herbs, and participate in meditation or sutra copying. These one-of-a-kind experiences allow visitors to refresh their minds and bodies while feeling the essence of living traditions.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though autumn’s foliage and snow-laden winters are particularly enchanting.

• Location: Koyasan, Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture

• Access: 1.5 hours by car from Kansai International Airport / 2.5 hours by train and cable car to Koyasan Station / 2.5 hours by bus from Kyoto Station 

Witness one of nature’s most jaw-dropping spectacles at Naruto Strait, where massive whirlpools spin in the strong ocean currents. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of these whirlpools from above by walking along the 450-meter-long "Uzu no Michi" (The Whirlpool Path), a pedestrian walkway on the Onaruto Bridge.

Located about 50 meters above the sea, the walkway features four sections of glass flooring, allowing visitors to look straight down at the powerful whirlpools below. The best season to view the whirlpools is in spring, but as the times of their occurrence vary by day, it is recommended to check the official website in advance for accurate schedules.

For those who want to experience the raw power of nature up close, sightseeing boats offer another unique way to view the whirlpools. Stepping out onto the deck allows you to feel the sea breeze, creating a completely different atmosphere from the walkway.

Naruto City is also rich in historical spots, including Ryozenji Temple, the first temple of the "Shikoku Pilgrimage" (a pilgrimage to 88 temples). Visiting alongside the white-robed pilgrims offers a glimpse into the deep spirituality of Japanese culture.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring, when the whirlpools are at their largest. 

• Location: Naruto-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Tokushima Awa Odori Airport to Naruto Station. From Naruto Station, it's another 20-minute bus ride to Uzu no Michi.

Step back in time as you walk along the canals of Kurashiki, lined with preserved merchant houses, historic warehouses, and charming bridges. The cobblestone streets and willow trees create a picturesque backdrop for photos.

The Kurashiki River, running through the district, was a bustling waterway during the Edo period, transporting goods via cargo boats. Today, you can ride a sightseeing boat along the river, taking in the views once observed by people of the past while passing under historical bridges designated as important cultural properties.

The district is dotted with various attractions, such as the Ohara Museum of Art, where you can enjoy masterpieces of Western art, and Kurashiki Denim Street, known for selling high-quality denim goods. After strolling around, you can relax in a café and savor sweets made with locally sourced fruits.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms or summer for lush greenery along the canals. 

• Location: Central Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Kansai International Airport to JR Kurashiki Station via express train and Shinkansen, followed by a 10-minute walk from Kurashiki Station.

Kyushu, often referred to as the "Land of Hot Springs," boasts numerous renowned onsen destinations. Among them, Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture stands out as a unique gem, offering the world’s one-and-only natural sand bath experience. While the sand bath is available year-round, the most comfortable time to enjoy it is from late October to around April when the warmth of the onsen feels particularly soothing.

To enjoy the sand bath, visitors wear a traditional Japanese "yukata" and lie down directly on the sandy beach. The local sand, heated naturally to around 50 degrees Celsius by the onsen’s geothermal energy, acts as a natural sauna when you’re buried in it. With the view of the sea stretched out before you, this relaxing experience rejuvenates both body and mind.

Near the sand bath area, there are onsen facilities where you can wash off the sand and continue to warm your body in the soothing hot spring waters. With a variety of facilities available, those with extra time can explore multiple onsen spots for an even more enriching experience.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April for the most comfortable bathing weather.

• Location: Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture

• Access: Approximately 1.5 hours by bus or 55 minutes by express train from Kagoshima Airport to JR Ibusuki Station.