Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more

Attraction
Hokkaido

Shiretoko Peninsula

A UNESCO World Heritage wilderness at the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, where brown bears roam fr...

Hokkaido, Japan
Attraction
Kagawa

Shodoshima

Shodoshima - Japan's Mediterranean Olive Island

The 'Olive Island' of the Seto Inland Sea, known for olive groves, centuries-old soy sauce brewer...

Kagawa, Japan
Attraction
Yamanashi

Shosenkyo Gorge

Shosenkyo Gorge is a scenic 5-kilometer granite ravine along the Arakawa River that has been desi...

Yamanashi, Japan
Garden
Kyoto

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

An Imperial Garden Masterpiece with Sweeping Mountain Views

Built in the 1650s by retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Three terraced gardens using the Higashiyama mo...

Kyoto, Japan
Castle
Okinawa

Shuri Castle

Ryukyu Kingdom's Royal Palace

The reconstructed royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, blending Chinese and Japanese architectural...

Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Onsen
Shizuoka

Shuzenji

Historic Hot Spring Town on Izu Peninsula

One of the oldest hot spring towns on the Izu Peninsula, featuring a scenic bamboo grove, histori...

Izu, Shizuoka, Japan
Amusement Park
Fukushima

Spa Resort Hawaiians

A tropical-themed resort and water park in Fukushima

Built over a natural hot spring, Spa Resort Hawaiians is a massive indoor tropical paradise in Iw...

Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
Onsen
Osaka

Spa World

World-Themed Hot Spring Complex in Shinsekai

A massive multi-story themed bath complex in Shinsekai featuring hot springs inspired by bathing ...

Osaka, Japan
Garden
Kumamoto

Suizenji Garden

Miniature Tokaido Landscape Garden

Exquisite Edo-period strolling garden featuring a miniature reproduction of the 53 stations of th...

Kumamoto, Japan
Beach
Hyogo

Suma Beach

Kobe's Most Popular Urban Beach

Kobe's most popular urban beach, a long stretch of white sand along Osaka Bay with views of the A...

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Shrine
Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine

One of Japan's oldest shrines, dating to the 3rd century. The Sumiyoshi-zukuri buildings predate ...

Osaka, Japan
Attraction
Miyazaki

Sun Messe Nichinan

Moai Statues on Miyazaki's Tropical Coast

Seaside park featuring the only full-size reproductions of Easter Island moai statues officially ...

Nichinan, Miyazaki, Japan
Shrine
Nagano

Suwa Taisha

Suwa Taisha - One of Japan's Oldest and Most Revered Shrines

One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, spread across four buildings around Lake Suwa and famo...

Suwa, Nagano, Japan
Attraction
Hyogo

Taiyo Park

World Heritage Replicas Theme Park

A quirky theme park featuring full-scale replicas of world monuments including a Neuschwanstein-s...

Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
Attraction
Miyazaki

Takachiho Gorge

Mythical Volcanic Gorge with Towering Cliffs

A dramatic volcanic gorge with columnar basalt cliffs, a stunning waterfall, and rowing boats for...

Takachiho, Miyazaki, Japan
City
Kagawa

Takamatsu

Takamatsu - Udon Capital and Art Island Gateway

Gateway to Shikoku and the Setouchi art islands, famous for sanuki udon noodles and the magnifice...

Kagawa, Japan
Onsen
Gunma

Takaragawa Onsen

Japan's Largest Open-Air Baths Along a Mountain River

Famous for having some of Japan's largest mixed-gender open-air baths set along the Takara River ...

Minakami, Gunma, Japan
Landmark
Gunma

Takasaki Byakue Daikannon

A 42-Meter Goddess of Mercy Watching Over the City

A striking 42-meter white Kannon statue built in 1936, standing on a hilltop overlooking Takasaki...

Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
Historic Site
Gifu

Takayama Old Town

Beautifully Preserved Edo-Period Streets

Beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant streets with sake breweries, traditional shops, and mor...

Takayama, Gifu, Japan
Castle
Hyogo

Takeda Castle Ruins

The legendary 'Castle in the Sky', famous for floating above a sea of clouds on autumn mornings.

Asago, Hyogo, Japan