8 Hidden Gems in Japan to Visit In Your Next Adventure

Discover 8 Hidden Gems in Japan

Mie

Often overshadowed by nearby Nara, Mie Prefecture remains one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Located along the serene coastline of the Kii Peninsula, Mie offers a blend of sacred history, coastal charm, and world-renowned seafood that makes it a destination worth exploring.

• Ise Jingu Shrine: Known as the spiritual heart of Shintoism, Ise Grand Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. With over 2,000 years of history, this sacred site is a must-visit for those interested in Japan’s spiritual heritage.
• Ama Divers & Ise-Ebi (Spiny Lobster): Mie is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly ise-ebi and oysters. What makes it even more fascinating is the tradition of ama—female free-divers who have been collecting pearls and shellfish from the ocean floor for centuries, without any scuba gear.
• Maruyama Rice Terraces: Step back in time at the Maruyama Senmaida rice terraces, a cascading patchwork of over 1,300 rice paddies carved into the mountainside. Dating to the Edo period, this site is especially picturesque during planting and harvest seasons.
• Futamiokitama Shrine: Home to the iconic Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), this coastal shrine celebrates love and harmony. Linked by a sacred rope, the twin rocks are a popular spot for newlyweds and couples seeking blessings for a strong relationship.

Niigata

Stretching along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s northern coast, Niigata Prefecture is a captivating blend of alpine landscapes, cultural heritage, and culinary excellence. While known among winter sports lovers for its powdery slopes, Niigata offers much more than just ski resorts.

• Japan’s Sake Capital: Thanks to its pure water and top-grade Koshihikari rice, Niigata is considered one of the best regions for producing premium Japanese sake. Sake tasting tours at local breweries are a must for food and culture enthusiasts.
• Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale: Every three years, Niigata transforms into an open-air contemporary art museum during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale—one of the world’s largest site-specific art festivals. Over 200 permanent installations, including works by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and Leandro Erlich, are scattered across rural towns and rice fields, offering a powerful fusion of art and nature.
• Cultural Heritage & Crafts: Niigata also shines in traditional craftsmanship, from lacquerware and textiles to ceramics. You can explore this heritage at the Northern Culture Museum, which showcases classic Japanese architecture, manicured gardens, and cultural relics. For a closer look at Meiji-era merchant life, the elegant Saito Villa offers a preserved glimpse into the region’s prosperous past

Shiga

Nestled just east of Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture is often bypassed by travelers chasing more famous names. But for those who pause, Shiga reveals a quiet power—rooted in history, enriched by culture, and reflected in the waters of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.

• Hikone Castle: A national treasure and one of only twelve original Japanese castles that have survived since the feudal era, Hikone Castle offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and a rare look into Edo-period military architecture.
• Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei: Perched above the border between Kyoto and Shiga, Enryaku-ji is a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. Its mountaintop setting adds a spiritual atmosphere that pairs beautifully with its historical weight.
• Lake Biwa’s Iconic Sites: The Shirahige Shrine torii gate, rising directly from Lake Biwa’s waters, offers one of the region’s most ethereal views, especially at sunrise. Nearby, the Ukimido (Floating Hall) at Mangetsu-ji Temple appears to drift on the lake’s surface, a favorite subject in Japanese art and poetry for centuries.

Yamagata

Often overlooked in favor of Hokkaido or Nagano, Yamagata Prefecture quietly offers one of Japan’s most enchanting winter experiences, and its beauty doesn’t fade with the snow.

• The “Snow Monsters” of Zao: On Mount Zao, nature performs an icy miracle each winter. Fierce winds and freezing fog transform trees into towering frost-covered figures, locally dubbed Juhyo or “snow monsters.” Skiers and snowboarders flock here for world-class powder and panoramic runs, all with fewer crowds than the major resorts.
• Ginzan Onsen: Ginzan Onsen is a nostalgic riverside hot spring village, framed by Taisho-era architecture and softly glowing gas lamps. This town’s fairytale charm often draws comparisons to Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away’, and its snow-draped winters make it especially spellbinding.
• Yamadera Temple: Founded in 860, the Risshaku-ji Temple, known as Yamadera, perches dramatically on a mountain cliffside. The 1,000 stone steps leading up to it reward climbers with breathtaking views of the valley and a profound sense of serenity.
• The Sacred Mountains of Dewa Sanzan: A deeply spiritual pilgrimage awaits at Dewa Sanzan—the three sacred mountains of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono. These peaks have drawn monks and mystics for centuries. Mt. Haguro is especially renowned for its ancient five-story pagoda hidden within a towering cedar forest, accessible year-round via a mystical stone path.

Kagawa

Small in size but rich in culture, Kagawa Prefecture is a sun-soaked haven for contemporary art lovers, culinary adventurers, and seekers of spiritual journeys. Nestled along the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa’s charm lies not only in its serene mainland but also in the islands that transform this coastal gem into a living gallery.

• Naoshima: Known worldwide for Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin and the Benesse House Museum, Naoshima is the beating heart of Japan’s art island movement. Visitors can stroll between museums designed by Tadao Ando, admire site-specific installations, and sleep inside the art itself.
• Teshima, Ogijima & Oshima: These neighboring islands are quiet, often home to fewer than a dozen full-time residents. But during the Setouchi Triennale, they burst with life and creativity, hosting works by both emerging and global artists. The Teshima Art Museum, shaped like a water droplet and open to the sky, is an emotional centerpiece of the entire region.
• The Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro): For a touch of soul-searching, follow a segment of the 88-temple pilgrimage route that weaves through Shikoku Island. Many pilgrims still walk this ancient path, visiting sacred Buddhist temples and donning the traditional white robes of the henro.

Gifu

Tucked into the mountainous heart of Honshu, Gifu Prefecture is Japan at its most enchanting—an inland region where craftsmanship, culture, and countryside beauty come together in perfect harmony.

• Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is famous for its steeply sloped gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Nestled among snow-capped peaks, these fairytale-like homes offer a rare look into Japan’s rural architectural past.
• Hida Furukawa: Not far from Takayama, the peaceful town of Hida Furukawa is a treasure trove of traditional architecture. At the Hida no Sato Open-Air Museum, visitors can explore relocated heritage homes and learn about woodworking, thatching, and regional life in the Japanese Alps.

Miyazaki

Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Miyazaki Prefecture is a hidden paradise of tropical beaches, ancient shrines, and dramatic landscapes. With its balmy climate and rugged coastlines, Miyazaki attracts nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those keen on exploring Japan's mythological roots.

• Takachiho Gorge: One of Miyazaki’s most iconic sites, Takachiho Gorge offers visitors the chance to row a boat through lush landscapes and past cascading waterfalls. The gorge’s mystical atmosphere is enhanced by its connection to Japanese mythology—it’s said to be the place where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid herself, plunging the world into darkness.
• Amanoiwato-jinja Shrine: Just a short distance from the gorge, Amanoiwato-jinja Shrine is tucked inside a rock cave and dedicated to Amaterasu herself. This sacred site is a spiritual pilgrimage for those wishing to connect with Japan’s ancient Shinto beliefs and legends.
• The Devil’s Washboard: On Miyazaki’s coastline, you’ll find the Devil’s Washboard, an unusual series of naturally shaped rock formations that stretch along the shore like giant ridges, adding an otherworldly charm to the landscape.
• Sun Messe Nichinan: For something truly unique, visit Sun Messe Nichinan, a quirky seaside theme park featuring Moai statues from Easter Island. These replicas are the only ones officially recognized by the Easter Island authorities, gifted as a token of gratitude for Japan’s restoration efforts of the original statues.

Ishikawa

Located on the coast of Honshu, Ishikawa Prefecture offers a captivating blend of Edo-era charm, traditional Japanese gardens, and a vibrant culinary scene. This small yet rich region boasts feudal castles, historic teahouses, and stunning coastal views, making it a must-visit for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

• Geisha Districts and Edo-Era Charm: Much like Kyoto, Kanazawa is home to historic geisha districts, including Higashi Chaya, where visitors can witness maiko (apprentice geisha) strolling through traditional Edo-style townhouses. This area offers a glimpse into Japan’s refined cultural heritage, where time seems to stand still.
• Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's most celebrated gardens, Kenrokuen continues to captivate visitors with its stunning landscaping. The garden, which has been meticulously maintained for centuries, embodies the perfect balance of natural beauty and Japanese aesthetic principles.
• Omicho Market: Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market, is a culinary treasure trove. With over 200 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to street food, it’s the perfect place to sample local delicacies like crispy croquettes and freshly shucked oysters.
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Before you leave Kanazawa, be sure to visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a dynamic space that blends modern creativity with traditional beauty. One of the museum's most iconic pieces is Leandro Erlich's 'The Swimming Pool', an immersive art installation that offers a playful, surreal experience.