Now, Kyoto Joins Onomichi, Fukuoka, Nagano, Kanazawa, and Setouchi Islands On the List of Japan’s Hidden Gems for Tourists: What New Updates You Must Know

Published on July 10, 2025

As Japan continues to attract tourists from around the globe, increasingly more hidden gems emerge on the scene, giving tourists the raw experience they seek beyond the more mainstream hotspots of Osaka and Tokyo. Kyoto, with its quaint temples and heritage, has now been included in the exclusive list of non-touristy but equally fascinating places to go. Together with Onomichi, Fukuoka, Nagano, Kanazawa, and the Setouchi Islands, Kyoto is setting the pace for tourists who seek Japan’s off-the-map locations.

Kyoto’s Ageless Beauty

Although not quite a secret, Kyoto has been in the shadow of the cosmopolitan city of Tokyo for quite some time now. Growing interest in the less-commercial and calmer destination has caused Kyoto to become the quintessential hidden gem. The serene environment of the city, along with its profound history, has been luring tourists for centuries now. From the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji to the tranquil walks at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the amalgamation of nature and culture in Kyoto has no comparison.

According to Japan’s national tourism website, Kyoto is more than a destination for history buffs, but is equally a cultural hub for epicures and connoisseurs of the arts. One can experience the traditional kaiseki meal to contemporary art exhibitions in the urban core of the city. Its easy access to the countryside as well as the urban area makes it the best home base from where to explore the rest of the region.

Onomichi: A Journey Through Time

Onomichi is one of Japan’s loveliest places and a charming port city located in the Hiroshima Prefecture. With its historic temples, twisting lanes, and stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi offers a more subdued alternative to the larger cities. The Onomichi Hills offer panoramic views for its tourists, and the city’s culture revolves around its beautiful temples and old wooden structures.

The Temple Walk of Onomichi is a must for the discerning tourist to this quaint city. Spanning over a couple of kilometers, it permits the leisurely circumvention of the religious highlights of the city. The city is equally famous for its history in the context of Japanese cinema, for more than one great director has made the city of Onomichi the backdrop for his’s because the city is just as much a cultural gem.

Fukuoka: The Vibrant Combination of Old and New

As opposed to the southernmost island of Japan, Kyushu, Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan and spirited destination. Fukuoka is increasingly being linked to trendy innovations and timeless influences. Fukuoka is famous for its temples from bygone ages, savory cuisine (particularly tonkotsu ramen), and the serene retreat in the city called the Ohori Park.

Fukuoka is also famously the gateway to other regions of Kyushu, including Nagasaki and Kagoshima. Its strategic location places the city in the ideal position to be the business and leisure travelers’ hub. The city, in recent years, has also been the hotbed of innovations, and its startup scene has been increasingly luring international entrepreneurs.

Nagano: The Nature Lover’s Perfect Escape

Nagano, the beautiful alpine city in Japan, is the ultimate destination for those who love the great outdoors. Renowned for its snow-topped mountains, Nagano is one destination that has year-round activities. Come winter, tourists converge on the region to indulge in skiing and snowboarding at some of Japan’s finest resorts, and during the summer, hiking trails and green forests come alive as the perfect refuge from urban life.

Nagano is also home to the renowned Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist attractions. Travelers can stroll around the peaceful surroundings of the temple and experience the feeling of calm and spirituality. The region’s focus on the environment and conservation makes the destination ideal for green tourists.

Kanazawa: Nature and History in Combination

Kanazawa, on Japan’s western coast, has been quietly gaining recognition as the country’s most preserved historical city. Known for its traditional gardens, one of Japan’s “three great gardens” called Kenroku-en, Kanazawa is a serene retreat for history buffs and nature lovers.

The region’s bygone culture is uncovered in the way the alleys of the Higashi Chaya district have tea houses running along them. The history and nature sites in Kanazawa create for the visitor a peaceful yet rewarding experience.

Setouchi Islands: Japan’s Hidden Archipelago of Beauty

Lastly, the Setouchi Islands in the Seto Inland Sea provide a hidden oasis to those who would seek off-the-radar Japan. The region has over 3,000 islands, most of them being sparsely populated and surrounded by spotless blue waters, ideal for nature lovers and thrill chasers.

The Setouchi Triennale, an annual arts festival produced on some of the islands, has even captured global attention by bringing the otherwise serene region the triple allure of arts, culture, and nature. The islands are replete with history and are dotted with cultural shrines, traditional fishing communities, and picturesque shores.

A Trending Culture of Secrets in Japan As the Japanese government moves forward with promoting tourism beyond the urban areas, cities like Kyoto, the Setouchi Islands, Fukuoka, Nagano, Kanazawa, and Onomichi are enjoying more popularity from tourists. Through the officially promoted tourism, the regions offer more than natural beauty but also an authentic cultural experience otherwise overwhelmed by the more popular locations in the country. Comparable to the interest in visiting Japan’s off-the-beaten-path regions, the regions play a significant role in assisting in the preservation of the authenticity and beauty of the country’s various regions.