Beyond the Bullet Train: Where to go in Japan

Japan is a country of extraordinary contrasts: hyper-modern cities and deeply rooted rituals, alpine wilderness and subtropical islands, centuries-old ryokan and quietly radical contemporary design. For many travellers, the first visit follows a familiar path — Tokyo, Kyoto, perhaps Osaka — and it’s unforgettable. But Japan truly reveals itself when you travel a little more slowly, a little more thoughtfully, and a little further afield.

These are the places shaping how Japan is being explored now — destinations that reward curiosity, timing and careful travel design.

Tokyo — Always Evolving, Never Repeating

Tokyo doesn’t stand still. Each visit feels like a different city, depending on where and how you experience it. One neighbourhood might reveal minimalist architecture and Michelin-starred counters seating eight; another, late-night ramen joints and centuries-old shrines tucked between office towers.

For luxury travellers, the key is access: private guides who unlock specialist worlds — from contemporary art studios to hidden whisky bars — and hotels that act as sanctuaries above the city’s intensity. Tokyo isn’t about seeing everything; it’s about seeing your Tokyo.

Kyoto — Tradition, With Breathing Space

Kyoto remains Japan’s cultural heart, but how you experience it matters more than ever. Early mornings, private temple visits, and neighbourhoods beyond the main tourist arteries allow the city’s quieter rhythms to emerge.

Staying in a ryokan, dining kaiseki prepared by chefs trained for decades, or attending a private tea ceremony reframes Kyoto not as a checklist, but as a living tradition — one best appreciated with time and intention.

Kanazawa — Craft, Culture and Calm

Often described as “Kyoto without the crowds”, Kanazawa has a distinct identity of its own. Samurai districts, gold-leaf artisans, contemporary museums and one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens sit side by side.

It’s a destination that appeals to travellers who value craftsmanship and cultural continuity, with boutique hotels and refined dining experiences that feel deeply rooted rather than performative.

The Japanese Alps — Nature, Onsen and Stillness

Away from the cities, the Japanese Alps offer dramatic landscapes, traditional villages and some of the country’s most restorative experiences. Mountain towns such as Takayama and the onsen villages of Nagano invite a slower pace — walking streets unchanged for centuries, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, and dining on hyper-local cuisine.

In winter, this region transforms into a world-class snow destination; in warmer months, it becomes a haven for hiking, forest bathing and quiet reflection.

Naoshima & the Art Islands — Japan’s Creative Edge

In the Seto Inland Sea, a cluster of islands has become one of the most compelling cultural destinations in Asia. Naoshima, Teshima and their neighbours blend contemporary architecture, world-class art and rural island life.

Staying overnight — rather than visiting as a day trip — allows travellers to experience the islands after the ferries leave, when the art, landscape and sea feel entirely your own.

Okinawa — Japan’s Subtropical Soul

Far from the image many hold of Japan, Okinawa offers white-sand beaches, coral reefs and a distinct island culture shaped by its Ryukyu heritage. It’s a destination for travellers seeking warmth, wellness and understated luxury — where days are spent diving, sailing or simply slowing down.

Okinawa pairs beautifully with a city stay, offering balance at the end of a richly layered journey.

Why Japan Rewards Thoughtful Travel Design

Japan is not a place to rush. Its subtleties — seasonal cuisine, regional traditions, unspoken etiquette — are best unlocked with careful planning and local insight. Thoughtful travel design allows you to move beyond the obvious, avoid peak pressures, and experience Japan in a way that feels personal, respectful and deeply rewarding.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Japan continues to offer new perspectives — if you know where, when and how to look.