7 Japan Destinations that Should be on Your Radar in 2025
As Japan welcomes 2025, we invite you to embrace travel with the mindfulness and intentionality. Much like how Shōgatsu encourages preparation, gratitude, and reflection, this year offers a chance to venture off the beaten track, slow down, and discover places that lie beyond the usual tourist trails.
Shōgatsu: A New Year in Japan
Every January, Japan celebrates Shōgatsu, marking the beginning of a new calendar year. Shōgatsu is about creating a clean slate – both physically and mentally – to welcome the year ahead with intention. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, symbolic soba and mochi are prepared, and families gather to reflect and give thanks.
This got me thinking: what if we applied these principles, not just for our daily lives, but for the way we travel? Could we approach travel with the same sense of mindfulness and purpose? From new cultural landmarks to serene retreats, here’s your guide to exploring Japan more deeply in 2025.
Setouchi: Art, Nature & Award-Winning Design
Known for its blend of natural beauty and contemporary art, the Setouchi Triennale returns in 2025. Spend the night at Simose Art Garden Villa, aka the world’s most beautiful museum, to experience world-class art and architecture. Naoshima, already renowned as a hub for art, will unveil the much-anticipated New Museum of Art, designed by Tadao Ando.
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Hokkaido: Marking 60 Years of Natural Wonders
As we yearn for the outdoors and remote experiences, Hokkaido will continue to draw attention through 2025. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of UNESCO-recognised Shiretoko National Park, winter offers the chance to witness the drift ice phenomenon, while the newly opened Hokkaido East Trail beckons adventurers looking for remote hiking experiences.
Onomichi: A Slice of Timeless Elegance
In Onomichi, Azumi Setoda reimagines the art of hospitality, blending sleek modern design with the timeless spirit of the Setouchi region. This boutique hotel offers travellers a window into Japan’s traditional ryokan culture, while the surrounding islands are perfect for cycling, slow exploration, and soaking in the tranquil coastal scenery.
Image © Rosewood Miyakojima
Image © Rosewood Miyakojima
Miyakojima: Tropical Bliss with a Purpose
This year, Miyakojima, part of Okinawa’s sun-soaked islands, makes its mark with the opening of the Rosewood Miyakojima resort. Beyond its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island offers intentional, immersive exploration. Visit local villages, where you’ll find independent shops selling handmade crafts and island specialties, from Ryukyu textiles to sweet potato-based delicacies.
Related Post: Best Places to Visit in Japan this Winter.
Image © Beppu Tourism
Beppu: Japan’s Hot Spring Capital
Beppu, Oita, offers a perfect retreat for slow travel, blending hot spring healing with design and crafts. Known as Japan’s hot spring capital, Beppu’s baths provide a restorative experience. Architectural highlights like Kengo Kuma’s Comico Art Museum and the city’s celebrated bamboo craft traditions add a cultural dimension, making it more than just a wellness destination.
Aomori: Tradition, Art, and Seasonal Splendor
Aomori combines traditional festivals, modern art, and unspoiled natural beauty – making it a perfect match for those seeking slower, more purposeful exploration in 2025. The iconic Nebuta Festival parades through the streets each August, and the newly opened Tsugaru train route, winds through rural countryside, offering a picturesque way to experience the changing seasons.
Fukui: New Shinkansen Gateway to Coastal Charms
With the brand new Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, Fukui is more accessible than ever. Beyond visiting iconic sites like Eiheiji Temple or the dramatic Tojinbo Cliffs, this is a chance to venture into smaller coastal towns and remote countryside villages like Mikuni and Ikeda. Stay longer, connect with locals, and appreciate the simple beauty of this often-overlooked region.
Travel Beyond the Expected
In 2025, travel with purpose – venture further afield than the masses and explore beyond the usual Golden Triangle of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Whether it’s the cedar forests of Yakushima, the remote ryokans of Wakayama, or the serene art galleries of Aomori, there’s a world of experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Discover Japan, Minus the Crowds.
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