If you’ve already ticked Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka off your Japan travel list, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has some ideas for where to go next.
In a recent feature, JNTO highlighted five lesser-visited Japanese destinations to inspire travel plans for 2027: Nara, Kagawa, Shimane, Niigata and Kanagawa. While some of the names may be familiar, the focus is on experiences beyond Japan’s best-known tourist routes.
Niigata, located on the Sea of Japan coast north of Tokyo, is highlighted under the theme “Gastronomy Meets Art.” The prefecture is known for its rice and sake, as well as its mountains, heavy winter snowfall, and distinctive rural landscapes. JNTO points to attractions including the Sado Gold Mine, Ponshukan sake museum, and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, which returns in 2027.
Kagawa, on Shikoku, offers a very different experience, with its famous Sanuki udon, island-hopping, and contemporary art on places such as Naoshima. Shimane, meanwhile, is home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, as well as the historic castle town of Matsue.
Nara may be better known internationally, but there is more to the prefecture than the famous deer and temples of Nara City. And Kanagawa, next door to Tokyo, offers plenty of opportunities to escape the capital, from the hot springs of Hakone to the coastal atmosphere of Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula.
JNTO’s selections are a useful reminder that Japan’s appeal stretches well beyond its biggest cities. If you’ve already experienced the classic Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary, these destinations could provide inspiration for a second trip, or simply encourage you to take a few detours on your first.
