Top 10 Japan: Karinas “Best-For” Tips

Lightfoot’s Japan expert Karina shares her top ten “best for” picks – from family ski breaks and art islands to cherry blossoms and onsen towns, inspired by her recent travels.

Japan has a way of drawing you back, each visit revealing a new layer. On my latest research trip through the Hokuriku region, I experienced everything from dining with a geisha in Kanazawa to Zen meditation at Eiheiji Temple and a traditional dance festival in Toyama. It was a reminder of how immersive and varied travelling in Japan can be. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to dive deeper, here are my top recommendations across the country, shaped by my personal experiences and handpicked for different types of travellers.

01.

Kumano Kodo

Best for hiking

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails in Wakayama are among Japan’s most spiritual and scenic walks. They’re well-marked and varied in difficulty, with routes passing through cedar forests, waterfalls, and centuries-old shrines. I recommend combining hiking with stays in traditional ryokans and hot springs along the way such as Shirahama onsen. For active travellers interested in culture and nature together, this region offers a quiet, soulful counterpoint to more travelled parts of Japan.

02.

Karuizawa

Snow Park: Best for families

Just over an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Karuizawa is an easy and scenic winter escape for families. The snow park is compact and beginner-friendly – ideal for young children and first-time skiers – with gentle slopes, snow play areas, sledding and ski schools. The town itself has a good mix of boutique-style hotels, relaxed dining, and shopping outlets. It’s a smart choice for families wanting a taste of Japan’s snow season without the commitment of a full ski resort itinerary.

03.

Fukuoka Yatai

Stalls: Best for foodies

Fukuoka is famous for its yatai – small, open-air food stalls that pop up each evening across the city. These are ideal for casual, atmospheric eating: think steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen, sizzling yakitori and ice-cold beer at counters where locals and visitors mingle. They’re unpretentious, lively, and a great way to sample regional specialities. I recommend heading to Nakasu or Tenjin for the best selection.

04.

Tea Ceremony in

Ureshino: Best for culture

While Kyoto and Tokyo have formal tea houses, I loved the more low-key outdoor tea ceremony in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture. Held in the open air, it feels relaxed but still deeply rooted in tradition. Ureshino is also one of Japan’s top green tea regions, so the experience connects directly to local growers and history. Pair it with a night in a local ryokan and a soak in the town’s soft, alkaline onsen.

05.

Miyakojima

Okinawa: Best island escape

Miyakojima offers some of Japan’s best beaches – powdery white sand, clear turquoise water, and a warm, relaxed island pace. It’s easy to explore by car, with scenic bridges linking nearby islands and secluded coves for snorkelling. Unlike busier parts of Okinawa, Miyako feels relatively untouched and laid-back. It’s a good option for couples or families looking for downtime after a city-heavy itinerary.

Beautiful beaches and turquoise seas of Miyakojima, Okinawa in Japan

06.

Kusatsu Onsen

Best for hot springs

For a classic Japanese onsen experience, Kusatsu in Gunma stands out. Its mineral-rich waters are among the most therapeutic in Japan, and the town’s central yubatake (hot water field) is a striking sight – steam rising from wooden aqueducts fed by geothermal springs. Stay at a ryokan with private open-air baths and enjoy the traditional rhythm of bathing, dining and rest. It’s particularly memorable in winter, with snow on the rooftops and steam in the air.

07.

Nikko

Best for history lovers

Nikko, a couple of hours north of Tokyo, is home to some of Japan’s most ornate shrines – particularly the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine, set among towering cedars. It’s easy to visit as a day trip, but staying overnight lets you explore the surrounding national park and mountain trails at a slower pace. The blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage here is well balanced, and autumn is a particularly beautiful time to go.

UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan

08.

Hirosaki Castle

Park: Best cherry blossoms

Hirosaki tends to fly under the radar, but during sakura season, the castle park is one of the most spectacular spots in Japan. You’ll find blossom-lined moats, lantern-lit evening strolls, and fewer crowds than in Tokyo or Kyoto. Aomori also offers hot springs, apple orchards and easy connections by Shinkansen. If you’re planning a spring trip and want to avoid the crowds, this is well worth considering.

Cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori, in Japan

Naoshima

Setouchi: Best for art

Naoshima Island is ideal for travellers interested in contemporary art, design and a slower, offbeat side of Japan. The island hosts several standout museums – including the Tadao Ando–designed Chichu Art Museum – along with open-air installations and small design hotels. It’s part of the wider Setouchi region, which is also known for its sea-view cycling and island hopping. Best reached via Okayama and ferry.

10.

Shimanto River

Best off-the-beaten-path

Often called Japan’s last clear stream, the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture is ideal if you’re looking to slow down and explore nature in a less developed part of the country. Canoeing, cycling, fishing and riverside walks are all part of the experience. The area’s ryokans offer simple, heartfelt hospitality, and it makes a great add-on to a wider Shikoku road trip – or a contrast to Japan’s cities.

Clear water of the Shimanto River, Shikoku, in Japan's Kochi Prefecture

Please get in touch if you’d like help tailoring a luxury holiday to Japan around any of these destinations in 2026 – or if you’re keen to explore new ideas altogether. Japan’s depth and variety mean we can always create something unique that fits your pace, interests and style.

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