Kinosaki Onsen, just a few hours by train from Osaka, is one of Japan’s most picturesque and historic hot-spring towns. Famous for its seven tattoo-friendly public bathhouses (many onsen do not allow entry to those with ink), the town's charming canal-lined streets brim with visitors wearing cotton yukata robes, trying different onsen and snacking on rice crackers made with carbonated spring water. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and relaxation, ideal for both first-timers and seasoned onsen lovers alike.


In Japan, karaoke is more than just a pastime – it’s a cultural phenomenon. People go to karaoke to celebrate, to cap off a night out or simply to relieve stress after a day at the office. In Tokyo, you can channel your inner movie star at the iconic Karaoke Kan in Shibuya, the setting of the famous singing scene in Lost in Translation. (For the full movie experience, book room 601 or 602, where the crew filmed.) Want to pair karaoke with sightseeing? Try singing your heart out on a ferris wheel in Tokyo Dome City, where all gondolas have a karaoke machine – just choose your songs carefully, as a full revolution takes only 15 minutes or about four songs’ worth of time.

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails in Wakayama, a prefecture just south of Osaka, are over a thousand years old and wind through forested mountains and past sacred shrines. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the most accessible stretch is Daimon-zaka, a  mossy stone staircase surrounded by ancient cedar trees. It leads to the stunning Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine as well as Japan’s tallest waterfall. Whether you try a short stroll or a multi-day trek, walking part or all of the Kumano Kodo is a picturesque way to experience Japan’s spiritual heartland.

Or, for a stroll-worthy route, Hitachi Seaside Park (about 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo, followed by a 20-minute shuttle) is a flat, 350-hectare site blanketed by flowers. From late April to mid-May, nemophila is in full, blue bloom and is a truly stunning sight to wander amongst.

Himeji Castle, about a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto, is Japan’s best-preserved example of feudal-era architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, soaring design, it dates back to the early 1600s and features ingenious defensive design from maze-like approach paths to its abundance of wall openings used for firing arrows and dropping stones on intruders. Climb to the top of the main keep for sweeping views of Hyogo prefecture’s pillowy green mountains and explore the former daimyo’s (feudal lord) quarters.

For a peaceful and immersive cultural experience, consider spending some time at a Buddhist temple lodging or shukubo. As part of your stay, you can participate in morning chants, try Zazen meditation and enjoy shojin ryori, the simple, mostly vegetarian meals prepared by the temple’s monks. Daihonzan Eiheiji in Fukui is a working monastery established in 1244 that offers more comfortable accommodations for travellers, as well as a “Zen Concierge” to guide you through the temple experiences. (The town of Eiheiji is also famous for sake, so you can enjoy the other type of nourishment during a dinner out.)

The Shimanami Kaido is a spectacular 70-kilometre route that links Japan’s main island of Honshu to Shikoku, with bridges spanning a chain of scenic islands across the Seto Inland Sea. Designed with cyclists in mind, the route features dedicated bike paths and rental stations along the way, making it easy to ride as much or as little as you like. As you pedal past sea views and quiet fishing villages, make sure to stop and sample local seafood and fresh citrus fruits, then relax with a crisp beverage at the end of the day (the incredible waterside Wakka at the halfway point in Omishima does a mean coffee as well as craft beer). It’s an unforgettable journey through coastal Japan.

Naoshima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, has been a bucket-list destination for visitors to Japan since it was transformed into a surreal haven for contemporary art back in 2014. Wander through Tadao Ando-designed museums, discover Yayoi Kusama’s iconic spotted pumpkins and explore quirky installations in unexpected places, from a whimsical public bathhouse to art-filled abandoned homes, easily explored by bicycle or local bus. In 2025, the Setouchi Triennale brings even more art to Naoshima and nearby islands like Teshima and Shodoshima from April through May. Stay at least one night to see it all; accommodations range from the exclusive Benesse House to more casual, cosy guesthouses.