Places to Visit in Japan in 2026: From Mountain Hikes to Island Stays
Japan has been breaking records in visitor numbers over the past few years. As a long-term resident, I can easily understand its appeal as a travel destination and why so many people find themselves returning again and again. Going into 2026, though, it also feels as if the way people travel in Japan is slowly shifting, with many repeat visitors looking beyond the usual routes and planning trips around more nature-focused regions.
Fortunately, Japan’s famously efficient train network makes it easy to access some of the country’s more remote natural landscapes, spread across its narrow yet remarkably long land. One can easily spend months in Japan (or years, as in my case) and still never run out of places to visit. As a Japan-focused blog and newsletter, I wanted to write about some of my more recent favorite destinations and new discoveries, to add to the pool of ideas for those planning a trip in the year ahead. For a more comprehensive list, you can refer to the Where to Visit in Japan (Other than Tokyo and Kyoto) post that offers alternatives to add to Japan itineraries centered around Tokyo and/or Kyoto.
If you are planning your own trip to Japan and have already covered the lovely but usual suspects like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa, here are some alternative suggestions, covering island stays, mountain hikes, ever-picturesque onsen towns, and smaller cities, to add a bit of variety to your Japan trip.
Rebun Island in Hokkaido: remote beauty – summer destination
If you are looking for a remote escape, it does not get remoter than Rebun Island, off the northern coast of Japan`s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Best visited from early July to late August when the alpine flowers are in bloom, the island offers one of Japan’s most striking landscapes.
When the alpine flowers bloom in the summer, against the backdrop of handsome Mount Rishiri, which is surrounded by turquoise blue waters, Rebun Island is a hiker’s heaven. Home to multiple trails, including a deceivingly named 8-hour Hike, which crosses the island, and takes less than 8 hours, and much more accessible ones like Momo Iwa viewpoint hike that covers the gorgeous ridge between Momo Iwa Rock and Motochi Lighthouse, one could easily spend a week on the island.
I have been visiting Rebun Island two summers in a row (including an overnight stop at nearby Rishiri Island during the last trip), and these are more detailed posts about my visits: Hiking in Rebun Island, and From Post-Apocalyptic Cities to Edenlike Islands: A Hokkaido Journey.
Hirosaki in Aomori: a historical city shining in the autumn season
I will not argue that Tokyo, where I live, Kyoto, which I adore, and Kanazawa, which can never do wrong in my eyes, are not worth a visit. They sure are. But if you are looking to add a bit of variety to your trip and explore a less mainstream Japanese city, I think Hirosaki, located in Aomori Prefecture, is an excellent option.
I try to visit Hirosaki every autumn during my annual fall colors trip to Aomori. The city, which took the modernization and restoration policies of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) of Japan to heart, had hosted many teachers and artists from the West to accelerate integration into the world after the lengthy seclusion of the Edo Period (1603-1868). The mid-size town, which also escaped air raids during World War II, is known today for its wide range of Western-style architecture preserved from the Meiji period. This Western influence extends to the city’s dining scene, where many restaurants serve European cuisine.
In addition to a western-style architecture (which, don`t worry, still carries a strong Japanese aura), the city is also home to an exciting modern art museum, a beautiful shrine with a striking pagoda, and a rich range of atmospheric cafes and restaurants. It, to me, feels like the Matsumoto of North – another mid-size town not far from Tokyo, making a wonderful alternative urban destination, for many of the same reasons that apply to Hirosaki.
The city is particularly lovely in the autumn season, with its castle park, which surrounds one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. It also serves as a perfect gateway to the spectacular rural destinations and onsen stays, including Oirase Stream, Lake Towada, and secluded hot springs like Aoni, among many deliciously rustic ones.
Experience Kyoto from a whole new perspective: the Kyoto Trail
As I mentioned, despite all the over-tourism-related criticism, I still remain a devoted fan of Kyoto, which I find to be one of the most classy cities in the world.
If you have already been to the city or if you have extra time during your first visit, I highly recommend that you check out the Kyoto Trail, which is an 80-kilometer trail that encircles the city on three sides through the mountains and river walks, never wandering too far away from the city`s landmarks while allowing you to enjoy the city from a whole different perspective with a much heightened sense of secludeness.
I hiked the trail in early November. While it was too early for the fall colors, the weather was wonderfully mild, allowing for a comfortable hike throughout the day. I also enjoyed getting back to the city each night for a comfortable stay and a nice dinner. You can read more about my experience here: Hiking the Kyoto Trail.
Hiking the Kuju Mountains in Kyushu
With mountains covering 70% of its land, Japan is certainly not short of hiking trails. While I am an avid hiker, I am not brave enough for or therefore not interested in the exposed ridges of the Japanese Alps, which can be pretty scary, especially in bad weather.
If you are like me, and the scenery matters more to you than the challenge, the Kuju Mountains of Kyushu Island, with several trailheads easily accessible from Oita and Kumamoto Airports, may make you happy. I try to visit the area every year in late May during the azalea bloom. In addition to several free and paid camping grounds, one of the main attractions of the Kuju Mountain Range is the Hokkein Onsen, accessible only by hiking, offering cozy rooms, meals, and a mountain-top onsen. For more: Gentle Beauty: Kuju Mountains Hikes.
Cape Ashizuri in Shikoku: the untouched Japan
Cape Ashizuri, located on the southern coast of Shikoku, is one of the most secluded places that you can visit in Japan. With a landscape defined by a dramatic and rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, and one of the most beautiful temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, I think the area still offers a piece of Japan that feels genuinely rural.
Most people take a road trip along the coast that offers various landmarks, including sea caves, seaside shrines, and a recently renovated aquarium. If you would like to enjoy the area on foot, as I did, the coastal route, which partially overlaps with Shikoku Nature Trail (with its dedicated hiking routes), is also highly walkable (and if you do not mind the hills, also bikeable). After a few short visits to the area in recent years, last year I spent the week-long Golden Week holidays down in the region, walking the coast by returning to the same accommodation every night. If you would like to read more about the trip: Walking Shikoku and Biking the Shimanami Kaido.
Other places to visit in Japan in 2026
In addition to the five destinations above, these are some other posts from the blog and the newsletter:
If your trip is centered around Kyoto and Tokyo, here are some suggestions that are easily accessible from both cities: Where to Visit in Japan (Other than Kyoto and Tokyo)?.
For some other island destinations, including the small islands of Okinawa: Islands of Japan Worth Ditching the Mainland For.
For hot springs stays in rural Japan: Dreamy Hot Springs (Onsen) of Japan.
For more hikes, easily accessible by public transportation: My Favorite Hiking Trails in Japan.
