Hidden gems in Japan

Explore Japan’s offbeat destinations, from the Kengo Kuma-designed Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center to the historic Kōchi Castle, one of the country's few remaining original wooden fortresses. This collection includes the quirky TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu, the bronze Great Buddha of Takaoka, and artistic installations like the Regent in Olives on Shodoshima. Natural wonders like the low-tide sandbar of Kibou no Michi and the colorful shisha statues at Yoneko-yaki Pottery highlight the country's diverse regional culture and landscapes.

Japan's Hidden Gems — Map

Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this building features a distinct stacked wooden aesthetic. The eighth-floor observation deck provides free views of Senso-ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

B

Kōchi Castle

Kōchi Castle is a castle located in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.

tak.wing / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

TOTO Museum

This unique museum displays toilets & tableware made by the Toto company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.

D

Azumaya Observation Deck (Former Satomi Teahouse)

Located on Miyajima Island, this viewpoint is accessible via hiking trails. It offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding forest.

柑橘類 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

The Great Buddha of Takaoka

A 16-meter-tall bronze statue completed in 1933. It showcases Takaoka’s traditional copper-casting craftsmanship and is considered one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues.

F

Yoneko-yaki Pottery

A workshop and museum of some sorts which exhibits colorful statues of shishas - local guardians of half-dog and half-lion nature.

G

Regent in Olives

A white, olive-shaped sculpture with a black pompadour hairstyle created by Hisakazu Shimizu. This art installation is located in an olive grove on Shodoshima Island as part of the Setouchi Triennale.

H

希望の道

Much like Angel Road, this sandy route appears also when the tide is low and people can pass from the land to the small Joga Island on foot.

Other Lists

Japan's Absolute Essentials Editor's Choice: Japan Historic Temples and Shrines Museums and Cultural Treasures Castles and Fortifications Japan's Natural Wonders Scenic Viewpoints and Observation Points