Japan offers a blend of tradition, innovation and breathtaking nature spots, so it’s no wonder that it’s a top-tier travel destination for many. From the powder-fine snow in Hokkaido to the healing waters in hot spring towns all over the country, here are our top Japan travel destinations for 2025.
1. Ski and Snowboard Destinations in Japan
Great powder, friendly people and the wonder of hot springs at the end of it all. Read on for our curated list of ski and snowboard resorts with exceptional facilities and diverse attractions. The season officially starts in December and lasts until April, with the best conditions typically in January and February.
- Niseko (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Hakuba Valley (Nagano Prefecture)
- Furano (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Myoko Kogen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Naeba (Niigata Prefecture)
- Rusutsu (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Kiroro (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Appi Kogen (Iwate Prefecture)
- Meiho (Gifu Prefecture)
2. Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Tokyo
Spend a night out on the town at any of these foreigner-friendly bars and clubs. From Tokyo’s love hotel district, LGBT neighborhood and video game paradise, there’s something for everyone. Stay out past the last train and party all night.
- Beat Cafe (Shibuya)
- Ginza 300 Bar (Ginza)
- Berry’s at Just Another Space (Meguro)
- New Sazae (Shinjuku)
- Bar Ghetto (Shimokitazawa)
- Aoyama Tunnel (Kitazawa)
- Good Beer Faucets (Shibuya)
- Albatross G (Shinjuku)
- Ruby Room (Shibuya)
- 8bit Cafe (Shinjuku)
3. Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
Cherry blossom season transforms the concrete jungle into a pastel-pink garden. With cherry blossom forecasts growing more and more unpredictable with each passing year, the key to planning your trip to Tokyo during this elusive season is to know just where to go. Here are the best spots in town:
- Ueno Park (Taito)
- Yoyogi Park (Shibuya)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku)
- Chidorigafuchi (Chiyoda)
- Inokashira Park (Musashino)
- Meguro River (Meguro)
- Rikugien Gardens (Bunkyo)
- Showa Memorial Park (Tachikawa)
- Mount Takao (Hachioji)
- Hikarigaoka Park (Nerima)
4. Famous Foods You’ll Find in Hiroshima
Historic and peaceful, Hiroshima offers a kaleidoscope of delicious bites with a local twist. If you’re heading west soon, be sure to read this post on five of the most famous foods the prefecture offers.
5. Side Trips from Kyoto
Beyond Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, there’s so much more to the rest of Kyoto. Venture out on a side trip and discover another side to the prefecture. From sleepy seaside towns to former castle towns, you won’t want to miss out on reading this article.
- Uji (Kyoto Prefecture)
- Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Tamba-Sasayama (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Ine (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
6. Quiet Day Trips from Tokyo
So you’ve had your fill of the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo and everything a big city has to offer. Now, it’s time for some peace and quiet. Just under two to three hours away, these are ten GaijinPot-approved destinations to visit the next time you’re itching for a getaway.
- Todoroki Valley (Setagaya)
- Kameiwa Cave (Chiba Prefecture)
- Mount Takao (Hachioji)
- Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Mount Mitake (Ome)
7. Sunrise Express
Your gateway to the road less traveled, hop on one of the last few sleeper trains that run through the countryside. The Sunrise Express transports travelers to Kagawa, Shimane and Tottori overnight. Wake up to a slower side of Japan.
8. Niseko
When you think of Niseko, you might think of powder-fine snow and winter sports, but this lovely town has so much more than meets the eye. Niseko’s Green Season offers a wide range of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and exquisite food, all in perfectly mild summer weather.
9. Mixed Gender Onsen in Japan
Konyoku, or mixed-gender bathing, has a long history in Japan. Today, it isn’t as common to find a mixed-gender hot spring but since most of the information is in Japanese, we’ve compiled a list of over 20 onsen from north to south. Click here to see the whole list.
10. Autumn Leaves Around Tokyo
Fall in Tokyo seems to come later each year. Just like cherry blossom season, the city is awash with color. Instead of pink and white, the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Make the most out of this fleeting season by heading out and enjoying the best of what the season has to offer. This post rounds up the most scenic autumn foliage spots in the city.
- Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue (Minato)
- Inokashira Park (Musashino)
- Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa)
- Musashino Park (Fuchu)
- Mount Takao (Hachioji)
- Rikugien (Bunkyo)
- Okutama (Nishitama)
- Yoyogi Park (Shibuya)
- Todoroki Valley (Setagaya)
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Bunkyo)
11. Nagoro Scarecrow Village
With more scarecrow residents than actual humans, the Nagoro Scarecrow Village is equal parts intriguing and spooky. If you’re looking to explore something truly off the beaten path, then this village is worth the visit. Nestled in one of Japan’s smallest islands, embark on a truly unforgettable adventure and explore the town.
12. Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan
Have tattoos but still want to relax in a hot spring? You’ve still got tons of options. While tattoo-friendly onsen aren’t the most common because of an age-old association with organized crime, there are still a good handful of them around if you know where to look.
Have you been to any of these Japan Travel Destinations for 2025? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!
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Presumably the title should be 2025?
Good catch. Thanks.