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The best places to visit in Japan shouldnt be limited toTokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
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Once youve ventured away from the popular trio, youll find yourself craving for more.
Well, really, anywhere.
Randomly point to a town on a map and youll probably fall in love.
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you might visit centuries-old rest stops for teaor even umeshu (plum wine)along the way.
In other words, expect phenomenal food.
Sapporo, the isles capital, is arguably one of the most underrated major cities in the country.
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Truth be told, up until recently, Sapporo was sort of a dead zone for hotel lovers.
But that started to change in 2020 whenOnsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporoopened.
The most popularlargely thanks to Yayoi Kusamas yellowPumpkinis Naoshima.
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The relatively new, all-suiteryokanis the first of its kind on the island.
Founded in 1860,Nishimuraya Honkanis widely recognized as one of the countrys best traditionalryokans.
Takayama
Craving small town energy?
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Known as Sanmachi, the narrow streets are lined with historic wooden buildings dating back to the Edo Period.
Trade traditional accommodations for an overnight stay in a Buddhist temple atTemple Hotel Zenkoji.
Slide open theshojiscreens to reveal a beautiful garden and rise early for morning meditation with the resident monk.
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A majority of the sumptuous rooms look out to Lake Chuzenji, and theres even a lake house-style restaurant.
Its also a go-to spot for high-qualitymentaiko(spicy pollock roe), a local delicacy.
Whenthe Ritz-Carlton, Fukuokaopened last year, it marked the arrival of the citys first true luxury hotel.
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What sets Beppu apart from every otheronsentown?
(Chinoike Jigoku, for example, has a red hue due to the iron oxidedense mud.)
Dip into your en-suiteonsenon the balcony and watch as plumes of steam billow up from the ground.
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While there are plenty of great hotels in Atami, take this overnight opportunity to visit an off-the-beaten-path locale.
Just under an hour away, the quaint port city of Numazu is most known for the animeLove Live!
Its also in Numazu that youll findNumazu Club, a 1913 teahouse-turned-WWII refuge-turned-restaurant-turned-members club-turned-hotel.
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Hokkaidos most popularonsentown is located between Sapporo and Hakodate, making it an ideal layover between the two cities.
The main attraction here is Jigokudani.
Literally translating to hell valley, the moniker alludes to the hot steam vents that rise from volcanic land.
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The best time to visit is in autumn, when the fall foliage beautifully contrasts the blue water.
(In the winter, many paths may be closed due to snow and treacherously icy conditions.)
Another opportunity for a two-in-one deal, Shiraoi is just five train stops away from Noboribetsu.
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Just around the corner isKai Poroto, a recently openedonsenhotel on the banks of its namesake lake.
