For travelers looking to explore Japan beyond the usual hotspots this year, Hotels.com has unveiled its ranking of the top five hidden domestic travel destinations for 2025. While growing in popularity, these places remain under the radar compared to mainstream tourist spots, making them perfect for those seeking unique experiences and fewer crowds.
Izumo
Leading the list is Izumo, a historic city best known for Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines. Revered as the home of the god of matchmaking, the shrine attracts visitors seeking blessings for love and relationships. Beyond its spiritual heritage, Izumo offers scenic coastal landscapes and delicious local cuisine, including Izumo soba. Unlike other cultural hubs like Kyoto or Nara, it sees fewer foreign tourists, making it ideal for those who appreciate serenity.
Niigata
Coming in second is Niigata, a prefecture enjoying newfound fame after the Sado Gold Mine was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024. Visitors can tour the historic mine, explore rich cultural heritage, and enjoy the prefecture's famous rice, sake, and fresh seafood. Niigata also offers some breathtaking coastal scenery and world-class ski resorts, making it a year-round destination.
Nagoya
Nagoya is set to become a hotspot for music lovers in 2025, with a number of new arenas and live venues opening. One major addition is the IG Arena, opening in the summertime and boasting a capacity of 17,000 people. Known for its vibrant city life and rich samurai history, Nagoya is also home to attractions like Nagoya Castle, Legoland, and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
Kobe
The Kansai city of Kobe takes fourth place, benefiting from improved water access from Osaka, making it a convenient escape from busier urban centers. The city is famous for its Kobe beef, stunning harbor views, and European-influenced architecture in the Kitano district. Visitors can also take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Rokko for breathtaking panoramic views.
Nagasaki
Rounding out the list is Nagasaki, a city steeped in history as Japan’s gateway to Western culture. In 2025, Nagasaki will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its inclusion in the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution UNESCO listing, further spotlighting its industrial heritage. Visitors can explore Dejima, the former Dutch trading post, and Glover Garden, a preserved Western-style residence from the 19th century.
