Travel + Leisure is a trusted travel magazine, known for offering expert recommendations on the top destinations worldwide. Their 2025 list of the 25 Best Places to Visit in Asia included some obvious highlights and a few surprising picks. Two Japan-based destinations made the cut, offering travelers a chance to see parts of the country that might not be on the typical tourist radar.
Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture
When you think of great travel destinations in Japan, Saitama likely doesn’t come to mind right away. In fact, this prefecture used the tourism slogan "Just North of Tokyo" for a period of time, which felt like they were living in the shadow of the nation's capital. However, Gyoda—a small city in the region—has earned a spot on the list this year, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem.
Unlike bustling destinations, Gyoda is quieter, more laid-back, and offers a unique mix of history and local culture. It’s also home to some incredible rice paddy art, where farmers use their fields to create massive, detailed patterns. This is something you won’t find everywhere in Japan, and it’s one of several good reasons to visit the area if you can time it right.
Besides the rice fields, Gyoda has several historical landmarks to check out, like Oshi Castle, which dates back to 1479, and Water Castle Park, a relaxing spot to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re into more nature-focused activities, Kodai Hasu No Sato is a great place to see lotus flowers in bloom.
Fukuoka
While Fukuoka might be a more familiar name, it’s still one of Japan’s underrated gems. Located on Kyushu Island, it’s a vibrant city well-known for its food, culture, and festivals. Fukuoka offers a great mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, with landmarks like the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Tocho-ji Temple, home to one of the country’s largest wooden Buddha statues just a couple of the highlights. Fukuoka is also famous for its annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, an energetic event held in July where huge floats are raced through the streets. Additionally, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers a relaxing escape from city life with scenic views of the bay and plenty of green space to explore.
