The New York Times' annual 52 Places to Go list highlights a host of exciting destinations for travelers, offering a curated selection of cities and regions that deserve attention in the upcoming year. For 2025, two cities in Japan—Toyama and Osaka—have earned spots on the list, and for good reason. With unique attractions and forward-thinking developments, the cities are excellent stops for any traveler visiting Japan.
Toyama sits between between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, serving as a gateway to the Noto Peninsula—an area still recovering from a devastating earthquake and floods in 2024. Despite the recent setbacks, the region is embracing tourism as part of its recovery, offering visitors a chance to support its revitalization while enjoying its rich culture and natural beauty. One of Toyama's standout attractions is the Glass Art Museum, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The museum is a soaring structure made of timber and glass, reflecting light in a way that creates a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Toyama is also home to some fantastic cultural events, such as the Owara Kaze no Bon festival held in early September. The event fills the town of Yatsuo with traditional dance and music, adding an atmospheric charm to the area. Beyond the cultural sites, Toyama offers an exciting culinary scene. The New York Times name-dropped several spots in the area, including bistro-style French fare at Alpes, Japanese comfort food and natural wines at Hida, seasonal Japanese curries at Suzukeema, and coffee at Blue Train. For something a bit stronger, visitors to the area can enjoy a cocktail to finish their day at Hanamizuki-no-heya, a family-run jazz bar.
Osaka is already well-known for its vibrant food and shopping scenes, but the city is transforming its landscape with several projects that are sure to make waves this year. Grand Green Osaka is one of the most exciting, as it turns an old rail freight yard into a sprawling green space and lifestyle hub. This mixed-use venue features parks, open areas for relaxation, and even the ultra-luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel which is the first of its kind in Japan. The opening of the Four Seasons hotel in 2024 and the upcoming World Expo have further solidified Osaka’s place as a city packed with exciting changes.
Osaka is also emerging as one of Japan's most progressive cities, with significant steps toward inclusivity and social change. The city opened its first Pride Center in 2022, and just last year it hosted the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association convention with the largest turnout in the organization’s history.
