Japan may be on nearly everyone’s must-visit list: From its Shinto shrines and stunning landscapes to its wild cities and vibrant nightlife, everyone wants a piece of Japan. For lesser-known locales to impress even the most traveled members of your family, here are a few destinations even Japan enthusiasts may not know about:
Noto Peninsula
Located on the small edge of Sea off Ishikawa Prefecture, The Noto Peninsula offers some of the most ruggedly beautiful scenery in Japan. Picture rock formations lining the wild coastline and quaint fishing communities making up the bulk of the population.
Oki Islands
Made up of more than 180 islands, the Oki Islands are an archipelago (once a volcano) in the Sea of Japan. This locale is so primitive, only four of the 16 livable landscapes are inhabited. Known for its wild beauty, this region boasts an interesting ancient history and endlessly
Mount Haguro, Sacred Place. Photo: Dominique Bonnet | Dreamstime.com
beautiful views any traveler can appreciate.
Sacred Mountains at Dewa Sanzan
Over in the Yamagata Prefecture, the sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan are considered holy in the Japanese Shinto religion — and simply majestic to anyone in eyeline. Dewa Sanzan is another religious pilgrimage site with gorgeous mountain peak vistas, perfect for the nature lovers and active travelers in your crew.
Seto Inland Sea
Separating the Honshū, Shikoku and Kyūshū islands, Seto Inland Sea is another mountain-filled landscape you’re going to want to see with the family. Picture white sandy beaches, turquois-blue waters and nearly untouched surrounding towns.
Shikoku 88
The fourth-largest Japanese island, Shikoku is home to the ancient Shikoku 88 — a must-see for active travelers and culture seekers. The challenging trail is often traveled by religious pilgrimages and is named for the 88 Buddhist temples it connects. Take in the picturesque views and get your steps in while enjoying one of Japan’s lesser-known regions.
Buddhist pilgrims entering Shosanji, temple number 12 of Shikoku pilgrimage. Photo: Katinka2014 | Dreamstime.com
While Japan is already a once-in-a-lifetime destination, it’s nice to have that extra special touch to experience with the kids and brag about when you get home. Sure, there’s still the bucket list-worthy trips to Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, but what about all the undiscovered and less-touristic islands, mountain landscapes and historic towns in between? Treat yourselves to the lesser-traveled track of Japan.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Hotels
Jul 15, 2026Teach Kids About Sustainability with This Hotel’s Conservation Concierge Program
Family travelers are beginning to seek trips that allow them to give back and learn something new. On Florida’s Treasure Coast, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa lets families become part of its conservation story.
Kids
Jul 14, 2026How Gen Alpha Influences Family Travel Plans
Gen Alpha is calling the shots in terms of where the family travels next. Not just tagging along, parents are choosing to listen to their children’s opinions on group travel plans, such as whether a destination is worth a visit or considered “too boring.”
Hotels
Jul 13, 20263 Hotels Around the World Where You Can Cook Locally
The need for human connection with locals when traveling is growing in popularity among younger generations. Food has become one of the most authentic and powerful ways to help create these connections, and many hotels around the world offer unique experiences to help turn this into a reality.
ShareThis