Top 7 Japanese Hidden Gems for Singaporean Travellers in 2025

Japan continues to capture the hearts of Singaporean travellers with a record-breaking 691,100 visitors in 2024—a 16.9% year-on-year jump. With the yen still friendly to our wallets and more flights connecting us to different corners of the country, many are skipping the usual Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto route in favour of quieter, less touristy spots. Think Fukuoka’s sizzling street food, Hakone’s soothing hot springs, or Okinawa’s island breezes. Alongside Kanazawa, Sapporo, Kamakura, and Okayama, these destinations serve up a fresh mix of scenery, culture, and flavours — perfect for travellers who want to slow down, explore deeper, and still enjoy all the things we love about Japan.

These destinations offer new experiences and tranquil escapes away from the tourist buzz, check them out for your next trip!

(1) Fukuoka 
(2) Kanazawa
(3) Hakone
(4) Sapporo
(5) Kamakura
(6) Okayama
(7) Okinawa

(1) Fukuoka

Source: JapanCheapo

Often dubbed the "Osaka of Kyushu", Fukuoka captures hearts through the stomach with its incredible food culture and yatai, laid-back charm, and proximity to nature. At Hakata Issou, they serve up some of the most iconic Hakata ramen where you can try an authentic bowl of “tonkotsu cappuccino”, a signature of Hakata ramen where pork bones are simmered for hours resulting in a thick and milky soup akin to the foam in cappuccinos. Being located near Osaka, it is also relatively convenient for travellers to hop onto a Shinkansen to Fukuoka easily! On top of that, it is a great base and springboard to explore hot spring towns like Beppu and cultural sites in Nagasaki.

Source: Reddit

Hakata Issou
Location: 3 Chome-1-6 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0013, Japan
Opening hours: 11am to 12am
Website

(2) Kanazawa

Source: Japan Guide

For Singaporeans seeking the beauty of Kyoto without the tourist overload, Kanazawa offers a fresh alternative. With its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kenroku-en Garden (one of Japan’s top three gardens), is Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden. Several walking trails in the park lead to elevated spots that offer scenic views of the garden. Within the garden, visitors can also relax at traditional teahouses, where they can enjoy a cup of tea and Japanese sweets while taking in the tranquil surroundings. Just outside the garden's paid area, between the Katsurazaka and Renchimon gates, there's a charming pedestrian street lined with cherry trees, shops, and restaurants. This picturesque path becomes especially stunning in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a perfect place to pause and unwind.

Source: Japan Guide

Kenroku-en Garden
Location: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan
Opening hours: 7am to 6pm daily
Admission fee: 320 yen (free during early admission hours)
Website

(3) Hakone

Source: JapanGuide

Singaporeans are increasingly drawn to Hakone for weekend trips from Tokyo, thanks to its offerings of hot springs, Mount Fuji views, and quirky art museums like the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Renowned for its therapeutic waters, Hakone has been a beloved hot spring destination for centuries. Today, the region is powered by over a dozen natural sources that feed the many bathhouses and traditional ryokan scattered throughout its mountainous terrain. Yumoto, the area's largest and oldest onsen town is celebrated for its mineral-rich waters and charming ryokans.

Along the scenic shores of Lake Ashi, tourists who are looking for a slow-paced and relaxing vacation can find a wide plethora of different hot spring experiences. Ranging from rustic outdoor baths with forest views to luxurious onsens overlooking the majestic mountains.

Source: Hotel Green Plaza Hakone

Hakone Yuryo
Location: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250 - 0315, Japan
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
Admission fee: Prices start from 9,400 yen

(4) Sapporo

Source: JapanGuide

Once a winter-only destination, Sapporo is now being embraced year-round. While many still enjoy the skiing and snowboarding activities during winter, the summer months offer cooler weather, fresh seafood, and easy access to lavender fields in Furano. One must-see highlight? The surreal Shirogane Blue Pond, a glistening cobalt-blue water body that looks almost photoshopped in real life and has become a photography hotspot for nature lovers.

Many foodies also often rave about Sapporo’s signature miso ramen and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), so Sapporo is no longer just a winter destination with delicious fresh seafood as it can be enjoyed and visited all year round with stunning nature landscapes.

Source: Japan Guide

Shirogane Blue Pond
Location: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission fee: Free

(5) Kamakura

Source: Japan Guide

Just an hour from Tokyo is Kamakura, offering the most iconic sight of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) Kotoku-in, a towering bronze statue that has stood for over 750 years, overlooking the Kotoku-in Temple. This majestic figure, one of Japan’s most famous Daibutsu, embodies the calm and contemplative spirit that Kamakura is known for.

Beyond the Buddha, the town is dotted with Zen temples and historic shrines, creating a serene atmosphere that feels a world away from the city bustle. Kamakura’s hilly terrain also makes it ideal for travellers that enjoy some light hiking, with scenic trails connecting various temples and lookout points. There are also quaint shops and cafes, as well as peaceful beaches that are ideal for unwinding after a hike.

Source: Trip to Japan

Kamakura Great Buddha
Location: 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Opening hours: 8am - 4:45pm daily
Admission fee: 300 yen
Website

(6) Okayama

Source: Japan Travel

Okayama may not be on every traveller's radar, but it's growing in popularity as a base to explore Japan’s Setouchi region. Nicknamed the "Land of Sunshine," Okayama Prefecture is famous for its delicious fruit and its beloved local legend, Momotaro the Peach Boy, who serves as a cultural icon and local hero throughout the region.

It’s home to Korakuen Garden, one of the top three Japanaese landscape gardens, and the stunning Okayama Castle. Just a short journey away, the historic town of Kurashiki charms visitors with its preserved canal district, white-walled storehouses, and traditional atmosphere. Meanwhile, Kojima is known as as the denim capital, producing some of the finest Japanese jeans in the world. Okayama also acts as a convenient base for exploring nearby Naoshima, a contemporary art island in Kagawa Prefecture that has captivated art lovers from all around the world.

Source: JapanGuide

Okayama Castle
Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0823, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Admission fee: 300 yen
Website

(7) Okinawa

Source: Visit Okinawa Japan

Far from the neon buzz of Tokyo, Okinawa offers a completely different side of Japan, one with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and a laid-back island vibe. Popular beaches like Zanpa Beach, known for its amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, and Nirai Beach, with its picturesque setting, are all hugely popular amongst travellers. Adventure seekers can go for snorkelling and diving to admire the vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Additionally, culture and history enthusiasts can also visit the majestic Shurijo Castle, once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which showcases unique Okinawan and Chinese architectural influences. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. After the war, the castle was re-purposed as a university campus. Sadly, it was tragicially wrecked again by a fire in 2019, reconstruction efforts are ongoing to restore it back to its original condition but visitors can still explore the reconstructed structures and learn about Okinawa's history. Expected to be rebuilt by 2026, the castle’s distinctive red and white colors make it a striking must-visit landmark in Naha, Okinawa.

Source: Gaijin Pot Travel

Shurijo Castle
Location: 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan
Opening hours: 8am to 6:30pm
Admission fee: 400 yen
Website

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