Travel Spotlight:
Best Places to Visit in 2026
Our January issue is here with our top recommended destinations for your travels. Each of these locations is a hidden gem, carefully selected for being off the beaten path. Discover the side of Japan that offers a truly authentic and unique travel experience.
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A curated selection of four Japanese destinations to inspire your 2026 travels, from scenic gardens to relaxing onsen towns.
Mihoko's pick: Nasu-Shiobara City
Nasu-Shiobara is one of my favorite places to visit! You can enjoy beautiful nature in every season, relax in amazing hot springs, try delicious wagyu beef and cute cafés, and even visit farms where you can meet friendly animals.
Emi's pick: Nasu Town
Nasu is one of the best places to visit! You can enjoy fresh mountain air, relax in cozy hot springs, and taste local specialties like Nasu Kogen milk and ice cream. There are also stylish cafés, art museums, and farms to explore—perfect for a relaxing weekend trip!
Marta's pick: Kiryu City
Kiryu City, in Gunma Prefecture, is a charming small town. On the first Saturday of every month, it hosts a lively flea market that fills the streets with local energy. You can find wonderful antiques that make unique and meaningful souvenirs.
Kiryu is especially famous for its silk heritage and today, this legacy lives on through beautiful second-hand kimonos you can purchase and take home.
Angus's pick: Mito City
My suggestion for 2026 is a visit to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture.
This elegant city is best known for Kairakuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens. Between February and March, the garden transforms with thousands of plum trees in full bloom. Soft colors and delicate fragrances fill the air, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Mito is the perfect destination for welcoming early spring in Japan.
Our Team
We write these articles
Angus Miyaji
Kayo Hirai
Marta Berzieri
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