By: Mia Smith
Few countries on Earth can provide quite the same combination of culture, history, and natural beauty as Japan. For decades, it’s been a popular destination among American travelers. But recent years have seen this popularity swell considerably.
In 2024, the country received around 2.7 million American tourists, which represents a rise of around a third from the previous year. As of April 2025, around a million of us had arrived on the islands, which puts us on course for a jump of around 43%.
This surge has been driven, in part, by the arrival of EXPO 2025 in Osaka, which will run from April to October.
Planning Smart: How to Make the Most of Your Visit with Japan Guided Tours
Getting the best out of a trip to Japan can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region and what it has to offer. If you’re looking to get all of the right cultural, scenic, and gastronomic highlights into your Japan tour itinerary and explore the right rural areas, then it’s worth considering Japan guided tours.
Through these, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the various experiences on offer, without worrying about the trip’s technical details.
Cultural Immersion Beyond Tokyo: Regional Highlights That Inspire Adventure
For those seeking real adventure, it is a good idea to venture beyond the obvious tourist hotspots. Certain areas of the country have a great deal to offer when it comes to artistry and culture – but many of them are obscure and difficult to track down. Travelers willing to wander a little further often find that the lesser-known towns and islands provide some of the most rewarding experiences, from intimate encounters with local traditions to breathtaking natural scenery that rarely makes it into the guidebooks. Exploring these regions also offers the opportunity to interact directly with residents, sample homemade foods, and discover small, family-run museums or craft workshops that preserve skills passed down through generations.
For example, visit the Setouchi Triennale art festival, held every three years on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Throughout November 2025, the small fishing communities will host a range of art exhibits, installations, and performances, turning quiet ports into lively outdoor galleries. The combination of contemporary art with the rustic charm of these islands creates a striking contrast that visitors rarely forget. Even simply riding the ferries between islands provides sweeping views of the sea, dotted with pine-clad hills and traditional fishing boats, offering a slower and more meditative travel experience than you’ll find in big cities.
If you’re looking to explore the Japanese countryside, then the vine bridges and hot springs of Iya Valley might appeal. Or, there’s the Noto Peninsula, or the Oki Islands, each offering its own blend of coastal beauty, regional cuisine, and age-old customs. During your stay, you might sleep over in a traditional ryokan, join a tea ceremony, or visit one of the many seasonal festivals on offer. These opportunities allow travelers to
move beyond sightseeing and connect more deeply with the rhythms of Japanese life, gaining memories shaped not only by places, but by people, traditions, and the slower pace of rural Japan.
A Feast for the Senses: Japan’s Culinary Adventures
Naturally, Japan is a country famed for the quality of its cuisine. This can take many forms – from spicy, vibrant street food to more refined and delicate fine-dining. Sushi, obviously, features heavily.
Of course, different dishes are prominent in other regions. A preference for ramen, sushi, or sake might influence your choice of destination. Check out cooking workshops around Takayama and Fukuoka, both of which have an exciting culinary heritage to draw upon.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the cuisine available in the different regions, from ‘izakaya’ taverns to Michelin-starred spots, why not check out this guide?
