About Hidden Gems in Japan
Hidden Gems in Japan began with a trip—and the feeling that some of the most memorable places in Japan were not always the most famous ones.
My name is Segev Libovitch. I created this site after traveling through Japan in 2023 and discovering places, neighborhoods and experiences that deserved more attention than they often received in traditional travel itineraries.
After moving to the United States, I continued developing Hidden Gems in Japan from California. The site has since grown beyond the places I visited personally to include destinations and experiences discovered through ongoing research, local sources, official tourism information and the stories of other travelers.
What You Will Find Here
- Quiet neighborhoods beyond Japan’s busiest tourist areas
- Mountain towns, remote onsen and outdoor destinations
- Local food, cultural traditions and unusual experiences
- Ideas for families traveling in Japan
- Practical inspiration for exploring beyond the standard route
Our Editorial Approach
Some articles on this site are based on firsthand travel experience. Others are researched guides to places I hope to visit or believe travelers should know about. When a guide is research-based, I do not want to create the impression that every detail comes from a personal visit.
Travel information can change. Opening hours, admission prices, transportation schedules and local rules should always be confirmed with an official source before your trip. We aim to update our guides and link to reliable sources whenever possible.
Why Hidden Gems?
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are extraordinary, but Japan is much larger than its most famous landmarks. A small restaurant, a historic post town, a mountain trail or an overlooked neighborhood can become the part of a trip that stays with you longest.
This site is for travelers who want to look a little deeper, travel more thoughtfully and discover a side of Japan they might otherwise miss.