Expect the Most Pleasant Unexpected: Urban Sanctuaries, Ziplines, Toilet Museums, and Luxury Hotels in Japan

Every time I dream about traveling to Japan with my family, I’m reminded of just how many surprises the country holds.

It’s not just the temples or bustling markets that draw me in. It’s the idea that one day we could be sipping coffee in a rooftop garden in Osaka, and the next, ziplining through forests near Narita or learning about centuries of innovation in something as everyday as toilets.

Japan has a way of blending the whimsical with the refined. Across its prefectures, new experiences are always waiting, inviting you to step off the beaten path. If you’re looking for your next unforgettable journey, these four fresh destinations are worth adding to your itinerary. I wish I could be packing my bags right now.

1. Grand Green Osaka: An Urban Oasis in the Heart of the City

Imagine starting your day with a pour-over coffee on a terrace overlooking a modern city park, then wandering into a market where top chefs serve Kansai’s best dishes. Grand Green Osaka redefines the urban experience. Located in central Osaka, it brings together lush green spaces, upscale shopping, and some of the city’s most exciting dining options. The underground Time Out Market features live events and street-style eats curated by culinary stars.

Between rooftop onsens and quiet meditation rooms, this place is built for those who want the buzz of city life without giving up space to breathe. It’s the kind of spot where I picture my family discovering something new each hour of the day.

2. The Farm Slow Mountain Narita: A Forest Escape with a Twist

Not far from Tokyo and Narita Airport, this glamping hideaway offers a chance to slow down. The Farm Slow Mountain Narita is all about connecting with nature and community. Accommodations range from canvas tents to cozy cottages scattered among trees. Mornings begin with meals made from local ingredients, followed by zipline adventures, vegetable harvesting, or interactive forest walks powered by augmented reality.

Evenings are best spent around a communal barbecue, where families and friends gather under star-filled skies. It's easy to imagine my kids laughing by the fire while we trade stories with fellow travelers.

3. Toilet Museum at INAX MUSEUMS, Aichi: A Surprising Take on Everyday Life

At first, it sounds quirky. But the Toilet Museum in Tokoname is genuinely fascinating. As part of the broader INAX MUSEUMS, it celebrates Japan’s thoughtful approach to design—even in the most overlooked aspects of life. From ancient clay toilets to the smart technology that’s now famous worldwide, the exhibits are interactive, artistic, and full of insight.

It’s a museum that would spark both laughter and curiosity in my family. Who knew toilets could make such a memorable travel stop?

4. The GATE HOTEL FUKUOKA by HULIC: Quiet Luxury Above the City

In the heart of Fukuoka, this hotel sits like a secret sanctuary above the city’s vibrant center. Connected directly to Tenjin Station, The GATE HOTEL FUKUOKA by HULIC offers sweeping views, modern interiors, and an atmosphere of easy calm. The terrace lounge is a standout, offering skyline views and ocean breezes, while the on-site Anchor Grill Fukuoka serves fresh local cuisine with a refined twist.

It feels like a place to reflect on the day’s discoveries, perhaps over a glass of wine, with the city lights shimmering below.

What excites me most about these places is their unexpected nature. They’re not the destinations you find on every top-ten list, yet they each promise something memorable. Whether it’s a fresh culinary scene in Osaka, forest adventures in Chiba, quirky museum visits in Aichi, or elevated luxury in Fukuoka, Japan continues to evolve in surprising and inspiring ways.

I’m not there yet, but I hope I will be soon. And when I go, I know these places will be at the top of my list.