Japan has picked up some international attention in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, with both Okinawa and Tohoku making the annual list of destinations and experiences worth putting on the travel radar.
The two regions could hardly feel more different, which is part of what makes their inclusion interesting. Okinawa offers a distinctly tropical side of Japan, with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, subtropical forests, and a culture shaped by the former Ryūkyū Kingdom. Beyond the beaches and resorts, visitors can explore historic sites, traditional villages, local cuisine, and smaller islands such as Ishigaki and Iriomote. Lonely Planet also highlights the region's distinctive identity, which reflects centuries of connections with China and Southeast Asia.
Tohoku, meanwhile, takes travelers in a completely different direction. Located in the northern part of Honshu, the region encompasses six prefectures and is known for its mountains, rural landscapes, historic sites, festivals, hot springs, and winter scenery. Lonely Planet's 2027 list specifically highlights the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which follows the Pacific coast and offers an opportunity to experience Tohoku on foot. The region remains less familiar to many international visitors than Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, despite having plenty to offer travelers willing to venture further north.
It feels like a fitting pairing. Okinawa showcases a side of Japan that can feel almost completely removed from the country's main islands, while Tohoku offers the chance to slow down and explore Japan's landscapes, communities, and history away from the busiest tourist routes.
For anyone planning a Japan trip beyond the usual Golden Route, Lonely Planet's 2027 picks are a good reminder that there is still an enormous amount of the country waiting to be explored.
