Back to grid

Best slow travel destinations in Asia

Back to grid
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
The city is on the Sea of Japan, 2.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train. It escaped bombing in World War II, so old wooden streets survive. Teahouses in the Higashi Chaya district still host geisha evenings. Mornings start with crab and sea urchin at Omicho Market. Kenrokuen garden is worth a second visit.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Beppu
Steaming hot springs and colorful Hells
8.1
Takegawara Onsen is a wooden bathhouse that first opened in 1879. Bathers lie in warm black sand while staff shovel it over them. The city has more than 2,000 hot spring vents. Steam rises from street drains and rooftops all day. Stay a week and try a different neighborhood bath each morning.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Try a traditional sand bath at Beppu Beach Sand Bath
  • 🌋 Watch the spectacular steam vents rise at Umi Jigoku
  • ♨️ Bathe in the famous Beppu hot springs known as “onsen hells”
Kochi
Castle city with Sunday market and bonito
7.2
Every Sunday, a street market more than 300 years old stretches along Otesuji Street. Farmers sell yuzu, ginger and sweet potato from about 300 stalls. Hirome Market fills with locals eating seared bonito called katsuo no tataki. Kochi Castle still has its original keep from the 1700s. August brings the Yosakoi dance festival.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Walk along the scenic Kagami River during sunset
  • 🐟 Stroll through Hirome Market and taste local specialties like katsuo no tataki
  • 🏯 Climb to Kochi Castle and explore its well-preserved keep
Feedback