The New York Times names Toyama and Osaka top tourist destinations

this New York Times (NYT) The “52 Places to Visit” list focuses on two Japanese destinations in 2025: Toyama City at No. 30 and Osaka City at No. 38.

Toyama and Osaka top the list

Every January, Now Choose from 52 places to visit in the coming year. In 2023, the northeastern city of Morioka was selected as second on the list, causing an uproar in the Japanese tourism industry. This year, while Japan doesn’t have any cities in the top 10, it does have two cities in the top 30.

No. 30: Toyama

Photographer and writer Craig Mod, who selected Morioka for the 2023 list, noted Toyama’s unique location between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of ​​Japan. Toyama, which serves as the gateway to the Noto Peninsula (the region is recovering from the 2024 earthquake and flooding), is currently encouraging tourism as part of its revitalization.

Key attractions include the Kengo Kuma-designed Glass Art Museum, known as the “cathedral of wood and light,” and the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, which lights up the Hachibi in early September. The reporter also paid attention to several restaurants in Toyama, including “Suzukeema” which serves seasonal curry, and “Hida” where you can taste oden and natural wine combinations.

No. 38: Osaka

The upcoming World Expo will be held in Osaka in 2025, meaning it’s no surprise that the Kansai city is on the list. Expo Osaka will be held from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors. this Now The project highlights the city’s efforts to promote sustainable development through the Grand Green Osaka project, which transforms a former railway yard into a mixed-use lifestyle center with extensive green spaces.

It also noted new luxury accommodations in Osaka, including Japan’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel and the Four Seasons hotel that opened there last year. The entry calls Osaka “arguably Japan’s most progressive city” and points to its sustainable development and LGBTQ+ initiatives, as it is the only G7 country to ban same-sex marriage.

TW Selection from each region

Tokyo Weekend”Recommended for Toyama and Osaka.

Osaka

Osaka is known for the bustle of its residents, and there’s no better way to enjoy the city’s atmosphere than by visiting its many street food areas. Buy some local specialties Takoyaki (octopus balls) or some Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). For art lovers, Taro Okamoto’s famous sculpture “Tower of the Sun” is also worth a visit.

Toyama Hokuriku Glass Museum

Toyama

For tourists visiting Toyama City, we recommend the Toyama Museum of Art and Design (TAD), which has a rooftop garden popular with locals. The surrounding area also offers some great attractions, such as the village of Gokayama, famous for its traditional papermaking. Additionally, there are some world-class coastlines, such as the Rain or Shine Coast.

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