It’s always a thrill to see the world catch on to what we’ve known for years: Japan’s true magic often lies far beyond the bright lights of Tokyo and the temples of Kyoto. The New York Times recently released its prestigious “52 Places to Go” list for 2026, and we were delighted to see two of our favorite regions, Nagasaki and Okinawa, taking center stage.
Nagasaki, Japan, skyline at dusk – Photo Credit: Sean Pavone
Nagasaki: Where cultures converge
Nagasaki is a city of diversity and intersections. While many visitors arrive to pay their respects to its somber history, most notably the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, they often find themselves surprised by the city’s multifaceted personality. At the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, you’ll find a city that has turned a heavy past into a vibrant, outward-looking mission for peace.
Glover Garden View Point, Nagasaki – Photo Credit: Jutinan Jujinda
For centuries, while the rest of Japan remained closed to the world, Nagasaki’s man-made island of Dejima was a bustling gateway for Dutch and Chinese traders, creating a cultural fingerprint unlike anywhere else in the Japanese archipelago.
Nagasaki Champon, a Chinese meal born in Nagasaki, Japan – Photo Credit: zepp1969
You can taste this global fusion in a bowl of Nagasaki Champon, a hearty, creamy noodle soup born from the city’s historic Chinese community. Or, follow the scent of honey to a local bakery for a slice of Kasutera, a golden sponge cake adapted from 16th-century Portuguese recipes. Between the steep, winding slopes of Glover Garden and the harbor views that have officially ranked among the World’s Top 3 Night Views, Nagasaki offers a profound lesson in resilience. From the industrial silhouette of Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) to its quiet temple districts, it is a city that honors its past while cultivating a bright, welcoming future.
Okinawa, Japan, at Shuri Castle (Before the fire) – Photo Credit: Sean Pavone
Okinawa: Honoring the Ryukyu legacy
A thousand miles to the south, Okinawa is entering a year of profound cultural reclamation. The island is currently celebrating the meticulous restoration of Shuri Castle, the crimson heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom that was tragically damaged by fire in 2019.
Shuri Castle under construction after the fire – Photo Credit: beeboys
The Castle is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2026, and to see its walls rise again is to witness the endurance of the Ryukyu spirit, a culture that flourished as an independent maritime empire long before it was part of Japan.
Miyakojima in summer on a sand slope descending to Sunayama beach – Photo Credit: 7maru
Beyond the castle gates, Okinawa invites a different kind of immersion. Life here is anchored by the concept of “Yuimaru,” a philosophy of mutual support and community spirit that has made these islands a global “Blue Zone” for longevity. Whether you are navigating the dense mangrove forests of Iriomote or sitting down to a meal of bitter melon and slow-braised pork, the focus is on a pace of life that prioritizes kinship over the clock. From the ancient utaki (sacred groves) to the beautiful beaches and coral reefs of Miyakojima, Okinawa serves as a reminder that true luxury is found in the preservation of heritage and the strength of local roots.
Goya Chanpuru, bitter melon stir-fried with pork, tofu, and egg – Photo Credit: koarakko
Go beyond the familiar
At Arigato Travel, we believe the most memorable journeys are those that truly connect us to the local places we explore. Nagasaki and Okinawa offer more than just a change of scenery; they offer a chance to witness how traditions are kept alive through the warmth and pride of the people who call them home. From the glittering night views of Kyushu to the turquoise waters of the Ryukyu Islands, these regions provide a depth of experience that lingers far longer than a photograph.
Featured Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald
