The numbers don’t lie: 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan last year, and you were likely one of them. And if you were part of the hordes in the usual suspects of Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you’d know firsthand just how rife overtourism is in the land of sushi. In popular major cities, that is.
The thing is, there’s still so much of Japan that has yet to be explored and most of us have only just scratched the surface. If squeezing with the masses along Dotonbori and Shibuya aren’t on your Bingo card in 2025, then perhaps you’d be interested to explore some of Japan’s hidden gems for a literal change of scenery.
Search aggregator site Skyscanner has come up with a list of the cheapest, lesser-known destinations in Japan for Singaporeans to travel to this 2025, based on prices for two-way trips from Changi Airport. Read on to see which uncrowded cities and prefectures to consider venturing to this year, all with return flights starting from just $299.
Cheapest two-way flights from Singapore to Japan in 2025
1. Okinawa (from $299)
Cheapest month to travel: July 2025
They call Okinawa the “Hawaii of Japan”, and for good reason – it has stretches of pristine sandy shores, clear blue waters all around, and a unique blend of Japanese and American culture. Dive into its coral reefs, admire limestone formations in the Gyokusendo Cave, and eat your way through Kokusai Street Food Village for traditional Okinawan nosh like musubi (a type of onigiri) and chanpuru (stir-fried vegetables).
2. Fukuoka (from $368)
Cheapest month to travel: March 2025
Fukuoka is the largest city in Japan’s Kyushu region. Feel a sense of calmness wash over you as you explore its serene temples and visit Sakurai Futamigaura, an all-white torii gate in the sea. Nature-lovers should pay a visit to Uminokamichi Seaside Park that stretches endlessly with vibrant blooms, or Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden where arches of purple blossoms cascade from above. Make sure you slurp up a comforting bowl of Hakata-style ramen when you’re done with the day’s fun.
3. Komatsu, Ishikawa (from $457)
Cheapest month to travel: March 2025
We recently explored Japan’s underrated Ishikawa prefecture and can attest that it’s well worth a visit – especially if you’re a foodie who’s keen to escape from crowds. If you’re keen on visiting Kanazawa like we did, you can also throw Komatsu into the mix, as it’s roughly just 50 minutes away from the capital by train. Peaceful nature spots like Lake Kiba Park and Hiyo Moss Garden await, along with majestic stone formations and the cultural practices of kutani ceramics and kabuki theatre shows.
4. Toyama (from $478)
Cheapest month to travel: March 2025
Toyama is another prefecture we had the pleasure of visiting lately (scroll all the way to the bottom of this article to check out what we did there). Culture vultures will delight in delving into its ancient customs that are still being practiced today, exploring Japan’s oldest thatched roof houses, and joining in on festivals by the sea, among other highlights.
5. Aomori (from $511)
Cheapest month to travel: March 2025
Aomori might be known for amazing ski slopes thanks to its thick, powdery snowfall, but winter isn’t the only time to visit for a holiday. Up for some hiking? Scale the Hakkoda Mountains or attempt the Oirase Gorge Walking Trail for views of lush foliage and river rapids, especially beautiful during autumn. In spring, there are plenty of sakura-viewing spots like Hirosaki Castle Park. Of course, you can’t visit Aomori without trying its famous apples, known to be some of the best in all of Japan.
READ MORE
These two new bus routes take you directly to Johor Premium Outlets from Singapore
Scoot launches new direct flights from Singapore to Vienna, Austria starting from just $309