13 Most Beautiful Countryside Areas in Japan

Japan boasts many serene villages where you can enjoy natural beauty and explore traditional lifestyles. These areas are far from the bustling crowds.
There are many beautiful rural areas close to Tokyo where you could enjoy a short escape, such as Kanazawa, Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone, and Takayama.

1. Shirakawa: A Winter Wonderland

• Location: a 3-hour drive from Kyoto and a 3.5-hour drive from Osaka.

Shirakawa-go, is a peaceful village famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

The village is even beautiful in winter when these farm houses are blanketed in deep snow. From January to February, the village is beautifully illuminated in the evenings. This is the high travel season here, if you want to stay overnight for the light show, book 6 months in advance.

In the other seasons, you can also enjoy a very serene traditional Japanese villages away from crowds. In summer, blooming flowers and lush greenery create a picturesque scene

Insider Tips:

• During the light-up event, booking hotels in the village can be quite challenging. Consider staying in Kanazawa or Takayama after your visit, which are approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour journey away.
• If you want to stay overnight for the lights show, book 6 months in advance as it it very popular.

2. Miyama Town: A Quiet Village Close to Kyoto

• Location: in the north of Kyoto City, 1.5 hours drive by car from the city.

Miyama Town boasts charming thatched-roof houses, similar to Shirakawa-go. However, It is quieter and more accessible, making it perfect for a day trip from Kyoto.

You could cycle along the tranquil countryside roads and enjoy the local cuisine.

The entire area is small and can be easily explored in about two hours.

3. Takayama: A Journey Back to the Edo Period

• Location: about a 3 hour drive from Kyoto.

Takayama is famous for its old streets from the Edo period. It is often called "mini Kyoto," because the historical vibe there is quiet similar to Kyoto. However, it enjoys a much quieter atmosphere.

In the morning, you could visit the Miyagawa Morning Market for local breakfast items like Hida beef buns and handmade crafts (cash only). Afterward, explore the Takayama Jinya the only surviving building from the Edo period. Stroll through the Sanmachi Suji district and visit sake breweries.

Accommodation options:
There are hotels near Takayama Jinya and the old streets, many with onsen. However, accommodation can be tight during the winter light-up festival in Shirakawa-go (January-February), so book 3-6 months in advance.

4. Ine: Traditional Japanese Waterfront Boathouses Villages

• Location: about 2-2.5 hours to the North of Kyoto

You could visit Ine's boathouses to see traditional water-facing homes.

Most of the boathouses are still inhabited. Explore the unique boathouses there and experience the unique lifestyle. You could also opt for a boat tour, where one of the most enjoyable activities is feeding the seabirds along the way.

In summer (July-August), you can enjoy fireworks and sea fishing, while in winter (December-February), the snow-covered boathouses offer a unique beauty.

5. Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba: A Tranquil Retreat for Stunning Views of Mount Fuji

• Location: situated in the Five Lake areas in Mt Fuji

This traditional Japanese village is near Lake Saiko. It preserves the essence of ancient rural life with 20 homes that once belonged to farming families.

Some of these houses have been converted into exhibition halls and museums, showcasing local art and specialties. On clear days, you could enjoy a stunning view of Mount Fuji from the village.

The area is surrounded by densely planted cherry blossom trees, which typically reach full bloom around mid-April, making it even more picturesque during this season.

With fewer crowds, the village is a serene spot for leisurely walks and photography, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience rural Japan and admire Mount Fuji. A visit typically takes about an hour.

6. Nakasendo: A Historic Trail from Edo to Kyoto

• Location: The section between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku spans Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, about 2 hours from Nagoya.

The Nakasendo, an ancient post road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period, features well-preserved stone pathways and showcases the architecture of that era. It is accessible only by foot.

This route showcases traditional Japanese rural architecture and pristine countryside, with some homes still inhabited by locals.

Along the way, you'll find numerous cherry blossom trees and maple leaves, especially stunning in April, October, and November. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in May-June (the fresh green season) or early September-October (early autumn).

7. Shimabara: Whale Watching in Traditional Fishing Village

• Location: the nearest major city is Fukuoka, which is about a 2-hour drive away.

Shimabara is known for its mountains and sea coexist. The waters around Shimabara are clear and free of sharks, home to about 200 wild dolphins. A one-hour boat ride allows you to see dozens of dolphins playing in the waves.

If you have more time to explore, you could also explore the volcanic hot springs of Unzen Hell Valley and enjoy the unique steamed dishes cooked in the hot springs.

Accommodation: Stay near the Shimabara hot spring coastline to enjoy hot springs while taking in ocean views.

8. Kagoshima: A Paradise for Volcano Adventures and Natural Hot Springs

• Location: the nearest major city is Miyazaki, which is about a 1 hour and 50-minute drive away.

Kagoshima is renowned for its volcanic wonders and sand bath experiences.

The view of Sakurajima, an active volcano, and its ash-covered black coastline is stunning. You could enjoy a panoramic view from the Sakurajima Volcano Observatory and experience volcanic foot baths.

The sunset over the active volcano is also a sight to behold.

Additionally, Ibusuki offers a unique sand bath experience, where you can lie in naturally heated volcanic sand for a relaxing experience.

Recommended Accommodation: Hotels in downtown Kagoshima offer views of the iconic Sakurajima, such as the Sheraton and Shiroyama Hotel.

Some rooms have direct views of the volcano. Ibusuki's ryokans feature private sand bath pools and traditional Japanese gardens, often including kaiseki dinner.

9. Takachiho Gorge

• Location: in southern Kyushu, about 2.5-hour drive from Miyazaki City.

The breathtaking Takachiho Gorge is best viewed from the water; you could rent a small boat to paddle along the calm Gokase River and enjoy a romantic experience surrounded by lush maple trees and a stunning 17-meter waterfall.

You could also hike along the 1-kilometer Takachiho trail for magnificent views, especially during the summer with colorful lights or in autumn with vibrant red leaves. Don't miss the local specialty noodles, which you can catch in flowing spring water.

Inside Tips:
Takachiho Gorge is about a 1.5-hour drive from Aso Volcano in Kumamoto. If you prefer off-the-beaten-path spots, visit Takachiho Gorge in the morning, then head to Aso Volcano in the afternoon, and stay overnight in Kumamoto City.

10. Tottori Prefecture: Rare Dune Coast (Chugoku Region)

• Location: In the western part of Honshu and is approximately a 3-hour drive from Osaka.

Tottori is Japan's most rural area, known for its coastlines with sand dunes, and Mount Daisen, a majestic volcano often called the "Fuji of Western Japan."

Mount Daisen and its surroundings are part of Daisen-Oki National Park, offering various outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and flower viewing. The mountain trails wind through ancient forests, providing panoramic views of the Japan Sea and surrounding countryside. Many farms near Mount Daisen offer food made from their own produce.

11. Zao Fox Village: Close Encounters with Adorable Animals

• Location: in the Tohoku region of Japan, it is about a 3-hour drive from Tokyo.

Zao Fox Village is home to many foxes, and you could walk among them. You also could watch the foxes play or rest, listen to their distinctive calls, and even have the chance to feed and cuddle them.

While the foxes are attractive, the village also features mini ponies, goats, and rabbits. For an extra fee, you could cuddle a fox twice a day. If you're lucky, you might even hold a baby fox in late spring.

Tips:

• If you want to explore the area further, consider combining your trip with a visit to Shiroishi City, where you could find sake breweries, a doll museum, and a reconstructed Shiroishi Castle.
• In winter, you can visit Zao Onsen, about 1.5 hours from the fox village, for skiing and to see the "snow monsters" formed by frost on the fir trees.

12. Kamakura: A Charming Coastal Town

• Location: on the west side of the Miura Peninsulain Kanagawa Prefectur, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo

Kamakura is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea, just an hour by train from Tokyo.

It's a great place for water sports, such as surfing, kayaking. You could explore sea caves and enjoy the sunset on Enoshima. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji against the seaside backdrop at Shichirigahama.

Accommodation: If you love ocean views, stay at a ryokan in Shichirigahama or Inamurazaki. Some rooms face the Shonan coast and offer stunning sunrises over Mount Fuji on clear days.

Plan to spend 1-2 days exploring anime highlights, historical sites, and relaxing by the coast.

13. Hakone: Hike or Take a Boat Ride to Enjoy Views of Mount Fuji

• Location: in southwestern Kanagawa Prefecture, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo

Hakone boasts stunning views of Mount Fuji and traditional Japanese hot springs. People who like outdoor could enjoy hiking along Hakone Hachiri trail and scenic cable car rides.

The Hakone Hachiri trail is a highlight featuring historic post stations, checkpoints, and tea houses. A section of the trail boasts long and towering ceder trees. This easy hike is suitable for most people and offers breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

Along the way, savor local treats like sweet sake, rice cakes, and Hakone's famous hot spring buns. The hike ends at Lake Ashi, where you can take a relaxing boat ride if time allows.

Tips: To enhance your experience, consider staying overnight in Hakone to fully enjoy the hot springs and avoid holiday traffic, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

Tips for Visiting Rural Japan

In rural areas of Japan, communication can be more challenging compared to big cities, and many menus and signs are in Japanese. If you don't understand Japanese, you need have a tour guide or use google translate.

Many rural areas in Japan do not accept credit cards, so it's essential to have Japanese yen in cash.

Public transport may not be very convenient, so it's best to rent a car or hire a private guide to save time during your travels. We can help customize your rural Japan tour for a smoother experience.

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