15 Most Beautiful Villages and Towns in Rural 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. Narai-juku: A Timeless Mountain Village on the Old Nakasendo

• Location: about 2 hours from Nagoya or 4 hours from Tokyo

Arriving in Narai-juku feels like stepping onto the Nakasendo as travelers did centuries ago. Even on busy days it rarely feels crowded, and evenings are peaceful enough to make you feel as if the village belongs to you.

Unlike many rural areas that require long hikes, Narai-juku offers authentic countryside charm without demanding physical effort.

If you want a light adventure, the 6 km Yabuhara to Narai trail takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and is one of the best short sections of the old route. Quiet forests, steady slopes, and a gentle approach give you the sense of walking into history.

Staying overnight is highly recommended. Once the day-trippers leave, the village becomes calm and atmospheric, offering a rare and memorable glimpse of "old Japan."

3. 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.

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. Oshino Hakkai: A Charming Village of Clear Springs at the Foot of Mount Fuji

• Location: About a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo or 30 minutes from Kawaguchiko.

Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque village at the foot of Mount Fuji, famous for its eight crystal-clear spring ponds.

As you pass thatched roofs, farm fields, and small bridges over running water, you really feel the quiet charm of rural Japan with Fuji rising in the background. You could even taste the local spring water or try small snacks from family-run stalls along the way.

The entire village is easy to explore on foot, with a gentle 2-kilometer loop that lets you visit all eight ponds at a relaxed pace.

6. 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.

7. Kurashiki Bikan: A Peaceful Canal Town Perfect for a Slow Day

• Location: About a 1-hour drive from Osaka.

If you're looking for a peaceful, easy day trip, Kurashiki Bikan is the closest water town from Osaka and one of the most charming places to slow down.

Quiet canals, white-walled storehouses, and willow trees set a relaxing mood. It's the kind of town you can wander without a plan: hop on a small wooden boat, walk through narrow alleys, and enjoy a calm, authentic "Japanese" atmosphere.

For something extra, visit the local museums. The Ohara Museum of Art is a real highlight, showcasing Impressionist masters like Monet and Renoir, along with beautiful Japanese oil paintings, all in one place.

Tip: Boat tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Sales begin at 8:00 a.m. each morning.

8. Yoshino, Nara: A Mountain Village of Cherry Blossoms and Ancient Trails

• Location: About two and a half hours by car from Osaka or Kyoto.

Yoshino Town is a serene mountain village, famous for its cherry blossoms in spring on Yoshino-yama, but its autumn scenery is also worth admiring. Beyond the seasonal views, Yoshino-yama is also an important birthplace of Japan's mountain worship traditions.

For those seeking a cultural experience, Kinpusen-ji Temple is a must-visit religious site. You may see pilgrims in traditional robes blowing conch shells as they make their way along the mountain paths.

If you prefer a gentler pace, there are easier hiking routes through the surrounding forests and hills. Traditional ryokans in the area provide comfortable stays, where you could relax and enjoy the peaceful rural setting.

9. Ochiai Village: A Hidden Mountain Retreat with Stunning Gorge Scenery

• Location: About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car from Takamatsu or Tokushima City.

Ochiai Village is one of Japan's most secluded mountain communities. It sits on steep hills with old houses and terraced fields scattered across the slopes. Many homes date from the late Edo to early Showa periods, and the stone walls and farmland create a nostalgic atmosphere. You can drive up to the Ochiai Village Viewpoint for a full look over the valley.

Nearby, the Iya Gorge is one of Japan's three great hidden regions. You could cross vine bridges, waterfall walks, relax in hot springs, and scenic photo spots.

For a special experience, take a traditional boat through Oboke Gorge and enjoy its cliffs and wild rock formations.

Public transportation is limited, so a private car and guide make the trip much easier. The mountain roads are winding, but the views are unforgettable.

10. Mino, Gifu: A Quiet Craft Town of Traditional Washi Culture

• Location: About a 40-minute drive from Nagoya.

You could slow down and enjoy a peaceful side of rural Japan in Mino. This small countryside town is known for its centuries-old washi paper culture. As you walk through its old streets, you pass wooden merchant houses and small craft studios that give the town a warm, traditional feel.

If you enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, you can join a washi-making workshop and learn directly from local craftsmen. You can also explore small galleries and family-run paper shops showcasing beautifully designed lanterns, stationery, and traditional artworks.

Mino is ideal as a short countryside visit and pairs well with nearby spots such as Takayama or Shirakawa-go.

11. Yufuin: A Scenic Hot Spring Town Surrounded by Mountains

• Location: About a 2-hour drive from Fukuoka or a short train ride from Beppu.

Yufuin is one of the most picturesque hot spring towns you can visit. You could enjoy the serene streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and natural hot springs.

You can stroll along the main street lined with quaint cafés and local craft shops or explore small galleries showcasing Japanese ceramics, paintings, and textiles.

For a truly unique experience, you can soak in one of the town's traditional onsen. Many ryokan offer private baths where visitors can relax in hot spring water while enjoying the surrounding countryside.

12. Tottori: 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.

13. Hakuba, Nagano: Alpine Village Escape

• Location: About three hours by car from central Tokyo.

Hakuba is a scenic village in the Northern Alps that blends traditional rural charm with modern comfort. It offers an easy countryside getaway with beautiful mountain views.

The village has national parks, ski areas, and gentle hiking trails close by. You can stay in mountain-view ryokans and enjoy refined local dining. In winter, Hakuba becomes a snowy resort with excellent skiing and family-friendly slopes. In summer, it offers cool weather, peaceful walks, and wide alpine vistas.

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is to ride the mountain lift up to the Iwatake summit. At the top, you can sit on the terrace or enjoy a coffee while taking in panoramic views.

Couples enjoy the quiet atmosphere, private hot springs, and romantic stays. Families enjoy the lift ride and outdoor activities such as zip lines, climbing areas, and fun obstacle courses suitable for all ages.

14. 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.

15. Biei: Colorful Countryside in Central Hokkaido

• Location: About a 2.5-hour drive from Sapporo.

Biei's landscapes change with each season and show the refined charm of the Japanese countryside. You see vibrant flower farms in summer, golden fields in autumn, and quiet white hills in winter. Here, you are not just looking at the scenery. You feel like you are part of it.

You could visit small local farms and try activities such as milking cows, feeding sheep, or picking seasonal fruits. At night, the quiet fields and clear skies make the area perfect for stargazing, giving your day a peaceful and refreshing ending.

You could enjoy wide-open views without long transfers or crowds, which gives your trip a smooth and unhurried pace. We recommend choosing a private car to move easily between scenic viewpoints. If you are more energetic, you can enjoy exploring the scenic areas by bicycle.

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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