Grab a coffee and chat with the locals and fall in love with the place. Although a hard majority of the country lives in urban areas (and over 30% of those people are in Tokyo alone! If youd like to explore the full list of Japans most beautiful villages, you can find them all on the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Japans website. The best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Yakushimas surroundings is by taking a waterfall-backdropped trek to Mt Miyanoura, via the Arakawa trail. Ideal all year round - as long as its not raining - the museum is home to an impressive collection of abstract sculptures crafted by local and international artists. You can encircle the island in a few hours. Learn the history of Magome in Wakihonjin Museum. Theres a good reason for this: Shiretoko has the highest concentration of bears in the entire world, so its not the best place for a casual stroll! Kamijima's smaller and more remote islands have plenty to see too. In 2019 statistics, Hakuba was found to have only 9000 permanent citizens. ), a lot of those urban areas end up being small cities in the countryside. Japan population crisis: This community went a quarter century without Chino also shines in summer, with its position next to sprawling Suwa Lake providing a serene oasis in the annual heat. Kansai's unique position in Japanese history, plus the lack of damage from wars or natural disasters, has resulted in Kansai region having more UNESCO World Heritage Listings than any other region of Japan. Tsumago's traditional old houses, shops, restaurants, and temples evoke images of a bygone age. 17 Best Places to Visit in Japan | U.S. News Travel Japan's Rural Aging Population - The Atlantic You can also see it from above on a paved path. At the Nagiso Town Museum just next door you can admire the interior of a traditional Japanese home while learning more about life in the area during the Edo period. The natural beauty of the region has regularly attracted advertisers and has been featured as the backdrop for a number of television shows in Japan, with many trees becoming local landmarks in the process. Visit the Nature Center. The mountains of Kamikatsu are also blessed with a number of superb waterfalls, most notably the Kanjoga and Onbuchi waterfalls in the far northeast of town. Now housing a collection of important historical artifacts, Yoshimizu Shrine is now beloved for its sensational views of the mountain's cherry trees. MOUNT FUJI AND HAKONE - A DAY TRIP FROM TOKYO TO JAPAN'S COUNTRYSIDE If you don't have a lot of time, but need an escape from Tokyo, take a day trip to Hakone. Always wondered exactly what a Geisha is? There are also plenty of scenic hiking trails around the three lakes to the north of the town, Lake Onogawa, Lake Akimoto, and Lake Hibara. The Nature Center is the first part of learning about the Tancho Cranes. If hiking in the dark doesnt sound appealing, you can rest in a mountain hut. Amongst them are the ancient farming houses found in the tiny mountainside hamlet of Tonegawa. Weathered grooves and holes riddle the cliff face, and water bursts up through them like geysers when the waves hit. If You're interested in traditional scenery of town in Japan, You would never miss Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. In the countryside are temples, shrines, markets, and places to indulge in Japanese culture. In the heart of Nara Prefecture is the scenic historical town of Yoshino. Visit Toson Memorial Museum and Tsuchimaya Shiryokan. Akasawa was a common stopping point for pilgrims along the 36-kilometer trek to Mt. Yoshino The town best to see cherry blossoms, 3. Youll need reservations while in Japan. Great for animal lovers and those who want to get the know the more wild locals. Tokyo and the Japanese Countryside (6 Days in Japan) A hike to see the incredible panoramic views from the Hiranodai Kogen Observatory is well worth making the effort for. The Funayas lining up the shore makes a scene we cannot see anywhere else. 1. Welcome to the "Inaka" (Countryside) Joe Bryer. I put some final thoughts about choosing a town to visit in Japan. The government is promoting regional revitalization across the country to combat this phenomenon, but there are no figures to show any results yet. The town is the gateway to Mount Yoshino, which is, according to statistics, home to 30,000 trees with 200 kinds of sakura blooming wonderfully every year.Yoshino. As its name suggests, it gives visitors panoramic views of the hills and farms to anyone who comes to it. For something a little more child-friendly, the area also has Kamo Aquarium, an aquarium almost entirely dedicated to the surprisingly diverse and hypnotic world of jellyfish. The main islands of Yuge, Sashima, and Ikina are linked by bridge with the other four inhabited islands reachable by ferry. Real Rural: 10 Countryside Anime Locales to Visit on Your Next Japan Populated by lush mossy forests, ideal for hiking in the milder seasons, and in winter the surrounding mountains are covered in powder snow. If youve done Okinawas beaches and are seeking a different side of this diverse prefecture, then Yambaru National Park is the place (see map). In summer, get an authentic experience of Tsuruis agricultural industries in the ranch-style restaurant and hotel Heartn Tree. The region includes the prefectures of Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hygo and Shiga. Located on the coast in far north Kyoto Prefecture, the town of Ine is a fishing port with a long, fascinating history. From the pristine beaches of Okinawa and the artistic attractions of Hakone, to the local, small-town charm of Chino, this list is just a sampling of what Japan has to offer if youre willing to go beyond the city limits. 14 December 2022 View Japan is home to strikingly diverse landscapes, including volcanic mountains, flat farmlands and cherry blossom-lined cities. Ine The town also known as the Venice of Japan, 2. The longest river on Shikoku, the Shimanto runs 196-kilometers in a loop and best enjoyed over a couple of days. The pearl-growing cove of Kabira Bay is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. If you dont have a lot of time, but need an escape from Tokyo, take a day trip to Hakone. Its a country flourishing with culture, rich with history, and has gorgeous scenery everywhere including the countryside! For more information on the opportunities and how to get there, visit their English website. The Yokobori family. If you plan to hike the old Nakasendo trail to Magome in neighboring the Gifu Prefecture, it's around a two-hour walk from Tsumago. Go to Tajima House, and lets get an idea of how Shirakawan people thrived with their silk culture as their key industry. Further along the ManganjiRiver, the public Kawayu Onsen might be a little too public for some. Minamioguni is located in the north of Kumamoto Prefecture at the foot of Mt. For those unfamiliar with Japan, the first impressions that spring to mind are often neon-lit metropolises or rugged pine-covered mountains. Must-See Towns in Japan's Countryside | CheapOair Miles Away These Are the Best Small Towns in Japan - Japan Starts Here Though other places, like Kyoto, have similar structures and cobblestone walkways, Magomes view of the mountains makes the town distinct from others.Magome, READ | 15 Best Things to do in Kyoto Aside From Temples & Shrines click to open in a new tab and read later, Hakuba is a town in the Japanese Northern Alps of Nagano prefecture and is home to the numerous ski resorts in Japan. Tucked in the Hida Mountains of Nagano, Kamikochi is highland Japan at its most postcard perfect (see map). Copyright 2018 All Japan Tours All Rights Reserved. List. The Hells of Beppu are seven gorgeous natural hot springs, which are for viewing and not bathing. Takayama, The Most Beautiful and Traditional Town in Japan | 4K Sekizen on Iwagi island. You can climb the mountain, but be warned, if the volcano is too active there made be barriers in place, so its best to check beforehand to avoid disappointment. Hakuba and Niseko have reputations for being Japans snow capitals, but there are plenty of mountain towns that do just as good a job, with a more Japanese feel; the mountainous Zao Onsen region, which sprawls across Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, is one such place (see map). Home to less than 3,000 people, the historic town of Higashinaruse is located in the south-eastern corner of Akita Prefecture. Aside from its numerous skiing resorts, the scenic view of the mountains from its grounds is enough to tell why it is an exceptional town in Japan.Hakuba. For those interested in dipping into spiritual history and culture of rural Japan, pay a visit to 1,300-year-old Daisen-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Japan. Book your activities from theofficial website of Nagano prefecture. Visit the Hokusei Hill Observatory. Once youve got a set of wheels, be sure to visit Zenpoji Temple to watch a prayer ceremony held by Buddhist monks, and stop by Gold Medal award-winning sake brewer Takenotsuyu who make the most of the areas premium rice crops. Paragliding. The area is perfect for camping: pitch your tent at the bottom of the snowy mountain, look out over the river and let the rest of the world fade away. Once you check out the glorious photography of Kiyotaka Kitajima, you will not be able to resist a visit! An enormous cedar tree, the second tallest in Japan, said to have been planted by Nasu Daihachiro at the Tonegawa Shrine was designated as a National Natural Monument in 1935. Historically there are 1000 trees for each part, but perhaps now there are many more! Then during summer, the hills near the town turn lush green. Yoshino is a mountainous town located in the northern portion of Yoshino District in Nara prefecture. Here, walk along a wooden platform crossing the fields full of fen plants, Japanese alder trees, and cotton grass. There are several scenic spots in and around Tsurui where cranes can be seen, including the Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary close to the center of town. There are sublime views of the islands and sea to be found all around the coastlines of Kamijima. Try out living in rural Japan, and be prepared for possible culture shock. The unique thing we can see and experience in the town of Ine is the boathouses called Funaya. Six traditional Japanese art styles, and how you can experience them. TOP PLACES TO SEE IN JAPAN IN 2023: 20 CITIES WE LOVE, WHEN TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOOM IN JAPAN | 2023, Pre or Post Cruise Tours & Shore Excursions, Download Credit Card Authorization Form (PDF). Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer! There are several parks and observation points to witness breathtaking views of Mt. Since most of you will not live there. Chill at the cafes in Shimo Senbons lower area, just a 30-minute walk from the Yoshino station. Carved from steep, rugged mountain slopes and covered in untamed foliage, its appeal is best enjoyed by those who love to get out there and enjoy the Japan countryside. Like Hayakawa, Totsukawa is incredibly remote, and reaching the town without a car is fairly difficult. Tell me any suggestions in the comment box below. Shiiba is another beautiful town surrounded by some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled natural scenery in Japan. Hakone is an incredibly popular day and weekend trip from Tokyo, and for good reason. While the rest of the country boasts mountains, forests, and rivers, dunes span the coast in Tottori. Magnificent waterfalls can also be found along walking trails in Higashirasune's forests, with the Fudo Waterfall, just on the edge of the town, and the 20m-tall Tensho Waterfall in the Iwaikawa Aigawa National Forest being two of the most impressive. The village has panoramic walkable wetlands, too. Most people prefer to cycle here in early November when the weather is warm and mild. Yoshino is not only a springtime destination autumn turns much of the forest into a spectacular shade of orange and red while summer sees hydrangeas in full bloom. Let's face it, most of us foreigners in Japan congregate in Tokyo, many in Osaka, and some in Fukuoka. Towns in Japan Countryside: 7 Best Unique Villages to Visit Only 50 miles (85km) from the capital (see map ), the famous Japanese countryside town feels worlds away from the hectic energy of the city with its wide variety of onsen, tranquil Lake Ashinoko and most importantly its stunning views of Mt. What to do in the town of Ine? I may receive a tiny commission if you purchase them with no additional cost to you. Dont let that put you off, its a minor inconvenience in comparison to what youre about to witness. Fishing If you have more time, spend some fishing in the fresh waters of the rivers that come from the mountains. Though called a town, Kamikatsu is effectively the name given to a community of around fifty neighboring settlements spread across the region. Japanese Countryside Kamakura Karuizawa Magome Nikko Pocket Bookmark Japan is home to widely diverse cities, towns, islands, and landscapes. Tsurui sits on the edge of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest marshland that hosts a vibrant ecosystem most commonly associated with the red-crowned crane. Jan 9, 2023 How much would you accept to leave one of the world's greatest cities? 1. Magome A mountain town with old traditional houses, 6. 1. After visiting the shrine, take the time to explore the abundant nature and untouched forests of Miyajima Island. Going as far south as you can some 1200 miles (2000km) from Tokyo is the tropical jewel of Ishigaki (see map). 15 Best Places to Enjoy the Japanese Countryside - Japan Objects It has a garden, fields, and waterways. Kansai Region | Traditional Japanese Houses for sale KORYOYA The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from subtropical beaches to . Nature in Japan: Where to Go & How to Explore the Japanese Countryside Stop off to admire the Jomon Sugi, an ancient UNESCO recognized-tree thats estimated to be as much as 7200 years old. Going to the Gatorade blueish-white pond with withered birch forest shall be a unique and enchanting activity apart from exploring the fields. There's more to Japan than just the cities. What to consider? The best way to see the bay is by boarding one of the many sightseeing cruises. On the way up, you'll get a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Tamaki is a sacred part of the route and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status as one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The traditional wooden houses, cobblestone paths, and scenic mountains are just a throwback to the past, giving the visitors a nostalgic feel and satisfying their wanderlust. - Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture On the picturesque shores of the Seto Inland Sea sits Onomichi, home to fledgling goddess Yurie Hitotsubashi and friends. In the land of the rising sun's countryside, you can experience the passing of the seasons as they paint the lands with spring flowers, autumn leaves, snowy winter scenery, and emerald summers. The Oirase Mountain Stream in Aomori Prefecture is the only outlet from Lake Towada. Aso. The things you would not want to miss seeing when you visit Japan. In fact, Niseko is such a popular place to ski that . 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Without going ado, here are the seven towns in Japan that will surely satisfy our countryside experience wanderlust: We can find the town of Ine in the northernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture, touching the sea of Japan. Agriculture and dairy farming are the main industries in Tsurui, and in spring and summer the town is surrounded by green fields of grazing cows. Day 3: Old-Fashioned Tokyo Backstreets, Ramen Lunch, and High-End Sushi Reservations. Hope it helps you too! These are the places where I think we can find fascinating discoveries and uncover beautiful things within ourselves. The southern island of Shikoku definitely doesnt get the credit it deserves in terms of being one of the most naturally stunning corners of rural Japan (see map). Higashinaruse enjoys four very distinct seasons, making the town a great place to visit any time of year. While it'll take a couple of trains and a bus to reach the tiny town from the nearest city of Shizuoka, those willing to make the trip will be rewarded with a beautiful traditional old town set amongst some of Japan's most spectacular countryside. Because its not so frequented by tourists, the prices for food, drinks, and accommodation are incredibly cheap. Chugoku x Shikoku x Tokyo, Mount Daisen. Visit the picturesque shrines with cherry blossoms. The harsh condition, the heavy snowfall, has made the people of Shirakawa build more powerful houses to shelter them from the winter weather. Oku Senbon The inner area located on the top of the mountain. About an hour from Amanohashidate by bus, Ine is set on a beautiful bay overlooking the Sea of Japan and is most famous for its traditional distinctive boat houses. Having a hard time finding a tour, please check our Group Tours Calender: Don't know which tour is suitable for you? Yoshino has been part of the pilgrimage route to Mt. But for me, skiing will only be the second reason I will visit Hakuba. Built with a unique architectural style that works in harmony with the mountainous terrain, the houses of Tonegawa have been protected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Japan is offering families in Tokyo 1 million ($7,640) per child to depart to a more rural location, in a. However, the red-crowned cranes arent the only attraction in Tsurui. You cant actually swim in Kabira bay, but the whole island is surrounded by unspoilt and often empty beaches, with great opportunities for snorkeling. Thats all. color: blue; 7 Things You Should Know About Traditional Japanese Sweets, Japanese Teapots: 8 Things You Need to Know, 40 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Products for Every Skin Type. Tokyo Best for contemporary culture Tokyo is a city forever reaching into the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on densely populated, earthquake-prone land, adding ever taller, sleeker structures. The Hakone Open Air Museum is also a must-not-miss attraction. Several ancient and impressive temples dot the forests along the way, and there are spectacular views of the tip of Mt. They say that the snow in Hakuba is powder snow. Thats why it was chosen before to host a Winter Olympics. Elsewhere, the 32 m Sasanotaki Waterfall is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls, which is set amongst a bamboo forest just off the Taki River. Unlike other towns included in this post, Tsurui is different. Either way, these cranes serve a symbolic purpose in the Japanese people. The 60-kilometer route passes through six small islands that have small towns and a few attractions. Part of the Amami Islands and closer to Okinawa than mainland Kagoshima, Kikaijima has a circumference of fewer than 50 km. There's only one school in town, and locking your doors is unheard of. Amongst the most picturesque are the two falls that flow side by side where two rivers meet. Located deep in the hills of Nagano is the Japanese mountain town of Chino (see map), a little hard to find, but full of surprises. One of the most beautiful forest walks in the area leads to the Tadachi Falls, the collective name for seven impressive waterfalls in the Otaki River Valley. The town is most famous for its countless picturesque terraced rice fields that stretch out in front of a backdrop of mountain peaks. 5. If you bend over and stick your head between your legs, they look like a bridge in the sky. The table also gives an overview of the evolution of the population since the 1995 census. I suggest you at least experience the thrill of Japan countryside travel. Spotlights illuminate the area from sunset to 10:00 pm on warm summer nights. Here we can see a gallery of the belongings of the citizens of Magone. Jump to: What is an akiya? Sure, spend a couple of days in Tokyo, but if you want to see the real Japan head to these small towns. What to do in the town of Yoshino? eljon. Home Living One of the big trends since the COVID-19 pandemic crash-landed on us in 2020 has been the flood of city-slickers moving to the Japanese countrysidepartially reversing a many decades long drain of the population from the countryside to the big cities. Thinking of joining the exodus? Elsewhere, two walking paths lead through the Mizukizawa Natural Forest, passing huge ancient cypress trees, many of which are hundreds of years old. You can enjoy mesmerizing views of Patchwork Road from Hokusei Hill Observatory, a pyramid-like viewing tower near the Ken and Mary tree. It no longer serves travelers as it used to before as people preferred highways and trains to move from one city to another. Tsurui is a village located in the eastern portion of Hokkaido in the Kushiro subprefecture. Over ninety percent of Higashinaruse's total area is forested and laced with crystal-clean rivers, streams, and lakes, many of which are popular fishing spots with anglers looking to catch local trout and char fish. The lush landscapes and natural resources in the rural areas are not something you'll find in cities. Your email address will not be published. Though home to less than 4,000 people, the town covers a wide area of beautiful scenery and is Japan's largest village in terms of area. Recently voted Japan's most embarrassing public bath, the onsen is in the heart of the river right next to the passing road, meaning bathers have to run the risk of baring all to anyone who passes by. The area is most well known for its slightly terrifying vine bridges which swing high above the valleys rocky gorges: the two most popular ones are Iya Kazurabashi and the Oku-Iya Kazurabashi; definitely not for the faint of heart! If you're a nature lover you will enjoy it there a lot. Come to the observation area, where we can borrow some binoculars to see the birds up close from afar. It's a very different experience than what you'll find in the city. Children splashed in the town's namesake river; their parents relaxed nearby at a bankside summer beer garden.. Yoshino is one of the most famous and popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan. This makes Higashinaruse a popular skiing destination, with the Jeunesse Kurikoma ski resort enjoying particularly beautiful fresh powdered snow. The first is the Patchwork Road, the northwestern portion of Biei, offering scenic rural landscapes all year round. Day 4: Off-the-Beaten-Path Cycling Tour, and Final Evening in Tokyo. The village of Aden is home to one of Kikai's most famous sights, the old lanes and streets lined with thick, high walls traditionally made from coral fossils. Just like Kiso, Nagiso is similarly framed by mountains and dense forests with a wide range of hiking trails. Many natural springs flow through the town, and there are a number of onsen (hot spring) spa resorts dotted in and around the area. [1] Rank. egg on Twitter: "If you had to live between 3 cities, anywhere in the Selected by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan for their overall scenic qualities along with history, tradition, and culture, here are 15 of Japan's most beautiful villages! Surrounding the old town are several plateaus with observation decks from where you can admire Minamioguni's beautiful landscape and the many surrounding mountain ranges. Only a three-hour drive from central Tokyo, Shimoda is a great place for a summer weekend escape (see map). By mid-summer, the landscape is a dense patchwork of beautiful, lush greens, and come autumn, much of the forest around Higashinaruse turns a spectacular palette of orange and red. Alongside spectacular views, the atmospheric Tamaki Shrine is also surrounded by a number of stunning cedar trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. An easy day hike leads you through the upper passage, which takes most people around two and a half hours to complete. The problem for Japan is: people in the cities aren't having babies either. The mountains around Kiso also make the town a popular skiing spot in the winter. Niseko. This post may also contain stock photos and media I purchased from a premium service subscription. Here, Minamioguni's old streets are lined with traditional Japanese shops and restaurants. Subscribe to the tsunagu Japan Newsletter. The couple stayed together for several years and had a daughter together before they were eventually forced to separate by the Shogun. Its particularly striking when the autumn leaves reach their peak colors from late October to early November. The viewfrom the summit of Mt. The living quarters of the house are on the upper floor above the water. Shiiba is also rich in cultural heritage and there are several buildings and landmarks that have been recognized for their historical significance. The pilgrimage takes several days to complete, and Akasawa became a popular place to rest en route.
