Japan’s small towns offer a magical escape from the bustling metropolises, each providing a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From serene mountain villages to historic post towns and coastal retreats, these quaint destinations showcase the rich traditions and slower pace of life that have defined Japan for centuries.
Small Towns in Japan
Whether you’re seeking beautifully preserved Edo-era streets, breathtaking landscapes, or relaxing hot springs, Japan’s small towns offer an authentic and tranquil experience that captures the heart and soul of the country.
Note that although this list is based around the “best small towns in Japan” it also includes historic old town centres that are located in small cities but are a must-visit in their own right.
Magome and Tsumago (Gifu and Nagano Prefectures)
Magome and Tsumago are two post towns along the historic Nakasendo Trail, a route that once connected Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto. These towns have preserved their Edo-period charm, complete with cobblestone streets, wooden inns, and traditional tea houses. Hiking the trail between the two towns is a popular activity, offering scenic views of forests, waterfalls, and rural landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy the experience of staying at a traditional inn, or ryokan, in Tsumago, where they are immersed in the hospitality and ambiance of old Japan. The journey between Magome and Tsumago offers a glimpse into the history of Japan’s travel culture.
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (Gifu and Toyama Prefectures)
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Shogawa River Valley, straddling the border between Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. This secluded mountain town/village is famous for its unique gassho-zukuri houses, a traditional architectural style characterized by steep, thatched roofs resembling the shape of hands pressed together in prayer (gassho). The design of these roofs, which can be as steep as 60 degrees, allows them to shed heavy snowfall in winter, as Shirakawa-go experiences some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan.
These houses, some of which are over 250 years old, are not only stunning but also ingeniously designed for functionality. Many have multiple stories, with attics that were traditionally used to cultivate silkworms. Inside, the houses retain their rustic charm with wooden beams, traditional fireplaces (irori), and low-sitting tatami rooms.
Kurashiki (Okayama Prefecture)
Kurashiki, with its well-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, is often described as a “Venice of Japan.” The town is famous for its canals, lined with willow trees and whitewashed, tiled warehouses. Kurashiki’s old town preserves Edo-period merchant houses and historic buildings, making it a photographer’s paradise.
The Ohara Museum of Art, located here, is Japan’s oldest Western art museum and showcases works by European and Japanese artists. Visitors can take a boat ride down the canal, enjoy local sweets, and explore craft shops, making Kurashiki a charming mix of art, history, and scenic beauty.
Takayama (Gifu Prefecture)
Famous for its beautifully preserved old town with Edo-period buildings, Takayama offers historic streets lined with traditional houses, sake breweries, and a vibrant morning market.
The town’s narrow streets and wooden merchant houses make it feel like a step back in time. Highlights include the Sanmachi Suji historic district, Takayama Jinya (a preserved government building from the Edo period), and the Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals, featuring elaborate floats and traditional performances.
Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Often referred to as the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historical temples, shrines, and beautiful beaches. The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is Kamakura’s iconic statue, standing over 11 meters tall and dating back to the 13th century. Zen temples like Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji offer serene atmospheres and beautiful gardens, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Kamakura’s beaches attract surfers and beachgoers, adding to its laid-back vibe. The town’s quaint streets are filled with artisan shops, tea houses, and traditional restaurants, offering visitors a delightful blend of history and modern coastal life.
Hida-Furukawa (Gifu Prefecture)
Just north of Takayama, Hida Furukawa is a quieter town that shares similar traditional charms. Known for its scenic canals filled with koi fish, cobblestone streets, and white-walled storehouses, Hida Furukawa is often less crowded but equally captivating. The town is famous for its traditional woodcrafts, especially for its wooden furniture and carvings.
The town holds the Furukawa Festival every spring, featuring vibrant floats, taiko drum performances, and lively parades. Visitors can also explore the Setogawa Canal and take in the town’s picturesque landscape, which showcases both traditional Japanese architecture and scenic rural beauty.
Ouchi-juku (Fukushima Prefecture)
Ouchi-juku is a former post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, known for its thatched-roof houses that date back to the Edo period. The town’s main street is lined with these beautifully preserved structures, making it one of the few places where traditional architecture from that era remains largely untouched.
One of Ouchi-juku’s specialties is negi soba, a type of soba (buckwheat) noodle served with green onions, traditionally used as chopsticks. The town is also close to stunning natural attractions, such as the Tonohetsuri Cliff, a unique rock formation that attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.
Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko is known for its opulent temples and shrines, notably the richly decorated Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The surrounding natural beauty enhances the town’s appeal, with waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails in nearby Nikko National Park.
In autumn, the town becomes a magnet for leaf-peepers who come to see the vibrant red and yellow hues. Nikko also offers hot springs, or onsen, where visitors can relax in traditional Japanese inns while enjoying the town’s peaceful ambiance.
Biei (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Known for its picturesque hills and fields, Biei is a small farming town in central Hokkaido. The Patchwork Road and Panorama Road routes offer breathtaking views of rolling hills, flower fields, and expansive farmlands that change colors with the seasons. In summer, the fields are filled with flowers like lavender and sunflowers, creating a stunning mosaic.
Biei also has the Blue Pond, an ethereal lake with blue-tinted waters that attract visitors year-round. The town is ideal for those looking to escape into nature, with hiking, cycling, and photography being popular activities.
Yufuin (Oita Prefecture)
Nestled in a scenic valley on Kyushu Island, Yufuin is a spa town known for its onsen and charming countryside. With views of Mount Yufu in the background, the town is perfect for a relaxing retreat. Yufuin’s main street is lined with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, often showcasing local art and crafts.
Lake Kinrin, surrounded by mist on cool mornings, is a serene spot for reflection. Visitors can also enjoy the Yufuin Floral Village, a theme park inspired by the English countryside, or the Yufuin Art Museum, making this town a beautiful blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Japan
These ten small towns in Japan highlight the country’s natural and cultural beauty, offering unique experiences away from the bustling cities. From hot springs and mountain trails to historic architecture and local festivals, each town provides an intimate connection to Japan’s heritage and landscapes.
Whether you’re interested in historic sites, scenic vistas, or rural traditions, Japan’s small towns offer a peaceful retreat into the country’s timeless charm.
For more on Japan have a look at my guides to Japan.
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