Top Japanese Villages: Explore Japan's Countryside

Have you ever seen the other side of Japan? Beyond the bustling streets and glittering neon lights, Japan's countryside is a world of tranquillity, tucked away in the green mountains, where the winding road weaves through waving rice fields to the rural villages of Japan. Smoke drifts from the wooden houses, while an Akita dog eagerly awaits its dinner. Begin the ultimate rural Japan tour with the most breathtaking Japanese villages you can experience.

Shirakawa & Gokayama - Timeless Thatched-Roof Houses

Famous for their thatched-roof (gassho-zukuri) houses sprouted from the earth, Shirakawa and Gokayama are the perfect regions to visit for everyone itching to take in the suburbs of Japan (along with their culture) in their most authentic form.

About an hour's drive from Kanazawa, the first stop in Gokayama is Ainokura, a popular village famed for "praying hands" buildings, best for a winter visit to capture its fairytale snow-covered rooftops. Another 40-minute drive away is Shirakawago, an open-air museum of traditional minka (farmhouse) which also promises some extra autumnal views of gorgeous fall foliage.

And while you're at it, don't miss out on the chance to try some freshly made Gokayama tofu, a local delicacy made using fresh mountain spring water.

Shirakawago in Winter

Hakuba - Ultimate Ski Paradise in Nagano

Found right in the heart of the gorgeous Japanese Alps, Hakuba is the ultimate ski paradise from December to early April.

The picturesque village (about a 4-hour Shinkansen bus ride from Tokyo) is home to an impressive 10 resorts (including Hakuba Happo-One, which hosted some of the 1998 Winter Olympic events), and everyone, no matter the experience level, will feel right at home here!

Even if skiing isn't really your thing, you can always spend your time here snowshoeing, onsen hopping, or enjoying the one-of-a-kind snow monkey tours in the nearby Jigokudani Park.

For spring break, you can take in the breathtaking contrast between the snow-covered peaks and the cherry blossoms blooming. Summer is the perfect time for all outdoor activities, especially around Lake Aoki, while fall promises the most stunning golden-hued foliage that's perfect for scenic hikes and once-in-a-lifetime photographs.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Japan Winter Experience: Onsens and Snow Monkeys 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

Miyama - Kyoto's Mountain Retreat

A visit to Miyama is the closest thing you can get to time travel right now. Though a bit remote, the village is surprisingly easy to reach - with about a 1.5-hour car ride from central Kyoto.

The highlight here is Kayabuki no Sato, an authentic Japanese-style village that's still home to 38 well-preserved thatched-roof houses (better visited in either spring or autumn when the surrounding natural greenery is at its most beautiful), offering a very nostalgic sense of life in rural Japan.

The traditional country lifestyle of Satoyama (living in harmony with nature) still flourishes in the daily lives of Miyama residents. Your days here will be filled with peaceful strolls, visits to the Miyama Folk Museum, as well as some unexpected hands-on experiences like traditional soba noodle-making - talk about exploring a more authentic countryside feel in Japan.

Hakone - Hot Spring Town Around Mt. Fuji

Home to some of the most incredible views of Mount Fuji, Hakone promises the perfect mix between the more typical touristy sights you come to Japan for and the lesser-known, more authentic experiences.

While here, this natural wonderland is more than hot springs. You'll want to ride the Hakone Ropeway through the steaming valley of Owakudani, or get adventurous to try some black eggs boiled by the natural hot springs.

For more experiences to make the most of your extended stay here with the soothing hot springs, you can visit the (unexpectedly modern) Hakone Open-Air Museum, go see the spring cherry blossoms, and, of course, take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi while admiring Mt. Fuji with its lovely snow-capped summit. The choice is yours!

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Japan Cherry Blossom Tour in 2025 14 DAYS Explore This Tour

Yoshino - Nara's Natural Paradise

Speaking of cherry blossoms, if you're coming to Japan in the spring to witness the white-and-pink wonder, Yoshino is hands-down one of the best destinations you can choose - housing more than 30,000 Sakura trees to color the whole mountain area, where you can also find a traditional ryokan room to immerse yourself in the stunning nature.

Spring isn't the only time you can come to Yoshino, though. You can still take in all of its beauty and culture through the incredible Omine-Okugake Trail, and experience the unspoiled primeval forest as well as the uncensored part of culture with local mountain ascetic practices.

A great way to take in the incredible spring and autumn view is to ride the ropeway to the Hanayagura observation point, and make sure to bring your camera with you - what you'll see is worth remembering.

Mt. Yoshino With Spring Cherry Blossoms

Biei - Picturesque Countryside in Hokkaido

Those of you who are more into natural landscapes might prefer Biei a bit better. Famous for its rolling flower fields and unreal-looking Blue Pond, here, you'll get to take in some of the most jaw-dropping views on Earth.

Nested in Hokkaido, Biei is a pretty popular summer getaway, so try to schedule your trip here during summer to experience the dazzling, endless lavender fields and refreshing waterfalls.

Walking through the lavender fields with the breeze and sun, visiting the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka mirror the sky and clouds, exploring Patchwork Road and Panorama Road with a leisurely bicycle ride, or taking in the views from Hokusei Hill Observatory and Zerubu Hill & Atarashiyama Observatory. The picturesque village is filled with things to see and do without the summer heat.

Ine - Japan's Venice of the East

Looking for a change of scenery? Ine, a beautiful little fishing village just two hours north of Kyoto will stun you with its funaya-filled views.

These are traditional boathouses built directly over the water that gives the entire place an otherworldly look - and many have even been turned into guesthouses, so, if possible, don't pass out on a chance to wake up to the sight of the gentle waves of the Japan sea.

This is the perfect place to go fishing and boating, for your total relaxation or escape from the bustling city life. And, if you're lucky enough to come here during the summer, don't miss out on the amazing fireworks festivals in August.

Ine, Japanese Fishing Village in Kyoto

Ginzan Onsen - Town Straight Out of Anime

As the famous inspiration location for "Spirited Away", this secluded hot spring town is the perfect place to just sit back and relax in between long excursions.

You can come here during winter since that's when the snow-covered ryokan-lined streets look like a real-life postcard. If you want to go all-out on the experience, make sure to try a dip in an outdoor onsen with a view of the Ginzan River.

Still, you'll want to reserve a bit of energy for a magical nighttime stroll - that's when the gas-lit streets and wooden ryokans truly glow against the snowy backdrop.

But there isn't a bad time to visit Ginzan Onsen. Spring and fall are perfect for scenic walks, while summer is the best time to explore the nearby Shirogane Falls.

Kinosaki - The Ultimate Onsen Village

If the whole onsen experience seems like something you'd love and you'd like to take it in its most authentic form, Kinosaki is just the place to do that. What's more, the dreamy town's perfect for a day trip from Kyoto and the ideal overnight stop - just a 2.5-hour drive away from the capital of peace and tranquillity.

Unlike most places we've talked about today, here, with a free pass to all of the hot springs, you're actually encouraged to wear yukata and wooden geta sandals while strolling between the town's seven public bathhouses - just be careful walking on wet surfaces!

Another reason why tourists, in particular, love Kinosaki is that it's a tattoo-friendly village, which is more than what can be said for most other onsen towns - so all you have to think about here is enjoying a long soak and savoring a hearty plate of Tajima beef.

Tsumago - A Step Back in Time on Nakasendo Trail

If you consider yourself a history lover, you'll absolutely adore Tsumago Juku - an impressively preserved town found right on the ancient Nakasendo Trail, the historic route connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

Your itinerary here will be jam-packed with hikes, museum tours (Wakihonjin and Honjin, in particular, are not to be missed), and a customary visit to the Kotokuji Temple.

Trekkers, in particular, will have the time of their lives here. Depending on your preferences and experience level, you can choose between:

• The Tsumago to Magome Hike (8 km, ~3 hours) - by far the most popular and (arguably) scenic section. There are plenty of charming towns along the way, so you can always stop and rest.
• The Tsumago to Nojiri Hike (18 km, ~6 hours) - more challenging, and better suited to experienced trekkers.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Japan Family Tour with Nakasendo Trail Hiking 15 DAYS Explore This Tour

Yufuin - A Storybook-Like Village in Kyushu

The lovely village of Yufuin is not only a kid-friendly fairytale world, but it seamlessly combines the aura of European-style villages with the traditional charm of Japan's countryside, too.

What's more, unlike most other countryside villages on today's list, Yufuin is also a shopper's paradise, filled with small darling shops inspired by the Cotswolds in England. Surrounded by the green valley, the lovely main street is bustling with colorful candy stalls to the Ghibli shop for some animation goods, making a journey through into the world of "Spirited Away".

And there's no better day to end a busy day around town than soaking in an onsen with views of Mount Yufu, paired with the rhythmic ringing of temple bells.

Kakunodate - The Little Kyoto of Northern Japan

Samurai enthusiasts, this is your playground! As one of the best-preserved samurai districts, Kakunodate is home to the most stunning array of black-walled houses (homes of the local samurai), breathtaking weeping cherry blossoms, and fascinating museums.

You can get a glimpse of their lives from some of the buildings that are open to the public. Aoyagi Samurai Manor, for example, is a popular museum with authentic samurai swords holding experience; Ishiguro House, which is considered the oldest samurai house in Kakunodate.

If you want to experience everything I've mentioned so far, spring is the perfect time to come here. Soak up the cherry blossom village with a yukata stroll, past the black-walled houses, and try a bowl of Inaniwa udon, the samurai's favorite.

Explore Japan's Countryside With Odynovo

If you're yearning for a more slow-paced (yet still exciting) getaway this season, exploring another side of Japan is a fantastic idea. Or just feel free to contact us for your dream trip to Japanese villages! With Odynovo, you can take all of the stress out of the planning process and skip straight ahead to that perfect, personalized tour you've been dreaming of!