Authentic Japan Travel Guide: 7 Traditional Towns Beyond Tokyo (2025)

1. Ine no Funaya: The Venice of Japan (Kyoto Prefecture)

Along the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture lies a fishing village that seems frozen in time. Ines famous "funaya" (boat houses) stand on stilts over the water, their first floors serving as boat garages while families live above. These 230 wooden funaya, backed by forested hills, create a scene unlike anywhere else in Japan. Traditional fishing families still work these waters, and visitors can arrange boat tours with local fishermen to experience their way of life. Stay in a converted funaya guesthouse to fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves beneath your floor.

2. Tsurui Village: Land of the Red-Crowned Cranes (Hokkaido)

In eastern Hokkaidos Tsurui Village, residents have created a remarkable partnership with nature. Here, the rare red-crowned crane – a symbol of longevity in Japanese culture – thrives year-round thanks to local conservation efforts. Winter mornings offer an unforgettable sight as hundreds of these elegant birds perform their mating dances amid steam rising from frozen rivers. The village itself provides an intimate glimpse into rural Hokkaido life, with dairy farms dotting the landscape and traditional onsen (hot springs) offering respite from the cold. Local restaurants serve regional specialties like fresh dairy products and warming hot pot dishes.

3. Ouchijuku: A Preserved Edo Period Town (Fukushima)

Walking into Ouchijuku feels like stepping through a time portal to Japans Edo period (1603-1867). This former post towns thatched-roof buildings line an old trade route, maintaining their original appearance through careful preservation efforts. Modern power lines are notably absent, enhancing the historical atmosphere. Do not miss the local specialty of negi-soba – buckwheat noodles eaten with a whole green onion as a utensil. Winter brings heavy snowfall, transforming the town into a scene worthy of a traditional Japanese painting.

4. Shirakawa-go: UNESCO Mountain Village (Gifu)

While Shirakawa-go might be the most well-known destination on our list, its UNESCO World Heritage status is well-deserved. The villages distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands, have withstood heavy snow loads for centuries. What many visitors miss is the opportunity to stay overnight in one of these farmhouses. As day-trippers leave, the village returns to its peaceful self, offering guests a chance to experience traditional mountain life. Join your hosts for dinner around an irori (hearth), where local ingredients become memorable meals.

5. Asuke: Traditional Craft Town (Aichi)

Hidden in the mountains of Aichi Prefecture, Asuke maintains a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. The towns narrow streets reveal workshops where artisans still create pottery, textiles, and woodwork using techniques passed down through generations. Visit during the autumn Koyo festival when maple trees lining the historic Korankei gorge burst into brilliant color. The towns preserved merchants houses, now serving as museums and craft shops, offer insights into Japans commercial heritage.

6. Taketa: Castle Town of Samurai History (Oita)

Known as the "Little Kyoto of Kyushu," Taketa offers visitors a chance to explore samurai culture without the crowds. The ruins of Taketa Castle, sitting atop a mountain, tell tales of feudal power struggles, while well-preserved samurai districts below maintain their Edo-period atmosphere. The towns Christian heritage, including hidden caves where persecuted believers once worshipped, adds another layer to its rich history. Do not miss the local specialty of donguri (acorn) noodles, a unique dish born from times of hardship.

7. Ojika Island: Living Museum of Japanese Island Life (Nagasaki)

Off the coast of Nagasaki, Ojika Island represents the best of Japans slower-paced island life. With no traffic lights and few cars, the islands 2,500 residents maintain a lifestyle that prioritizes community and tradition. Ancient stone walls line narrow paths between traditional homes, while fishermen still use traditional methods passed down through generations. Stay in a renovated kominka (traditional house) to experience island hospitality firsthand. Join local activities like fishing, farming, or learning to make traditional crafts from island artisans.