Experience Local Culture in Japan: Village and Town Tours

Japan is renowned for its modern cities and technological advancements, but its rural areas and small settlements also offer fantastic opportunities to explore the country's cultural richness. Japanese villages and towns preserve traditional lifestyles, allowing visitors to experience the true spirit of Japan.

Japanese Villages and Towns

If you want to experience local culture during your trip to Japan, make sure to include Japanese villages and towns in your travel plan.

Shirakawa-go: Historic Farmhouses

Shirakawa-go, located in Gifu Prefecture, is a village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This village is famous for its traditional Gassho-zukuri style houses. Gassho-zukuri means "praying hands," named for the steep roofs of the houses that resemble hands in prayer.

Key features of Shirakawa-go include:

Gassho-zukuri Houses: These houses have thick thatched roofs and are built to withstand heavy snowfall. Some of the houses are over 250 years old.
Open-Air Museum: Some of the houses in the village are used as museums, showcasing traditional Japanese lifestyles. Inside, you can see old farming tools, weaving looms, and everyday items.
Seasonal Beauty: Shirakawa-go offers different beauty in each season. In winter, the snow-covered houses create a fairy-tale landscape. In spring and summer, the lush greenery and flowers enchant visitors.

Takayama: The Heart of Traditional Japanese Architecture

Among Japanese villages and towns, Takayama, located in Gifu Prefecture, is a town that has preserved its historical character. The streets of Takayama are filled with wooden houses and narrow alleys from the Edo period. Takayama is an ideal place to explore traditional Japanese culture.

Highlights of Takayama include:

Sanmachi-suji District: This area is filled with historic wooden houses. Many of these houses are now used as craft shops, sake breweries, and local restaurants. Walking through these streets gives visitors a sense of traveling back in time.
Takayama Matsuri: One of Japan's most famous festivals, the Takayama Festival, is held in April and October. Colorful parades, traditional music, and dances are a significant part of the festival.
Hida Folk Village: This open-air museum near Takayama displays traditional houses from the Hida region. Visitors can walk through these houses and get a close look at the old Japanese lifestyle.

Kanazawa: Center of Art and Crafts

Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, is another Japanese town famous for its history. Filled with samurai-era relics, traditional Japanese gardens, and craft workshops, Kanazawa is a great place to experience Japanese culture and art.

Highlights of Kanazawa include:

Kenrokuen Garden: Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen offers different beauties throughout the four seasons. The garden features ponds, teahouses, and stone bridges.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum, showcasing modern artworks, blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary art. Visitors enjoy exploring this museum filled with interactive exhibits and impressive artworks.
Higashi Chaya District: Kanazawa's old teahouse district, Higashi Chaya, is perfect for exploring traditional Japanese architecture and culture. Here, you can participate in traditional tea ceremonies and purchase local crafts.

Hakone: Natural Beauty and Hot Springs

Among Japanese villages and towns, Hakone is a popular tourist destination close to Tokyo. Known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and historical sites, Hakone is a great place to experience Japan's rural charm.

Highlights of Hakone include:

Mount Hakone and Lake Ashi: You can enjoy scenic mountain hikes and boat tours on the lake in this region. The view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi offers an ideal photo opportunity.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: This museum is famous for its sculptures and artworks displayed amidst natural beauty. The perfect harmony of art and nature offers visitors a unique experience.
Onsen Experience: Hakone is renowned for its hot springs. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer guests the opportunity to relax in natural hot spring waters. This experience is ideal for discovering Japan's traditional hospitality and the healing power of nature.

Japanese villages and towns offer unique opportunities to explore the country's cultural richness and historical beauty. From the traditional farmhouses of Shirakawa-go to the historic streets of Takayama, the art and craft centers of Kanazawa to the natural hot springs of Hakone, each village and town allows visitors to experience the authentic lifestyle of Japan.

Are you ready to explore Japan's villages and towns with JRP? On this adventure, you will not only learn about history and culture but also feel the true spirit of this enchanting country!