7 Enchanting Small Towns in Japan You Need to Explore

Japan is indeed facing the challenges of overtourism, but this phenomenon affects only certain areas—mainly the bustling cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. A fantastic way to escape the crowds and contribute positively to other regions is to discover some of Japan’s charming smaller towns. These include onsen (hot springs) resorts, cherished by locals for relaxation, and historic, lesser-known cities that have maintained their traditional lifestyles for centuries. Many are even convenient day trips from popular spots, such as Yamanaka Onsen, located southwest of Kanazawa, or Otaru, just 22 miles from Sapporo.

Kurashiki, Okayama

Nestled in the heart of Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, on Japan’s main island of Honshu, you’ll find the historic white-walled kura storehouses lining the scenic canal. This charming area dates back to the Edo Period (1603–1867), and while Japan often replaces old structures with modern buildings, these kura have been transformed into delightful cafés, museums, and boutiques. The Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest museum dedicated to Western art, boasts an impressive collection featuring works by Picasso, Rodin, and Gauguin. Additional museums worth visiting include the Museum of Folkcraft, showcasing tableware and textiles, and the Archaeological Museum. The Kojima district in Kurashiki is also celebrated as the birthplace of Japanese denim, so be sure to browse the shops for top-quality selvedge jeans before you leave.

Accommodation Options

The Ryokan Kurashiki Residence features historic townhouses located within the Bikan Historical District.

Otaru, Hokkaido

Located just 45 minutes by train from Sapporo, the port city of Otaru was historically the terminal for the first railway connecting to Sapporo. The picturesque Otaru Canal is bordered by historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, when the area thrived as a busy port for fishing and trade. During that time, smaller boats transported goods from the port to the brick warehouses lining the canal. Hokkaido is renowned for its delicious fruits, sweets, and dairy products, leading to numerous shops offering soft serve, cheesecake, and baked treats. Sake enthusiasts should not miss the Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura, operating since 1899. Otaru Sushi Street boasts around two dozen sushiya serving incredibly fresh sushi, rivaling that found in Tokyo. For spirit lovers, the nearby city of Yoichi houses the famous Nikka Whisky Distillery.

Accommodation Options

Kuramure is a luxurious modern ryokan, featuring hot-springs water in every private bathroom.

Ouchi Juku, Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima

Dating back to the Edo Period (1603–1867), Ouchi Juku is a historic post town where weary travelers would find rest in local inns. This quaint village, comprising just 30 thatched-roof houses, has seen little change over the years. Visitors can explore the interiors of these traditional buildings at the town’s museum-like Machinami Tenjikan, which once served as lodging for shoguns (military leaders). A local culinary delight is negi soba, where buckwheat noodles are served with a single long Japanese leek (negi) for diners to use in picking up the slippery soba. Another renowned dish is shingoro, a sticky rice cake skewered on a wooden stick, seasoned with miso and soy sauce, and grilled to perfection over an open flame.

Accommodation Options

The expansive onsen hot springs resort, Ookawaso, offers kaiseki dinners accompanied by live shamisen (three-stringed instrument) performances every evening.

Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa

With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Yamanaka Onsen is renowned for its healing hot springs. Most visitors opt to spend the night in a traditional ryokan that offers private hot springs. For those just passing through, Kiku no Yu serves as the public bathhouse in the heart of the village, welcoming both locals and daytime guests. Some ryokan also permit higaeri (day use) for their hot springs. The village boasts shops selling traditional crafts, particularly Yamanaka lacquerware. Additionally, the region is known for Kutaniyaki pottery, celebrated for its vibrant glazes and intricate designs. Culinary highlights include Kaga heirloom vegetables and local seafood such as buri yellowtail and nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch) sourced from nearby Toyama Bay. The mountainous surroundings are rich in wild spring vegetables, many of which are appreciated for their slightly bitter flavors.

Accommodation Options

Beniya Mukayu, a member of the Relais & Château collection, boasts opulent amenities, including a spa and private onsens in every room.

Shirakawa-Go, Gifu

This enchanting village features charming Gassho-style thatched-roof houses and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, alongside Gokayama in nearby Toyama. Nestled in the mountains, the farmhouses of Shirakawa-Go date back to around 1800, designed to endure some of Japan's heaviest snowfall. A collective of up to 200 villagers collaborates to replace the roofs every 20 to 30 years. For those planning a day trip, buses are available from Kanazawa, Ishikawa, or Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.

Where to stay

Guests at the traditional wooden house, or machiya, at Taniya Hida enjoy access to the Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, an Important Cultural Property.

Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

Nestled on the southern island of Kyushu, the charming village of Kurokawa Onsen features over two dozen traditional ryokan. The town center is car-free, encouraging visitors to don cotton yukata (robes) as they stroll the pedestrian streets for shopping or soaking in hot springs. Each inn offers its own hot spring and provides both breakfast and dinner—vital, as there are no convenience stores in this quaint town. Many guests opt for a pass that grants access to three additional baths at nearby inns. The nearby Mount Aso is an active volcano featuring one of the world's largest calderas, measuring 15 miles in diameter.

Where to stay

Many of the elegant rooms at the contemporary Takafue Ryokan, nestled in a bamboo forest, feature private baths.

Wakimachi, Tokushima

Wakimachi captivates visitors with its indigo heritage and traditional architecture. In Minami Machi, Udatsu Street was once bustling with indigo merchants during the Edo Period. The local Tokushima technique is the gold standard for aizome (traditional indigo dyeing), and the scent of fermenting indigo permeates the air. Guests can try their hand at dyeing T-shirts, scarves, or handkerchiefs at Aizome Kobo. The distinctive Udatsu-style buildings are notable for their firewall structures on the second floors, a unique feature of this region.

Accommodation options

Located about an hour's drive away, the exclusive Hotel Ridge features only nine rooms. This modern establishment is perched on a hill, offering stunning views of the Naruto Strait that separates Shikoku from the nearby Awaji Island.