12 of Japan's Most Beautiful and Distinctive Rural Villages

Japan has many beautiful rural villages, each with its own distinct charm, from stunning nature to fascinating history. We have selected villages that are members of The Most Beautiful Villages Union in Japan, an association that belongs to a world federation with members in many countries. In this article, Talon Japan brings you 12 beautiful and distinctively Japanese villages that you should visit at least once.

1. Ine-cho (伊根町), Kyoto Prefecture, Kansai Region

It was once a famous fishing village, and today it retains many interesting traditions, from performing arts to local specialty foods and traditional dress. The highlight of the village is its row of 230 houses along Ine Bay, a sight found nowhere else in Japan. See more about visiting Ine fishing village here

2. Kamikatsu-cho Village (上勝町), Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku Region

A mountain village famous for its terraced rice fields, 55 in total, cascading down steep slopes from 100 to 700 meters above sea level. It is one of Japan's most famous spots for terraced rice field scenery.

3. Minamioguni-cho Village (南小国町), Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Region

The name Minamioguni Village may not be familiar, but many people will recognize Kurokawa Onsen. It is a small, old village with hot spring inns on both sides of a valley through which the Tanohara River, part of the river system of the Chikugo, the longest river on Kyushu, flows. The village has preserved its traditional beauty well, making it one of the most famous onsen villages in Japan. See more about Kurokawa Onsen town here

4. Totsukawa Village (十津川村), Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region

This is the largest village by area in Japan, but 96% of its land is mountain forest and ravines, giving it vast and beautiful nature. There are several pilgrimage routes popular with Japanese travelers, especially the routes through the Kii Mountains, which are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also another well-known hot spring destination in Japan. Information on visiting Totsukawa Onsen

5. Higashi-Naruse Village (東成瀬村), Akita Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

It is said to have the clearest skies in Japan, which is why it is home to a large observatory and astronomy museum that draws astronomers and stargazers alike. Most of the area is a maze of hills, with many waterfalls, making it another popular nature destination in Japan.

6. Kitashiobara Village (北塩原村), Fukushima Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

This village is tucked away in the mountain forest, with more than 80% of its land covered in forest, making it one of the most scenic villages in Japan. It also has a large lake with striking natural colors.

7. Kiso-cho Village (木曽町), Nagano Prefecture, Chūbu Region

An interesting old village in Nagano Prefecture, with the atmosphere of an old Japanese town tucked away amid beautiful nature. One highlight is the historic Nakasendo trail. The Kaida Highlands on the slopes of Mount Ontake also offer peaceful, beautiful green meadow views.

8. Biei-cho Village (美瑛町), Hokkaido Region

One of the most beautiful villages on Hokkaido for its natural scenery. Locals call it the "Town on the Hill," because the village is built on rolling hills. It is also known for its large flower gardens, especially its lavender fields. See more about visiting Biei here

9. Nagiso-cho Village (南木曽町), Nagano Prefecture, Chūbu Region

Another beautiful, historic village in Japan, with many buildings surviving from Japan's flourishing Edo period. This old town district is called Tsumago-juku, and it looks completely different in each season. It is not far from Kiso-cho (No. 7), so the two share a similar atmosphere. If you get the chance to visit Nagano Prefecture, consider visiting one of these two villages.

10. Nakanojo-cho Kuni Village (中之条町六合), Gunma Prefecture, Kanto Region

More than 90% of this village is mountains, forest, and wide grasslands, with a large lake and a peaceful, beautiful setting. This has made it a favorite retreat for Japanese poets to rest and write, and it is only about 3 hours from Tokyo. It is also known for its hot springs and its famous soba dish called Juuwari soba.

11. Yoshino-cho Village (吉野町), Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region

A village on Mount Yoshino, famous for having the largest number of cherry trees in Japan and some of its most beautiful blossom views. However, seeing the blossoms can be tricky, since the short bloom period varies each year, roughly from late March to mid-April. Beyond the cherry blossoms, it is also a peaceful, beautiful mountain village. See more about Mount Yoshino here

12. Tsurui Village (鶴居村), Hokkaido Region

Its name means "village with cranes." It is home to Japan's largest population of a rare crane species, which lives along the rivers and streams around the village, drawn by its peaceful environment. This has made it a popular birdwatching spot for people who travel here to observe the cranes' natural way of life.