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Ever since the Edo Period, there’ve been three cities widely regarded as the most important in Japan: Tokyo (Edo), Osaka, and Kyoto. These were, respectively, the political, commercial and cultural capitals of the nation. To use a bodily analogy, these were the mind, body and heart of Japan. Much has been said about these cities, but today, in partnership with Jetpac eSIM, we want to explore something different. We want to tell you about the soul of Japan. Highlight those not-often mentioned, but ever-present places that have retained their authenticity amidst the rise of mass tourism. Places that reflect the nation’s history, making them ideal for travellers eager for knowledge and adventure. We want, in short, to tell you about some hidden, beautiful and enchanting Japanese Villages.

In the following article, we’ll explore a selection of ten Japanese villages we consider particularly fascinating. Do keep in mind, dear readers, that this is just a small selection, and we hope that, after you visit them, return looking for more. Because yes, we want you to visit these Japanese villages, as just learning about them won’t capture their special magic. For that reason, the entries in this article aim to ignite the traveller in you. These are not suggestions, per se, but rather glimpses into a fascinating world awaiting your arrival. So, join us as we dive into these intriguing and captivating places.

 

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan

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But before we begin, it’s worth mentioning a remarkable initiative that aligns with our journey: The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan. Inspired by a similar movement in France, this official association was established in 2005 to protect and celebrate rural communities rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Villages must meet strict criteria to be considered, including the presence of traditional architecture, scenic landscapes, and efforts toward preservation and sustainability.

There are now dozens of these designated villages across Japan—from the snowy hamlets of Hokkaido to the thatched-roof farmhouses of Gifu—each recognised for embodying the timeless charm and authenticity that modern tourism often overlooks. These aren’t simply scenic stops; they are living, breathing expressions of local heritage. In many ways, they serve as anchors to Japan’s soul, preserving customs, craftsmanship, and community in ways cities can no longer manage.

So, as we share our selection of ten fascinating villages, you may spot some of these officially designated places among them—and others that, while not formally recognised, resonate just as deeply with the spirit of rural Japan.

 

Shirakawa-Go & Gokayama

Shirakawa village on winter

Image credit: Unsplash

Starting this list with a double entry, Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama are two of the most interesting villages in all of Japan. What sets them apart, and the reason they’re often paired together, is their immaculately preserved Gasshō-zukuri architecture. This style dates back to the Edo Period, where it was reserved mostly for farmers and artisans, because of the four social classes established. Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama are, therefore, time capsules of Japan’s ancient rural life. For this reason, UNESCO recognized it as a world heritage site in 1995.

Because of the societal divide, and the fact farmers are nowadays considered a low class, one would expect their houses’ appeal to be solely historical. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Gasshō-zukuri architecture was specifically designed for life in the countryside, being both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The name derives from their 60-degree roofs, which are said to resemble two hands in prayer. These roofs, additionally, make the houses perfectly suited for the countryside weather, especially heavy snowfall, which easily slides off them. Furthermore, the houses are spacious and functional, being two to three-story tall, and able to keep the whole family warm.

However, you shouldn’t just take our word for it, as there are many houses open to the public for you to visit. In Shirakawa-Go you have both the Wada and Nagase houses at your disposal; and in Gokayama the houses Murakami, Haba, and Iwase are a must-visit. So, let yourself be transported to the Edo period and visit these enchanting villages.

How to get to Shirakawa-Go & Gokayama

Shirakawa Village Autumn

Image credit: Shino Nakamura

The best connected major cities to Shirakawa-Go & Gokayama are Takayama and Toyama respectively. From there, you can take a 50-minute direct bus from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-Go; or a 80-minute bus (with multiple stops) from Takaoka Station to Gokayama. We’d personally recommend you visit Toyama for this trip, as the Takaoka bus also stops at Shirakawa-Go. The trip, however, is significantly longer this way, taking close to 130 minutes. The bus in question is called Kaetsunou, and it’s best to reserve it in advance due to the popularity of the route.

Beyond this, Kanazawa and Nagoya are also very well-connected to Shirakawa-Go, offering direct buses. From Kanazawa, there are the Nohi and Hokutetsu buses, which usually take around 80-minutes to make the journey. From Nagoya, you have the Gifu Buses, which take close to 3 hours to arrive at Shirakawa-Go. For these options, we would also encourage you to book tickets in advance.

 

Yoshino

Yoshino Village

Image credit: GaijinPot Travel

Spiritually important and aesthetically gorgeous, Yoshino is a Japanese village whose name you won’t forget from now on. The town itself is famous across Japan, as it’s arguably the best sakura cherry blossom spot in the whole nation. Mount Yoshino, Yoshino’s most famous attraction, features close to 30,000 cherry trees, making the environment colorful and vibrant during the spring. Furthermore, the unique Weeping Yoshino Cherry Tree blooms a peculiar white, adding that colour on top of the typical pink, giving the village a calm and spiritual feel to it. This is why it’s no coincidence the Mikumari-jinja Shrine, located at Mount Yoshino itself, is the best spot for admiring the cherry blossom.

The spiritual aspect here is no hyperbole, as even when there aren’t any Yoshino cherry trees blossoming, the town maintains it. Case in point, Shugendo practitioners, who come during the summer to strengthen their endurance and mental resilience in the path to enlightenment. These aspiring monks travel from Yoshino to the Kinpusen-ji Temple, located at Mount Omine, which is an arduous trial you could participate in. As a side note, this is one of the Kumano Kodo routes, a 1000-year-old Shinto pilgrimage trail, to which we have dedicated an entire article.

With its great accommodation featuring hot springs, and some enchanting man-made gardens, including some by historical tea-master Sen no Rikyū, Yoshino is a sight to behold. Whether it’s winter, summer, autumn or spring, your journey to Yoshino is bound to be beautiful.

How to get to Yoshino

Car ride to Yoshino

Image credit: Japan Travel

Due to its popularity as a cherry blossom spot, Yoshino is well-connected via train to three major cities: Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. For all of these cities, you have either Kintetsu Railways or Japan Railways as an option. The first one, Kintetsu, is definitely the more convenient option, as it offers direct transportation to Yoshino Station. Japan Railways, on the other hand, goes up to Yoshino-guchi Station, and eventually requires transferring to a Kintetsu train. This being said, Japan Railways may be convenient for Japan Rail Pass users, who can save money on the trip up to Yoshino-guchi Station.

As for the cities themselves, despite Yoshino being in the Nara prefecture, Osaka is considered the best connected city. From Osaka Abenobashi Station, you can take a Kintetsu train directly to Yoshino, and arrive in 90 minutes with no transfers. From the Kyoto Station, a Kintetsu train will get you to Yoshino in 130 minutes, with only one transfer at Kashiharajingu-mae Station. Finally, a train from the Kintetsu Nara Station will get you to Yoshino in 95 minutes with two transfers, at Yamato-Saidaiji and Kashiharajingu-mae Stations. For these transfers, we recommend you stay vigilant, and our partner Jetpac eSIM can help you with that. With their reliable internet access, you can easily keep track of the stations and guarantee you won’t get lost in the journey.

 

Tochigi

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For those familiar with Japan’s prefectures, it might be surprising to see Tochigi on this list. After all, Tochigi is a prefecture relatively close to Tokyo, and Tochigi should, therefore, be considered a city, not a village. Let me begin by saying you’re absolutely correct. Tochigi is a city, not the capital of the prefecture (that title goes to Utsunomiya), but it’s a big city nonetheless. However, Tochigi is, first-and-foremost, an agricultural settlement, and, as such, is surrounded by a myriad of beautiful villages dedicated to agriculture.

As a matter of fact, one of Tochigi’s most interesting activities is not only visiting these villages, but partaking in their activities. I must now mention that Tochigi is famous for its strawberries, as their farmers have devoted their life to perfecting them. The Tochigi born Tochiotome strawberry or the luxuriously sweet Sky Berry are but a few examples. The best way to enjoy these strawberries is by picking them yourself at strawberry farms, as most of them offer all-you-can-eat picking with a time limit. And these are, of course, located in the villages that surround the city.

Strawberry picking is, nonetheless, only one of the activities you’ll be able to find in the beautiful Japanese villages of Tochigi. You can eat the freshly cultivated fruits and vegetables, enjoy the hospitality of the locals, and admire the magnificently preserved natural landscape. A whole new world of flavors and views await you there.

How to get to Tochigi

As stated before, the Tochigi prefecture is relatively close to Tokyo, which means it is also easily accessible from there. For Tochigi City specifically, you can take the Japan Railways limited express train from the Shinjuku station and arrive in just over an hour. This is the most convenient transportation route, but is by no means the only one.

From Utsunomiya, the capital of the prefecture, you can take a Tobu Railways train and arrive in 30 minutes. Because Utsunomiya is a capital, it’s connected to the Japan Railways Shinkansen (bullet train), meaning you could easily access it from anywhere in the country.

 

Biei

Biei is one of Hokkaido’s flagship locations, to the point if you search “visit Hokkaido” in Google Images, pictures of this beautiful village will show up. The main draw of Biei is the picturesque aesthetic they bring to the natural flora of the region. Their famous floral patchworks have a mosaic feel to them, making them feel like the ultimate collaboration between man and mother nature. Lavender, sunflowers, purple salvia, and more contribute with their colours in order to achieve a harmonic balance that is aesthetically breathtaking. Not to mention, it smells amazing too. You can stroll through some of these floral patchworks, but please always ask the farmers for permission first.

The floral patchworks are, however, not even the most visited attraction of Biei, as this Japanese village is full of surprises. The honour actually corresponds to the famous Blue Pond, an accidental man-made creation that resulted in a glimpse to paradise. Built in 1988, the Blue Pond was originally part of an erosion control system designed to stop mudflow from an active volcano. Eventually, another famous Biei destination, Shirahige Falls, let its water flow through that location, resulting in a body of water full of natural minerals. The result? The water acquired an astounding colour that changes depending on the seasons and weather. From blue, to emerald, to turquoise, the colours of this pond have captivated the nation and the world at large. Case in point, it became an Apple Macintosh desktop wallpaper, so you probably have seen it too.

Biei is, in short, a Japanese village with stories to tell and beautiful spots to show for it. You’ll be in for an adventure like no other, accompanied by a scenery that will forever remain in your mind.

How to get to Biei

Biei Blue Pond

Image credit: By Food

As a notable Hokkaido destination, Biei is accessible from both Asahikawa and Furano, two of the largest cities in the prefecture. Unfortunately, Biei isn’t directly connected to the capital, Sapporo, though Asahikawa can be easily accessed by train from there. While I’m on topic, I’ll add that Biei can be reached by car, bus, or taxi, from the two aforementioned cities. This being said, trains are by far the most convenient method, due to their speed and connectivity.

From both Asahikawa and Furano, it is around a 40 minute train ride to arrive at Biei. As a matter of fact, the JR Furano Line, built to connect these two cities, has Biei in the middle. For that very reason, you’ll need to take the same train to reach Biei from either location, though they’ll be going in different directions. The train in question is from JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido railway company), and can be boarded at either Furano Station or Asahikawa Station.

 

Chizu-cho

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Perhaps the least touristy of the Japanese villages covered so far, Chizu-cho is a charming gem awaiting your arrival. Located in the Tottori prefecture, this enchanting town was blessed by nature, surrounded by the Chūgoku Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Sendai River. Considering nature covers up to 90% of the village, it’s no wonder the locals have come to see it as part of their identity. Furthermore, they have successfully preserved it in a way that remains unique to the Chizu.

To start off with the Chugoku Mountains, these are covered with cedar, pine, cherry and bamboo trees. This selection alone would give any garden an immaculate Japanese aesthetic, but finding them all next to a downtown area is something truly remarkable. The farmhouses, cafés, shopping streets and more, are all engulfed in this exquisite dance with Japanese flora. Chizu-cho, in short, feels authentically Japanese in a way it’s almost unbelievable. It’s like the quintessential Japanese village.

As for the Sendai River, this one has a historical connection to Chizu-cho’s development. This is due to the fact the cold running water of the river was perfectly suited for the production of Washi, a traditional Japanese paper. During the Edo Period, Washi produced in Chizu-cho, and subsequently exported to Tottori City, was a highly sought-after commodity. To this day, Chizu-cho still produces Washi the traditional way, being one of the most interesting products you can find there.

How to get to Chizu-cho

The closest major city to Chizu-cho is the capital of the prefecture, Tottori City. From there, your options include train, bus, car and even bicycle if you’re up for a challenge. With a train, it is a 50-minute ride on the Inbi Line, or a 30-minute ride on Shinkansen limited express trains Hakuto and Inaba. These trains depart from the Tottori Station. For a bus, which also departs from the Tottori Station, it’s close to an hour-ride. Rental cars take approximately 35 minutes, and bicycle rides are close to an hour and a half, depending on your endurance.

Besides Tottori City, Chizu-cho is also connected to Kyoto, Osaka, and Himeji through the previously mentioned Hakuto Shinkansen train. Additionally, through the Inaba Shinkansen, Chizu-cho is connected to Okayama. The time to arrive from these locations can vary between cities. From both Himeji and Okayama is close to one hour; from Osaka it’s approximately 2 hours; and from Kyoto, the furthest of them all, is two hours and a half. In either case, the transportation requires no transfers and getting to Chizu-cho is a trip worth the journey.

 

Kamijima

Kamijima mountain views

Image credit: Kamijima Info

Going from the floral gem that was Chuzo-cho, we travel to the ocean pearl that is the village of Kamijima. Located between Onomichi and Shikokuchūō, this village is an archipelago composed of 25 different little islands. As you would expect from any paradise near the ocean, Kamijima is full of breathtaking beaches and a lively coastal lifestyle. However, and perhaps most importantly, it adds a unique Japanese touch into the mix. Nowhere is this clearer than in Iwagi island, where Mount Sekizen lets its 3,000 sakura Cherry Trees bloom by the sea. The spectacle is so fascinating, in fact, the residents of the island come together to celebrate a festival around it: the Sakura Matsuri.

Beyond this, Kamijima is a Japanese village where taking your time and finding your rhythm is encouraged. Travelling from island to island, for example, can be done either by car or boat, as they are all interconnected by bridges. Add to this that there are no traffic lights in sight, and you can take things as calmly or as fast as you want. Do you want to see everything this village has to offer in a short amount of time? Or would you rather let the ocean breeze guide you through it? The decision is up to you.

We must also mention that Kamijima’s unique disposition makes it ideal for the more sporty type of travellers. You can choose to bike around the islands, hike their wild mountains like Mount Kushi or Mount Ikima, or jog around from coast to coast. Whether it’s the calm ocean scenery or the outdoors adventures, Kamijima is ready to let you in.

How to get to Kamijima

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As an archipelago, the best and easiest way to get to Kamijima is to take a ferry, particularly one from the Mihara Port. Mihara, the city, is located in the Hiroshima prefecture, which makes Hiroshima the closest major city. However, Mihara is connected to the Sanyo Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible from Osaka, Himeji or Okayama with a Kodama train. In any case, you’ll first need to arrive at Mihara Shinkansen Station, and then walk five minutes to the Mihara Port. Once there, you’ll need to take one of the hourly ferries to Kamijima, which takes approximately 40 minutes to arrive. Afterwards, you’ll be free to explore.

As for other options, the Habu Port in Innoshima island also offers ferry transportation to Kamijima. You can get to Innoshima by either the previously mentioned Mihara Port, or by taking a car through the Shimanami Kaido Expressway. The first option sounds redundant for our purposes, but the second could have its uses. To our knowledge, this might be the best option if you’re using a rental car, as they specified you can take it there, unlike with the Mihara Port. We’re not saying Mihara Port ferries don’t allow cars to Kamijima, only that they don’t explicitly say so in their website, so it’s best to be cautious.

 

Ochiai

Ochiai Village

Image credit: Trip Advisor

Similarly to Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama, the Ochiai village dates back to the Edo period and has maintained its essence ever since. However, Ochiai has several unique features that set it apart from other Japanese villages. First is the architecture, which consists mostly of traditional thatched-roof houses, providing visitors with a glimpse into a different era of Japanese history. Secondly, there’s the houses’ arrangement, all being built on a 400-meter mountain slope. From the highest to the lowest point in the village, the elevation change is approximately 390 meters, making Ochiai a steep hillside covered with houses. The result of this is a captivating town that invites you to climb through its streets and learn its history. For this reason, it was designated as a national preserved heritage site in 2005.

As you make your ascent from the lowest to the highest point in Ochiai, your imagination will be prompted by questions and answers. Where am I? In Ochiai, the heart of the Iya Valley. What’s the Iya Valley? A natural sanctuary, surrounded by mountains and rivers, where emperors of old found refuge. What emperors? The Heike (Taira) clan was said to live here after they lost the Genpei War. Is it true? Who knows, it is a folk legend. Eventually, you’ll meet the locals, and they’ll open up to you in a warm way. Then you’ll think, maybe, just maybe, there is some truth to the folk legends, as any Emperor would feel lucky to find a refuge in Ochiai.

How to get to Ochiai

Traversing the Iya Valley

Image credit: GaijinPot Travel

There’s a reason a legend exists about the Heike clan finding refuge in Ochiai, as the Iya Valley is, historically speaking, one of the most remote places in Japan. Thanks to the Shikoku mountains that surrounded it, many historical roads were cut off from it, making it an ideal place to hide. Although the Iya Valley is now recognized as a fantastic destination due to its pristine natural scenery, and has thus become easily accessible, the same can’t be said about Ochiai.

Ochiai is, essentially, only accessible by car. And, since there are no major car rentals in the Iya Valley, you’ll need to take one from Miyoshi City, the closest urban center. Of course, if you’re already planning a road trip through Japan, you’ll need to travel to the Iya Valley first, which can be easily done from Osaka or Awa-Ikeda. Once you have the car and are nearing the Iya Valley, you’ll want to take the Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange to National Highway 32, where you’ll be able to reach Ochiai. The journey can be quite a hassle, but reaching the mesmerizing Ochiai village is worth it.

 

Wazuka

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After such a complicated journey to Ochiai, it is only natural to look for a place that’s equally charming but with easier access. Enter Wazuka, the hidden treasure of Kyoto. Wazuka is a village that made a name for itself thanks to one thing: Green Tea. And, since Matcha is a product derived from green tea, Wazuka matcha is also famous worldwide. Sprawling green tea fields and matcha farms cover this land, giving it a green and picturesque atmosphere. As a matter of fact, one of the names usually used to describe Wazuka is the “hometown of green tea.”

The relationship between Wazuka and green tea goes back at least 800 years, where it was designated for tea production during the Kamakura period. From there on out, Wazuka has been at the forefront of Tea production, being one of the most important producers in the country. Back in the day, it was because they developed the Uji-cha tea, a form of tea that will eventually become synonymous with Kyoto. Currently, the town is home to the Obubu Tea Farm, one of the largest and highest quality tea producers in Japan.

Whether it is with Matcha, Sencha or Gyokuro tea, Wazuka remains one of the best places to try exquisite Japanese flavours. You can, of course, join the many tea aficionados that have been amazed by Wazuka by going on a tea tour (or an Uji matcha tour). In Wazuka you’ll find many local itineraries for these, but perhaps the best is the Obubu Tea Farm guided tour. They’re particularly well suited for international travellers, with bilingual staff members, a large farming area and a deep understanding of the town’s history with tea. Definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.

How to get to Wazuka

Wazuka Village

Image credit: Bret Lama

Despite being part of the Kyoto prefecture, Wazuka is located at the edge of it, making Nara the closest major city. From both Kyoto and Nara, a train and a bus ride are necessary. For the train ride, you’ll need to get off at Kamo Station, which is the last stop at the Kansai Main Line. The Kansai line is not directly connected to either Kyoto or Nara, so you’ll need to take the Nara Line, built to connect Kyoto and Nara, and transfer at the Kizu Station. The train usually departs every 15 minutes from either city. The ride itself can take up to 50 minutes if you start from Kyoto, and approximately 12 if you do it from Nara. From the Kizu station to the Kamo Station, it should be an easy 5-minute ride.

Once in Kamo, you’ll need to take bus 66 Nara Kotsu to Wazuka, which takes close to 10 minutes. If it’s not the smell, the beautiful green scenery will let you know you arrived at your destination. We must now mention the bus has an hourly frequency, so if you’re not prepared you’ll be waiting for a while. Once again, we recommend using our partner Jetpac eSIM to keep track of the schedules and not lose time on inconveniences.

 

Nagiso

The Nagiso village is one that, historically, has been known more as a passage rather than a destination, so now we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. During the Edo Period, the commercial route of Nakasendō was built to connect Kyoto and Edo, and several villages developed around it. Key to these villages was Tsumago, which eventually merged with nearby towns Yomikaki and Tadachi in 1968, giving birth to Nagiso. The result of this was a group of feudal villages with a contemporary, community focused Japanese mentality. A proud people with a clear identity, united under a common appreciation for their history and wilderness. This is perhaps best shown in the Rekishi Shiryokan, a museum dedicated precisely to Nagiso’s special place in Japanese history and nature.

Needless to say, Nagiso is perfectly preserved, with buildings and roads that will immediately transport you to the Edo Period. As a matter of fact, Nagiso residents are keen in maintaining the feudal allure of the area, not allowing cars on the main road and hiding telephone lines. This isn’t to say they reject modernity, rather, they value their traditions more than they do technological conveniences. And, with such a beautiful village to show for it, it’s easy to see why.

Regarding their wilderness, Nagiso is the proud host of the Kiso Valley. Beyond the beautiful forest and lush fields, there are some truly astounding natural beauties. Case in point, the Kiso River, which surrounds the Kiso Valley, and is often called the “Japanese Rhine” due to the similarities with the famous European river. And this is just one example, as they’re still many natural wonders awaiting your arrival in Nagiso.

How to get to Nagiso

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The closest major city to Nagiso is Nagoya, which is directly connected to the village by the JR Limited Express. This train runs between Nagoya Station and Nagano Station. The ride takes approximately one hour to get to Nagiso Station, and the trains depart hourly from the Nagoya Station. As a side note, not all JR limited express trains stop at Nagiso Station, so keep that in mind when boarding a train.

Besides this, travelling by car is also an option, as Nagiso is connected to Nagoya through Japan National Route 19. This trip would take approximately one hour and a half.

 

Umaji

Umaji Village entrance

Image credit: MATCHA

Finally, the last entry on our list is Umaji, an endearing Japanese village that’s a point of pride for the Kōchi prefecture. Similarly to Chizu-cho, Umaji is a village surrounded by wilderness, with almost 96% of its area being covered in forest. Additionally, mountains and rivers can be found all across the area, with notable standouts being the Yasuda River, Mount Eboshi and Mount Jinkichimori. However, the most fascinating thing about Umaji is that they approach nature with an almost childlike wonder. The village’s stores, old railways, roads and cable cars give Umaji a fantasy feel to it. It’s straight out of a children’s book, a musical, or any setting specifically designed to make your imagination fly. Nature flows, quite literally, through the town as if it has always been there.

But enough with my poetic descriptions, what really sets Umaji apart? Well, first of all, Yuzu, a special citric fruit that grows in the Kōchi prefecture. Yuzu is a citrus fruit similar to a hybrid of lemon and tangerine, and it’s used in many Japanese juices, dressings, sauces and even liquors. Umaji, in particular, is one of the biggest Yuzu harvesters, despite only having a population of 800 people. That in itself would be remarkable, but Umaji also specializes in processing it. The Yuzu no Mori Factory, one of Umaji’s best attractions, offers travellers a glimpse into Yuzu’s true potential. Here, you can not only see how they process it, but also have a taste of it in a delicious drink or as an addition to a homemade meal. Add to this the charm mentioned before, and Umaji remains a lovely and sweet town worth your time.

How to get to Umaji

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Because of Umaji’s unique location, surrounded by mountains and rivers, transportation options are limited. The most convenient option here is to take a car ride from Kōchi City, as it’s the closest major city and your ideal starting point. From here, you can take the Japan national route 55 to Yasuda town, and then switch to National Route 12 to reach Umaji. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half.

For other options, we have a multiple stage train-bus journey, which is a little complex and takes slightly longer. From Kōchi City, you’ll first need to take the JR Dosan Line local train from JR Kōchi Station to the Gomen Station. This takes approximately 15 minutes. After this, transfer to the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and get off at Aki Station. This would take close to 40 minutes. Now, finally, take the Tosa Kuroshio bus to Umaji, and wait one hour to arrive at your destination. You can find the schedules for these buses on the Tosa Kuroshio website.

 

Final words

And thus we reach the end of this article. We hope, dear reader, that this selection of towns serve as a reminder of our ultimate goal: celebrate Japanese culture and share it with you. All of the Japanese villages featured hold a special place in our hearts, as little pockets of culture that remained authentic despite mass tourism. Whether it is the almost whimsical Umaji, the beautifully preserved Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama, the naturally gorgeous Yoshino and Kamijima, there is something worth exploring here. After you visit them all, because once you visit one, you’ll want to see the rest, we’ll be more than happy to give you more recommendations.

Finally, when you embark on this amazing journey, be sure to do it with Jetpac eSIM. With their reliable and fantastic travel data, you’ll be able to explore these villages and discover more along the way. From travellers, for travellers, Jetpac eSIM offers the best service for exploring the unique aspects of Japanese villages and cities alike.