For travellers who want a nostalgic and unique travel experience, below is a list of 9 traditional Japanese towns to visit. These will indeed be embedded in your travel memories and suitable for anyone wanting a different environment.

Many travellers revisit Japan, returning to old cities like Osaka, Tokyo, or Sapporo, always looking for something different. Why not embark on a journey that will take you back in time through some of these traditional towns in Japan?

9 Traditional Japanese Towns to Visit

Below is a list of nine carefully selected towns in Japan for anyone wanting to visit. You must plan carefully to see some incredible places that some say time has forgotten. They are not your general in-and-out tourist destination, and you will not see hordes of tourists at most of these places.

Since Japan opened up after the pandemic, there has been a lot of negativity about overtourism in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. With many trying to avoid crowded major cities, smaller towns have begun to rise in visitors discovering a different side of Japan. This list of traditional towns to visit is a great way to discover Japan.

Kawagoe, Saitama

Kawagoe’s old town, also known as “Little Edo,” captures the essence of its historical Japanese charm. The well-preserved Koedo area, with its traditional kurazukuri buildings, will take you back in time, leaving you wondering how places like this still exist in the modern day.

The ‘Toki no Kane’ bell tower rings four times daily, making you wonder why, only to attract you there to learn more about this place. The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine during cherry blossom season is not to be missed if you love taking photos of the Sakura trees. Visiting Kawagoe can be done on a half-day trip out of Saitama.

Sarawa, Chiba

Sawara’s old town in Chiba offers a fascinating blend of history and comes packaged with picturesque scenery. The canals and traditional architecture vividly depict its past as a bustling transport hub, providing a rare glimpse into a side of Japan many hardly have seen.

A boat ride through the historic waterways in Sawara is a serene and immersive experience, letting visitors soak in the area’s heritage and natural beauty. The location of Sarawa is not too far from Tokyo and Narita Airport, which makes it a perfect spot for a day trip or a short getaway.

Kurashiki, Okayama

Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter is a captivating destination that blends history and scenic beauty. The old storehouses, transformed into shops, cafés, and museums, add a lively and contemporary twist to the area’s historic charm.

The willow-lined canal provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely boat ride—it’s easy to see why this would be a highlight of the visit. The town’s history as a major rice distribution centre tends to bring you back in time when you look at some of the places here. If you plan a visit here, the canal boat ride and exploring the converted storehouses seem like must-do activities.

Yanaka Ginza, Tokyo

Yanaka Ginza is a vibrant and nostalgic shopping street in Tokyo’s Yanaka district, known for its old-fashioned charm and a taste of Tokyo’s past. This area survived much of the devastation of World War II, so it retains a historic atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in modern Tokyo.

Yanaka is also a wonderful place to experience Tokyo’s history and culture. It is an excellent destination for exploring traditional neighbourhoods and local markets. Plus, it offers some great authentic Japanese food. Please read my article on what to see, eat, and do in Yanaka Ginza.

Kinosaki, Hyogo

Kinosaki Onsen Old Town offers a rich history and charming ambience. The Otani River runs through the city, adding a picturesque touch. The fact that Kinosaki Onsen is so walkable and people can be seen in Yukata and Geta enhances the place’s traditional feel, making you wonder if you should rent traditional Japanese attire.

Strolling along cobblestone streets while soaking in the historic atmosphere is guaranteed to be a memorable experience, and if you have a great eye, you may end up with some incredible Instagram photos.

Narai, Nagano

Narai in Nagano’s Kiso Valley offers visitors a fascinating slice of Japan’s past as it was once a major post town on the Nakasendo Route. The beautifully restored houses, souvenir shops, restaurants, and minshuku guesthouses along the main street will bring you back to a time of ancient Japan.

At the same time, the absence of cars adds to the charm, creating a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere that enhances the traditional experience. This is hands down one of Japan’s most beautiful preserved old towns.

Kakunodate, Akita

Kakunodate is a historical destination if you’re interested in Japan’s samurai history. The former samurai district’s street layout from the 1600s has been preserved, adding a unique historical depth to the experience.

Visiting the preserved samurai residences provides an intriguing glimpse into life during that era. If you come from March to April, the cherry blossoms in spring will be an added mega bonus—imagine walking down those historic streets lined with weeping cherry trees in full bloom and dressed in a traditional Kimono or Yukata. This is a perfect Instagram shot!

Nagamachi, Ishikawa

Kanazawa’s Nagamachi Buke Yashiki is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those seeking a glimpse into Japan’s samurai past. The well-preserved samurai residences with distinctive earthen walls give the area a unique and authentic look and feel.

The Shinise Kinenkan Museum, housed in a former pharmacy, is undoubtedly one of the must-visit places when you are here. Exploring the historical district and enjoying local shops and restaurants makes Nagamachi an appealing day trip for those who appreciate these kinds of tourism.

Tsuwano, Shimane

Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture is a picturesque and culturally rich destination with the nickname “Little Kyoto”. It seems well-deserved, given its historical charm and some resemblance to the old capital.

The canals in various parts of the town are filled with colourful carp, adding a serene and picturesque touch to the city. With charming shops, cafés, and restaurants housed in historic buildings, Tsuwano is a great place to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture while enjoying modern comforts and taking your own sweet time.

Conclusion

Among the many traditional Japanese towns to visit, you cannot visit them all in one trip. Therefore, I recommend you plan carefully, and you may be able to see three to four towns in one trip. Or maybe you can do this as an annual trip to various parts of Japan.

As for me, I have only visited three out of the nine old towns of Japan listed here and every year, I will make it a point to try and go to a different part of Japan to experience some of these unique places that time has forgotten.