5 Hidden Traditional Japanese Villages Worth Discovering

When thinking about traveling to Japan, most people picture bustling cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. However, beyond these urban centers lie hidden gems—traditional Japanese villages and old towns in Japan that preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. These charming destinations, untouched by modern development, offer an authentic glimpse into Japan’s past, with well-preserved Edo- or Meiji-era architecture and a way of life that feels frozen in time.

Today, we’re unveiling five ancient Japanese villages that remain off the radar for many Thai travelers. Each one offers a unique blend of history, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery. So, get your camera ready—because these stunning locations promise an unforgettable journey into Japan’s timeless beauty!

A Hidden Gem by the Sea

Nestled in a quiet bay north of Kyoto, Ine no Funaya is one of Japan’s most unique traditional Japanese villages with over 400 years of history. The name "Funaya" translates to "boat houses," perfectly describing the village’s distinctive architecture—homes built directly over the water, where the lower level serves as a boat dock and the upper level as living quarters.

Seen from the sea, Ine no Funaya’s old Japanese town aesthetic is breathtaking, with 230 wooden houses lining the bay in a picturesque setting. During sunset, golden hues reflect off the water and the wooden facades, creating an almost dreamlike landscape. This mesmerizing view has earned Ine the nickname "The Venice of Japan."

A Way of Life Rooted in the Sea

For centuries, Ine’s residents have lived in harmony with the sea, relying on fishing as their main livelihood. Even today, visitors can witness fishermen setting out at dawn and returning with fresh catches in the afternoon. Many of these are dried and preserved using traditional methods passed down for generations.

The unique design of the Funaya houses isn’t just for aesthetics—clever ventilation systems in the lower boat docks help preserve seafood naturally, a testament to the ingenuity of this ancient Japanese village.

Must-Do Activities in Ine no Funaya
 

• ● Take a Scenic Boat Tour – The best way to admire Ine’s beauty is from the water. A boat tour offers a panoramic view of the Funaya houses and a glimpse into the daily lives of local fishermen. Boats depart every 30 minutes and the tour lasts around 25 minutes.
• ● Stroll Along the Bayfront Path – Walk along the scenic waterfront, visit local souvenir shops, and experience the peaceful charm of this traditional fishing village.
• ● Visit Ine Kirarium Park Viewpoint – For a spectacular panoramic view of the village and bay, head to Ine Kirarium Park, especially at sunset when the scenery is at its most magical.
• ● Stay in a Funaya Homestay – Spend a night in a renovated Funaya house for an authentic experience, waking up to serene ocean views.

• ● Ine Donburi – A rice bowl topped with fresh squid, sashimi, and fish roe, offering a rich umami taste.
• ● Salt-Preserved Mackerel – A traditional dish made using an age-old preservation method, best enjoyed with warm rice.
• ● Grilled Seafood – Freshly caught fish, shrimp, and shellfish, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

• ● Take the Kyoto Tango Railway from Kyoto to Amanohashidate Station (approx. 2 hours).
• ● From Amanohashidate, hop on a bus to Ine Village (approx. 30 minutes).

Step Back in Time on an Ancient Samurai Route

Hidden in the mountains of Fukushima, Ouchi-juku is a well-preserved old Japanese town that once served as a vital post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route during the Edo period (1603–1868). Connecting Aizu-Wakamatsu and Nikko, this village was a key stop for traveling samurai, merchants, and officials.

Today, Ouchi-juku remains a living museum where visitors can experience Japan’s feudal past. The village’s main street is lined with traditional Japanese village houses, their thatched roofs (Kayabuki) meticulously preserved for centuries. Without overhead power lines or modern signage, the village maintains an authentic historical atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time.

The Charm of Thatched-Roof Houses

One of the defining features of Ouchi-juku is its Kayabuki (thatched roof) architecture, which enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Made from tightly layered straw, these roofs can be as thick as 50–60 cm, providing natural insulation—cool in summer and warm in winter.

A fascinating tradition still upheld today is the Yuki (re-thatching) ceremony, held every 20–30 years. The entire community comes together to replace the roofs, a practice passed down for generations. This unique cultural event has become a major attraction for visitors interested in Japan’s rural heritage.

Must-Do Activities in Ouchi-juku
 

• ● Explore the Historic Village – Wander along the main street, where thatched-roof houses now serve as souvenir shops, restaurants, and small museums.
• ● Visit the Takakura Shrine Viewpoint – A short uphill walk behind the village leads to a stunning panoramic view of the thatched rooftops and surrounding mountains.
• ● Discover Ouchi-juku Kyodo Museum – Learn about daily life in the Edo period through historical artifacts, tools, and traditional living spaces.
• ● Dress in a Kimono – Rent a kimono and take memorable photos while strolling through this beautifully preserved old town in Japan.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• ● Negi Soba – A signature dish of Ouchi-juku, featuring hot soba noodles served with a whole green onion used as chopsticks!
• ● Imo-karē-mochi – A sweet snack made from roasted sweet potato and glutinous rice, paired with a rich miso sauce.
• ● Toji Soba – A comforting dish of soba noodles in hot broth, served with seasonal vegetables, egg, and meat—perfect for cold days.

• ● By Train – Take the Shinkansen and local train from Tokyo to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (approx. 3 hours).
• ● By Bus – From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take a bus to Ouchi-juku (approx. 1 hour).

Step Into Kanazawa’s Historic Tea House District

Tucked away in Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya District is one of the most beautifully preserved old towns in Japan, offering a rare glimpse into the elegance of the Edo period. Established in 1820, this district was a vibrant entertainment hub where wealthy merchants and samurai gathered to enjoy performances by highly skilled geisha.

The word “Chaya” (茶屋) translates to “tea house,” but these establishments were more than just places to drink tea—they were cultural centers offering fine dining, traditional music, and captivating dance performances. 

Today, the district remains an enchanting traditional Japanese village setting, with cobblestone streets, wooden townhouses, and signature Kinoshita-tori wooden lattice doors, designed to provide privacy while allowing light inside. At night, the warm glow of paper lanterns makes the district even more magical.

Tea Houses You Can Visit

Although many traditional tea houses have been converted into restaurants, souvenir shops, or cafés, some historic tea houses still preserve their original charm and remain open for visitors to explore.
 

• ● Shima – A former geisha house, now a museum, showcasing traditional rooms, antique furnishings, and artifacts that reveal the intricate world of Edo-period entertainment.
• ● Kaikaro – One of the few tea houses still in operation, offering daytime tours of its lavishly decorated interiors, including a gold-leaf-adorned second-floor ceiling.

Must-Do Activities in Higashi Chaya District
 

• ● Watch a Geisha Performance – If you’re lucky, you may catch a rare live geisha performance at Kaikaro (advance booking recommended).
• ● Experience Gold Leaf Crafting – Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. At Hakuza, visitors can craft their own gold-leaf souvenirs.
• ● Enjoy Traditional Tea & Sweets – Many tea houses serve matcha (green tea) paired with wagashi (Japanese sweets) in an authentic Edo-era setting.
• ● Rent a Kimono – Enhance your visit by strolling through this historic district in a beautifully styled kimono, perfect for capturing traditional Japanese charm.

• ● Kanazawa Gold Leaf Ice Cream – A luxurious soft-serve ice cream wrapped in delicate gold leaf, available exclusively in Kanazawa.
• ● Wagashi – Exquisitely handcrafted seasonal sweets, shaped like flowers and nature-inspired motifs.
• ● Gold-Leaf Souvenirs – From home decor and cosmetics to sake infused with gold flakes, Kanazawa’s gold-leaf products make for unique gifts.

• ● By Train – Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
• ● By Bus/On Foot – From Kanazawa Station, take a local bus or walk (approx. 20 minutes) to Higashi Chaya District.

A Timeless Stop on Japan’s Historic Trade Route

Hidden in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture, Tsumago-juku is one of the best-preserved old towns in Japan and a former post town along the famous Nakasendo Trail—a key Edo-period
trade route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. In the past, samurai, merchants, and travelers stopped at these juku (post towns) for rest and lodging.

After declining during the Meiji era due to the construction of modern railways, Tsumago-juku was revived in 1968 when locals came together to restore and protect its historical buildings. Today, it remains a living museum where strict preservation rules are followed—there are no visible power lines, modern billboards, or cars allowed in the historic district, creating an authentic step back in time.

Traditional Architecture & Historic Atmosphere

Tsumago’s buildings feature Waki-honjin architecture, characterized by cedarwood structures, black lacquered exteriors, and wooden tile roofs. This design was traditionally used for inns that accommodated high-ranking officials and samurai.

The most prominent structure is the Waki-honjin, a former samurai lodging that has been transformed into a museum showcasing Edo-period artifacts, including armor, weapons, and daily life items, providing a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Must-Do Activities in Tsumago-juku
 

• ● Walk the Nakasendo Trail – Hike the scenic 8 km trail between Tsumago and Magome, another post town, passing through forests, streams, and rice paddies (approx. 2–3 hours).
• ● Visit Waki-honjin Museum – Explore this well-preserved Edo-era inn, once used by traveling lords and officials.
• ● Watch Traditional Craft Demonstrations – During peak seasons, artisans showcase washi paper-making and wood carving, preserving local craftsmanship.
• ● Stay in a Traditional Minshuku – Experience Japanese-style lodging in a historic wooden inn, complete with tatami mats and onsen baths.

• ● Kiso-sancho Soba – A regional soba noodle dish infused with wild chili powder for a mildly spicy kick.
• ● Iwana-ni – Salt-grilled mountain trout, a staple dish for travelers in the Edo period.
• ● Hida-gyu – A prized local beef known for its tenderness and deep umami flavor, often served as sukiyaki or grilled steak.

• ● From Tokyo – Take the JR Chuo Line to Nagiso Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (approx. 3–4 hours).
• ● From Nagoya – Take the JR Shinano Limited Express to Nagiso Station, then continue by bus or taxi (approx. 2–3 hours).

A Storybook Onsen Town with Timeless Charm

Nestled deep in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen is a picturesque traditional Japanese village that feels like stepping into a different era. Originally a silver mining town—hence the name "Ginzan" (Silver Mountain)—it later transformed into one of Japan’s most scenic old Japanese towns centered around hot spring tourism.

The village is famous for its Taisho-era ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) lining both sides of the Ginzan River. These beautifully preserved wooden buildings, standing three to four stories high, create a breathtaking scene, especially in winter when snow blankets the rooftops and lanterns illuminate the streets. The town gained even more recognition after being featured in the renowned Japanese TV drama Oshin.

Relaxing in Traditional Hot Springs & Ryokan

Ginzan Onsen is known for its mineral-rich hot springs, with water temperatures ranging from 40–50°C, believed to soothe muscle pain, improve circulation, and enhance skin health. Visitors can choose from public baths or private onsen inside ryokan for an immersive relaxation experience.

Most ryokan here were built between the late Meiji and Taisho eras (1900–1930), blending traditional Japanese wooden architecture with subtle Western influences. Among them, Notoya Ryokan, redesigned by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, stands out for its elegant fusion of heritage and modernity.

Must-Do Activities in Ginzan Onsen
 

• ● Soak in a Traditional Onsen – Enjoy a rejuvenating hot spring bath in public baths or private ryokan onsen.
• ● Explore the Old Silver Mine – Visit remnants of Ginzan’s mining history and walk through ancient tunnels once used by Edo-period miners.
• ● Stroll Along the River at Night – Experience the town’s romantic charm as traditional lanterns illuminate the streets and reflect off the river.
• ● Hike in the Surrounding Forest – Discover beautiful waterfalls, scenic trails, and mountain views just outside the village.

Must-Try Local Dishes
 

• ● Yamagata Soba – Chewy handmade buckwheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often paired with grilled salmon or pickled vegetables.
• ● Imoni Stew – A hearty dish of beef, Japanese taro, miso, and sake, popular in Tohoku during autumn.
• ● Dango – Skewered rice dumplings grilled and coated in a sweet soy glaze, a classic street snack.

• ● From Tokyo – Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station (approx. 3 hours).
• ● From Oishida Station – Take a local bus to Ginzan Onsen (approx. 40 minutes).

These traditional Japanese villages may not be as well-known among Thai travelers, but they offer a rare glimpse into Japan’s quieter, more enchanting side. Beyond the bustling cities, these old towns in Japan preserve the country’s cultural heritage, where time seems to slow down, and every street tells a story. Visiting these villages will deepen your appreciation for Japan, revealing a charm that extends far beyond its modern skylines.

Ready to explore Japan’s hidden gems? Start planning your trip today with Gother—book your flights, accommodations, and must-try activities all in one place. Plus, don’t miss out on exclusive travel deals to make your adventure even more rewarding. Travel smarter, travel with Gother!