January 14 2025

Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems: The Most Beautiful Countryside Towns

around.the.world.in.flip.flops Asia, Japan 0

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to escape the crowds, you’re in for a treat. While most tourists flock to popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, Japan is full of breathtaking countryside towns that remain largely undiscovered.

Having traveled to over 50 countries — and lived in Japan for several months — I can honestly say that no place offers hidden gems quite like Japan. From peaceful mountain villages to quiet coastal towns, there’s a whole side of Japan that many travelers miss.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the most beautiful countryside towns to visit in Japan, perfect for those looking for a more authentic, slower-paced and culturally rich experience. These rural destinations offer stunning scenery, traditional charm and a deeper connection to Japanese life — far away from the tourist crowds.

♨️ Kinosaki Onsen – A Magical Hot Spring Town in Hyogo Prefecture

Located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town that feels like stepping into a different era. Traditional Japanese ryokan (inns) and seven public bathhouses line the main street, with a peaceful canal running through the town — creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Kinosaki is hands down one of my favorite places in all of Japan. I visited during sakura season, and the cherry blossoms made the experience truly unforgettable. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that Kinosaki Onsen is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, especially if you’re looking to enjoy them without the crowds.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: 5 Best Places to Visit in Japan During Sakura Season

The history of this picturesque town dates back over 1,300 years, and many consider Kinosaki Onsen the best onsen town in Japan.

Hot springs were first discovered here in the 8th century, and today the town features seven tattoo-friendly onsens for visitors to enjoy. Each onsen offers different water properties, including thermal waters known for benefits like improving fertility and rejuvenating the skin.

Discover the 7 thermal baths of Kinosaki Onsen ♨️

Since there are several bathhouses in Kinosaki, most visitors purchase an Onsen Day Pass for 1,500 yen, which allows unlimited entry to all seven onsens and can be bought at the entrance of any hot spring.

If you’re staying at a ryokan, you will often receive a complimentary day pass and traditional Japanese clothes—typically a yukata, geta sandals, and a haori jacket for colder weather—to wear around town. Seeing people stroll through Kinosaki Onsen dressed in these outfits is part of what makes the town’s atmosphere so special.

If you’re traveling Japan on a budget, I highly recommend Kinosaki Knot — a cozy hostel with tatami-mat rooms and a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The staff is super friendly and you can rent a yukata and geta sandals for just 1,000 yen, making it an affordable way to experience authentic onsen culture in Kinosaki Onsen.

I loved my stay at this hostel in Kinosaki Onsen 📍

Kinosaki Onsen feels like a movie set when you see everyone walking around in their Yukata

🧖‍♂️ Shibu Onsen – A Hidden Gem Near Japan’s Snow Monkey Park

If you’re looking to explore another charming onsen town in the Japanese countryside, Shibu Onsen is a fantastic place to add to your Japan itinerary.

Surprisingly, many travelers pass right by it without even realizing — because Shibu Onsen is located just minutes from the famous Snow Monkey Park in Jigokudani, where wild monkeys bathe in natural hot springs during the winter months.

What’s strange (and kind of amazing) is that despite being so close to such a popular tourist attraction, Shibu Onsen remains quiet, traditional and largely overlooked — making it a true hidden gem. If you’re looking for a more peaceful and authentic onsen experience, this historic little town is well worth a visit.

Want to learn more about this underrated town? Read my full guide to Shibu Onsen: The Most Unique Onsen Town in Japan, where I share exactly what to do there — and how to avoid a big mistake I deeply regretted during my visit 🔗

Shibu Onsen is one of the biggest hidden gems I found in Japan

The charming town of Shibu Onsen is well worth a visit, not only for its picturesque streets and the scenic river that runs through it, but also for something truly unique. While Shibu Onsen is one of many traditional hot spring towns in Japan, what sets it apart is its nine historic public bathhouses — and the fact that you need a special key to access them.

It’s a one-of-a-kind system that adds to the magical, old-world atmosphere of the town. But there’s one important thing you need to know before visiting — and it’s something I learned the hard way.

🔗 Read my full guide to Shibu Onsen here to make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: The Most Unique Onsen Town in Japan

🏘️ Hida-Furukawa – A Quiet Gem Near Takayama

Just 15 km from the popular historical city of Takayama, Hida-Furukawa offers a peaceful and authentic experience of the Japanese countryside — without the crowds. This small, often-overlooked town is rich in tradition and charm, making it an ideal stop for travelers looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.

Hida-Furukawa is especially known for its unique festivals. One of the most fascinating is the Fox Festival, where locals dress up as foxes in a lively cultural celebration.

Another highlight is the Hida Furukawa Festival, held every year on April 19th and 20th, which features traditional floats, drumming performances and a beautifully preserved old-town atmosphere.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: This Festival in Japan Makes a Whole Town Transform Into Foxes

In Hida-Furukawa, the real attraction is experiencing traditional Japanese everyday life in its purest form. You’ll see schoolchildren walking home with their iconic backpacks, elderly locals strolling with their dogs and hardworking community members going about their daily routines with the care and dedication Japan is known for. It’s the perfect spot to witness the genuine rhythms of rural Japanese life.

There aren’t many tourist attractions or busy events on a typical day, which means you can simply soak in the town’s peaceful, picturesque atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the charming canals that line the streets and enjoy the calm beauty of this hidden gem.

Hida-Furukawa is full of canals running alongside its picturesque streets

The canals in Hida-Furukawa are filled with colorful koi fish, and watching them swim peacefully as you stroll along the traditional Japanese streets is one of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Japan.

Locals often stop to admire the koi, and you can even feed them using special fish food available for just 100 yen from vending boxes placed alongside the canals. This simple yet charming activity adds to the town’s serene and welcoming atmosphere.

The best thing to do in Hida-Furukawa is to watch and feed the koi fish swimming around the canals

🏞️ Gero Onsen – A Charming Hot Spring Town Near Takayama

Easily accessible from Takayama, Gifu and Nagoya, Gero Onsen is a quaint city in Gifu Prefecture famous for its soothing thermal waters and stunning mountain views. The picturesque river flowing through the town adds a majestic touch to the relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a few restful days during your Japan travels.

One of the best things to do in Gero Onsen is to visit Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Japanese thatched-roof houses. It’s one of the biggest hidden gems I’ve discovered in Japan and a fantastic alternative to the crowded Shirakawa-go if you want to experience historical rural architecture without the tourist rush.

Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Japan's Countryside

This open-air museum in Gero Onsen is one of the biggest hidden gems in Japan

I highly recommend Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura to anyone interested in traditional Japanese architecture and the history of the Hida region. This open-air museum is one of the few places where you can see authentic A-shaped gassho-style houses originally from Shirakawa-go.

While Shirakawa-go is famous for its picturesque village of these unique houses, it has become heavily crowded with tourists over the years. If you want to experience the charm of these historical buildings without the crowds, Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is the perfect alternative. The houses were carefully relocated from Shirakawa-go and arranged in a peaceful setting that lets you step back hundreds of years into Japan’s past.

Surprisingly, many travelers don’t realize you can see real Shirakawa-go buildings outside the village itself, so enjoy this hidden gem before it becomes more well-known!

Gero Onsen Gassho-Mura is the perfect place to see buildings from Shirakawa-go without any crowds

⛩️ Koyasan – The Perfect Day Trip from Osaka

If you’re searching for the best day trips from Osaka, Koyasan is an exceptional choice. Nestled in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, this small town is one of the most unique and sacred places I discovered in Japan. It should definitely be on your Japan itinerary if you want to explore a lesser-known, spiritual side of the country.

Planning your trip? Check out my free 2-week and 3-week Japan travel guides to learn the best ways to get to Koyasan and explore other amazing destinations across the country! 🗾✨

Koyasan was founded in 826 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, who traveled across Japan seeking the ideal location to establish the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Over 1,200 years, the town has grown into one of Japan’s most revered spiritual centers, home to more than 100 temples surrounded by serene and ancient Japanese forests that create a truly magical atmosphere.

There are more than 100 temples in the sacred mountain town of Koyasan

One of the most popular activities in Koyasan is experiencing a traditional temple stay. During your stay, you can witness the monks’ serene morning prayers, savor authentic vegetarian meals and immerse yourself in their peaceful, spiritual lifestyle.

While temple stays aren’t cheap, many travelers who have booked them agree that it’s one of the best bucket list experiences in Japan.

Looking for more unforgettable experiences? Check out my guide to 10 Bucket List Experiences You Can’t Miss in Japan ✨

♨️🌿 Bessho Onsen – A Hidden Hot Spring Gem in Nagano Prefecture

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Bessho Onsen is a charming small town that feels like such a hidden secret. I visited while searching for day trips from Ueda, without high expectations, but it surprised me with its peaceful atmosphere and almost no tourists.

With a history spanning 1,500 years, Bessho Onsen boasts the oldest hot springs in Nagano. The town features three traditional onsens and a relaxing footbath, making it the perfect spot for a rejuvenating spa day in the Japanese countryside.

Adding Bessho Onsen to your Japan itinerary is a wonderful way to experience authentic rural onsen culture.

Bessho Onsen has a very old History and the town is truly picturesque

Besides soaking in Bessho Onsen’s famous hot spring baths, one of the best things to do in town is visit its beautiful temples. My favorite was Kitamuki Kannon Temple, known for its unusual orientation — it faces north, while most temples in Japan traditionally face south.

The temple is perched on a hill overlooking the peaceful Japanese countryside, creating a serene and authentic atmosphere. If you take time to explore the area, you’ll even come across a sacred tree believed to be over 1,200 years old, adding to the spiritual and historical charm of the visit.

There are beautiful temples to visit in Bessho Onsen

I hope this list inspires you to go beyond the typical tourist trail and explore Japan’s hidden gems — because the real magic of Japan often lies far from the big cities. From peaceful onsen towns to quiet mountain villages, these destinations offer a glimpse into everyday life, natural beauty and traditions that many travelers miss completely.

By adding even just one or two of these places to your Japan itinerary, you’ll escape the crowds and discover a more authentic, unforgettable experience. Trust me — exploring Japan’s countryside was one of the most rewarding parts of my trip, and I’m sure it will be for you too.