Lesser-Known Towns for an Authentic Japanese Journey

Yamaguchi City, 'Kyoto of the West’

Yamaguchi City, known as the ‘Kyoto of the West,’ is a notable destination in 2024, easily accessible via the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka and Fukuoka. Historically ruled by the Ouchi clan during the Muromachi Period, the city boasts traditional architecture, beautiful gardens, and the famous Rurikoji Temple Five Story Pagoda. The temple offers unique seasonal views, with cherry and plum blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and picturesque winter snow.  

Must-visit places in Yamaguchi include Saikoutei, a former Meiji-era restaurant with historical calligraphy, and the tranquil Zen Garden Joei-ji Sesshutei, designed by the 15th-century artist Sesshu. Yuda Onsen is a historic hot spring with footbaths and fox-themed merchandise. The Akiyoshidai Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave offer spectacular karst landscapes, making them a great day trip from Yamaguchi City.

Japan has seen a surge in international travelers, leading to overcrowding in iconic destinations like Kyoto. 

Japan is home to 38 charming 'Little Kyoto' towns, each echoing Kyoto's rich landscape, history, and culture. These towns provide a serene window into Japan's heritage away from the crowds. Here are four conveniently located gems that guarantee an authentic traditional Japanese experience.

Asakura – Little Kyoto in Kyushu

Asakura, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Known for its forests, the Chikugo River, and historical sites like ancient castle ruins and samurai residences, Asakura provides an authentic Japanese experience. 

The Akizuki district, called Little Kyoto, features remnants of Akizuki Castle and other historical structures. Local traditions persist, such as the use of seven Edo-period water wheels built by farmers.

Visitors in Akizuki can make traditional washi paper and enjoy attractions like Suginobaba-dori with tea houses and samurai residences. In spring, a 500-meter stretch of sakura trees makes it a cherry blossom hotspot. 

Asakura offers activities like SUP and kayaking on the Chikugo River and cycling. The Kirin Flower Garden showcases over 10 million cosmos flowers from September to November. Asakura is accessible from Fukuoka by train in just over an hour or by car in 40 minutes.

Time Traveling in Tochigi – Just a Short Trip From Tokyo

Tochigi City, accessible from Tokyo in under 70 minutes by Tobu Railway, offers a "Little Kyoto" experience with historical buildings and traditional craftsmanship. A prosperous merchant town during the Edo period, it features merchant houses and white-walled storehouses along the Uzuma River and Kura-no-Machi street. 

Visitors can rent kimonos, explore traditional buildings like the Yokoyama Local Culture Hall, and enjoy boat rides on the Uzuma River.

Tochigi is historically significant as the workplace of ukiyo-e artist Kitagawa Utamaro. The Tochigi City Art Museum offers insights into ukiyo-e art. Mt. Ohira, on the city's west side, features cherry blossoms in spring and a hydrangea festival in June.

Tohoku’s Kakunodate – Late Blooms and Samurai Residences

Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture, a well-preserved former castle town, is renowned for its samurai residences, merchant houses, and cherry blossoms. 

Accessible via the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo, it features Bukeyashiki-Dori with six samurai houses open to the public, including the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum. 

The town also has a historic merchant district and the scenic Dakigaeri Gorge. It offers late-season cherry blossom viewing, with blooms throughout the town and along the Hinokinai River, ideal for hanami picnics.