There are many historic towns all over Japan that can give visitors a feel for the country’s ancient culture and lifestyles. Centuries ago, many of these places used to be vibrant and lively merchant towns, samurai districts or pilgrimage villages and they remain rich in history.

Karuizawa

Found at the base of Mount Asama, an active volcano in Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is a pleasant town that is popular today for its long list of outdoor activities on offer, such as golfing, hiking, tennis and cycling, and ice skating and skiing in the winter. Its centre is home to several shops and restaurants, and it is a great autumn foliage viewing spot from mid-October to early November. Within the nearby lush forest you can find a mesmerising waterfall.

maple in karuizawa

Takayama

A city that sits in the mountainous region of Hida in Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is known for being the home of exemplary carpenters and timber during the feudalism era. Many of its houses, buildings and other structures from years ago have been well-preserved, such as the Hida Folk Village and Old Town. It holds one of the best Japanese festivals during the spring and autumn seasons, the Takayama Festival.

Hida Folk Village (Hida No Sato) with blue sky in spring season, Takayama, Japan. An open air museum with over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, including Gassho-Zukuri style farmhouses

Kiso Valley

Kiso Valley lies along the foot of the Central Alps in Nagano Prefecture. During the early days of the Edo Period it was part of the Nakasendo, a path that served as a link between Kyoto and Edo. Today, it is a tourist region where people can visit the past towns of Narai, Tsumago and Magome and enjoy the old wooden buildings and stone paths of days gone by.

Picturesque view of old Japanese town with traditional wooden houses. Narai-juku post town in Kiso Valley, Japan

Ise

Home to the Ise Jingu, which are recognised as the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, Ise is a city in Mie Prefecture. Its three most important landmarks are the Naiku (Inner Shrine), which honours the Sun Goddess Amaterasu; the Geku (Outer Shrine), which pays tribute to the goddess of housing, clothing and food, Toyouke; and the Oharaimachi, a small district that is home to old and traditional buildings, restaurants and shops.

Scenery of the Ise Grand Shrine in the sunset

Kanazawa

The former seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, Kanzawa is one of the largest cities in Japan. It comprises a samurai district (Nagamachi), geisha districts (Nishi Chaya and Higashi Chaya) and a castle town (Kanazawa Castle). It is also home to other well-preserved structures, such as the Ninjadera temple and the Oyama Shrine.

Kanazawa, Japan street scene at Higashichaya district