When we think about Japan, we think of it in terms of great infrastructure, high-rise buildings, bustling cities, intensive network of trains, all kinds of cafes, fantastical animation, lively entertainment and so on. But besides all that majority of Japan is covered with nature and offers a unique picture in the countryside. Rural Japan is different from urban Japan in many ways and offers a different experience of Japan to the travelers. In this article you will explore the charms of a different side of Japan.
Japan has witnessed a huge migration of population from the rural areas to the urban cities such as Tokyo leaving behind traditions and heritage of Japan. Even after migration the rural villages and towns of Japan are wonderfully preserved and offer glimpses into the history and traditions of Japan. Many rural areas of Japan are registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, known for its about 100 thatched roof farmhouses attracting tourists from all over the world.
Another location in rural Japan known for its timeless beauty and history is, Ouchi-juku, a historical town built in Edo period of Japan known for having about 30 beautiful, thatched roof houses with their centuries old traditions and arts.
Countryside in Japan is rich in wonderful landscapes and classic beauty. The beauty of Japan does not lie only in the vibrant cities but in the rural locations of Japan as well. Beautiful mountains, paddy fields, rich biodiversity and buildings made of natural materials, are some of the features of rural Japan.
There are many rural areas in Japan to explore natural beauty, some of them include includes Hokkaido in the north, Shikoku in the south of the country and Shirakawa-go etc.
Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan known for its colder climate and Sapporo festival. Many tourists visit Hokkaido to experience its snowfall during winter for enjoying winter sports such as skiing. Hokkaido also has beautiful agricultural lands and forests boosting the economy of the country.
Shikoku is comparatively warmer than Hokkaido and is filled with mountainous landscapes. This part of Japan has preserved traditional agricultural practices and many old traditions of Japan. It is also famous for 88-Pilgrimage of temples for practicing religious traditions.
There are many activities that tourists can do while travelling to rural Japan to fill their stay with great memories and experiences. Visitors can do hands-on farming with the locals to learn more about farming in Japan. People can indulge themselves in the old artisanal cultures, explore local cuisine, explore historical buildings and visit shrines. Hiking is also a very sought after activity to do in Japan, after that tourists can also enjoy and rest in the natural hot springs(onsen) there.
Apart from these activities tourists can spend their time in historic castles to experience how people used to live there centuries ago. One such castle where tourists can stay for a night is Ozu Castle. This is a restored wooden castle where one can learn a lot about its history the stay.
Rural Japan offers a wide range of local cuisine and even breweries, each region offering its own unique dish. Some famous examples of local cuisine are “kirizai-don” of Minami Uonuma town of Niigata prefecture, it is vegetarian dish made with rice and vegetables. Niigata and Yamagata prefectures have long stretches of rice fields, making rice one of the staple ingredients in the local dishes. Besides that, they use rice in the brewing process for making exquisite rice wines. Many people visit Niigata prefecture to experience its sake naming their vacation as sake-vation(sake vacation).
Many people like to visit the countryside for religious and spiritual purposes as well. The calmness and serenity of the countryside gives the tourists some time away from the hustle and bustle of the cities so that they can find peace and clarity of mind. Some people visit the countryside for worshipping in the famous temples and shrines, and some people visit rural lands in search of spiritual enlightenment.
As one strolls through the beautiful paths of the rural areas, they encounter many shrines and temples in the rural areas making it an ideal place for worship and meditation. The calmness and natural surroundings of rural Japan makes the visit to shrines and temples a much more spiritual one.
Some examples of the famous locations include 88-pilgrimage of temples as mentioned above and Takaosan Yakuoin Temple of Mount Takao. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the Japan and beyond visit these places for performing religious practices, meditations and spiritual elevation.
Rural Japan is different from urban Japan in many ways, some of which include less functioning of trains, lack of big flashing billboards, lesser population, more greenery, more calmness and more spectacular natural surroundings. But it is also similar to urban Japan because both makes an effort to preserve the culture and heritage and appreciating the artists and traditions of Japan.
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