The 'most beautiful' villages in Japan, ranked by science
Sarah Swain
Updated . First published at
Japan may be mostly known for its cities such as futuristic Tokyo and historic Kyoto.
But the nation’s countryside is also world renowned.
Jaw-dropping villages, many with onsen hot springs are dotted around the country.
And many are off the main tourist trail.
Now currency company Remitly has used eye-tracking technology, to follow the gaze of 800 people as they viewed images of 52 rural Japanese villages and towns.
They reckon the quicker a destination caught the eye and the longer the gaze lingered, the prettier the place was.
Here are what they ranked as the most picturesque villages in Japan.
Attribution: istock
10. Sai-mura, Aomori // This tiny village on the rugged north-western coast of Aomori's Shimokita Peninsula starts off the most beautiful list. "Tucked away on the northern tip of Honshu and accessible mainly by high-speed ferry or winding mountain roads, this is one of the least-discovered corners of Japan - and the absence of crowds is a big part of its allure," the research says." The standout feature is Hotokegaura, a two-kilometre stretch of soaring white cliffs experts said.
Attribution: iStock
9. Nakasatsunai, Hokkaido //
"Nakasatsunai’s wide-open rural landscapes, often filled with roads lined with cherry blossom trees, are what gives the village its natural beauty," the study said of this area. "A peaceful agricultural scene is set under open skies with broad fields stretching for miles behind a mountain backdrop."
Attribution: iStock
3. Ine Kyoto // While Kyoto is one of the most-visited cities in Japan, the cute fishing village is also on the tourist radar.
"Renowned for its many ‘funaya’, traditional wooden boathouses built directly on the water, forming the beautiful waterside setting," the research said. "This unique coastal architecture gives off the appearance of a floating town, which is rarely seen in Japan."
Attribution: iStock
4. Shinjō-son, Okayama // Like something from a postcard, this village is renowned for its spring cherry blossoms. "This mountain village is located in the interior of the Okayama prefecture, surrounded by forested peaks, which offers layered views of valleys and ridgeways. The dense forest landscape gives the village a rich green appearance for the majority of the year, but autumn truly transforms the town into a fiery colour explosion," Remity said.
Attribution: Explore Okayama
6. Nakagawa, Nagano // Just issing out on the top five, this countryside spot offers plenty of beauty spots for visitors. "What catches the attention of admirers of Nakagawa is its alpine scenery of snow-capped mountains at every angle during winter and luscious green mountainsides and lots of cherry trees in the warmer months," the survey said. "Set between the Central and Southern Japanese Alps, it’s also located along the Tenryū River, with the valley landscape giving it a postcard-style countryside look."
Attribution: iStock
5. Shibetsu-chō, Hokkaido // While Hokkaido may be a familiar name for Aussies heading to ski this is another place to discover.
"Close to the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is a UNESCO World Heritage area Shibetsu catches the eyes of visitors," the research said.
"The place is particularly pretty in winter, and as it’s located along the Sea of Okhotsk visitors can sometimes see drift ice."
Attribution: iStock
4. Kawanehon, Shizuoka // Another little-known area for Aussies, despite being only three hours from Tokyo. "Located in Shizuoka’s famous tea-growing region, the rolling hills of Kawanehon are practically covered in green tea fields, showing off the wonderfully abundant landscape," the study says. "The tea terraces are nestled in valleys of rivers and mountains with a particularly recognisable bridge running across the Ōi River."
Attribution: iStock
3. Minamioguni, Kumamoto // Like something from a postcard this spot landed at three on the list. "Minamioguni is another Japanese town defined by a strong onsen culture, mirrored in its traditional architecture and embrace of nature," researchers said. "The dramatic natural landscape blends seamlessly with rustic wooden ryokans, stone paths and outdoor baths. There are few modern intrusions, giving off a tranquil mood, intensified by constant steam rising from the many hot springs."
Attribution: iStock
2. Gujo Hachiman, Gifu // "The most captivating feature of this Edo-period district within Gujō City is surely its crystal clear water, which runs through its pristine rivers, narrow canals and spring water systems. The place feels historic and distinctly archaic, with well-preserved wooden huts and merchant buildings," the study said.
Attribution: iStockView more galleries
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