Exploring 3 Famous Traditional Villages in Japan: Discovering the Impressively Cultural Land of the Rising Sun

Aside from renowned landmarks like Mount Fuji and Onsen hot springs, traditional Japanese villages also hold a distinct charm in this country. With unique and remarkable designs complemented by the surrounding natural landscapes, these villages in Japan are akin to fairy tale settings. Let's take a tour with Halo and spotlight the 3 most outstanding traditional villages in Japan that travelers must not miss when visiting this place! If you only have 1 day for Japan travel, where would you choose to explore? The Land of the Rising Sun is famous for its fusion of Eastern culture with modern scientific and technological advancements. Over the past years, Japan has been acclaimed as the most technologically advanced country, with a myriad of vibrant and youthful cities. However, for enthusiasts eager to explore and discover, Japan is not just a country with picturesque sceneries; it also encompasses ancient and historical village landscapes.

I Oshino Hakkai Village

1. Where is Oshino Hakkai Village located?

Located more than 100km away from Tokyo, Oshino Hakkai is a quaint and tranquil village nestled amidst the Five Lakes region surrounding Mount Fuji.

2. What does the ancient village of Oshino Hakkai offer?

If you're familiar with the Five Lakes around Mount Fuji renowned for their breathtaking scenery sculpted by volcanic activity, then the Japanese ancient village of Oshino Hakkai is indeed one of those famous Five Lakes. Over time, as the lakes receded, a village was formed by the residents of Kanagawa Prefecture. Throughout history, Oshino Hakkai has been renowned for its serene and humble landscapes, offering a truly soothing experience. Visitors will encounter numerous ponds surrounded by lush greenery, with distant houses constructed from a unique type of grass. During winter, tourists will witness a scene reminiscent of fairy tales, with villages blanketed in uniquely pristine white snow. Oshino Hakkai has been honored by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. It has become a popular destination attracting a considerable number of domestic and international tourists annually. Another notable feature is the name 'Hakkai,' which means 'Eight Seas,' symbolizing the eight remaining ponds within this village.

In the ancient village of Oshino Hakkai, there is a pond with a depth of up to 8 meters. Upon entering, you'll immediately notice the crystal-clear water with lively Koi fish swimming below. Research indicates that the water in the village's pond is primarily sourced from snowmelt from Mount Fuji, filtering through various geological layers over 80,000 years. Therefore, the locals highly value and revere the pond. Moreover, visiting Oshino Hakkai allows tourists to experience a multitude

One of these is the ritual before entering the village, where visitors stop by a pristine water basin, using a ladle or bamboo tube to catch the flowing water between their hands, cleansing them thoroughly before lightly patting their face, then scooping up some cool water to drink before placing the ladle back upright, pouring the water back and leaving it in its original place for the next user. This ritual is also common in Japanese temples and shrines. Adjacent to it is a basin designed in the shape of Mount Fuji with raised characters: Please immerse both hands in the water for about 1 minute. This is a basin storing water flowing down from Mount Fuji. Despite the outdoor temperature being around 22 degrees Celsius, the water in the basin remains as if it has just turned into snow. A minute-long 'challenge' won't numb you but instead spreads a refreshing chill. The water source here is formed by layers of melted snow flowing down the slopes of Mount Fuji, filtered through multiple layers of volcanic rock formed over 80 years, and pouring into the basin.

Therefore, the locals here greatly cherish and respect this water source. Visitors to this place are always excited to drink a sip of Mount Fuji water and never forget to bring along a small plastic bottle filled with some water as a souvenir. Let's visit the ancient villages of Japan with Halo once, shall we?

II Shirakawa-go Ancient Village

The name Shirakawago translates to “White Tranquil Fragrance” – the village of the white river. It is not only considered the most unique ancient village in Japan but also ranks among the world's most beautiful villages.

1. Where is Shirakawago Ancient Village located?

Shirakawago Ancient Village sits at the foot of Mount Hakusan in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, approximately 350km from Tokyo.

2. What makes Shirakawago Village special?

The highlight of Shirakawago Ancient Village is undoubtedly the ancient houses with Gassho Zukuri architecture. Gassho Zukuri architecture in Shirakawago Ancient Village has a history of over 300 years, characterized by steeply pitched roofs resembling two hands clasped together in prayer. Wandering around Shirakawago Ancient Village, you'll immediately encounter houses with remarkable ancient Gassho Zukuri architecture. Currently, the village boasts a total of 59 Gassho Zukuri-style houses with 535 residents. The village's ambiance always exudes tranquility amidst the stunning mountainous landscape. If you wish to explore the entire village, be prepared to spend about 2 - 3 hours. For a panoramic view of the village from above, head to the Observation Deck.

Shirakawago experiences all four seasons, each offering splendid weather. However, it is most renowned among tourists during winter, when the village is blanketed in pristine white snow, and the houses glisten like they've stepped out of a fairy tale. Moreover, this village is also where world-famous manga artist Fujiko Fujio created the iconic Doraemon comic series.

Shirakawago experiences all four seasons, each offering splendid weather. However, it is most renowned among tourists during winter, when the village is blanketed in pristine white snow, and the houses glisten like they've stepped out of a fairy tale. Moreover, this village is also where world-famous manga artist Fujiko Fujio created the iconic Doraemon comic series.

III Gokayama Ancient Village, Japan

1. Where is Gokayama Ancient Village located?

Also known as the historical village of Gokayama, it is situated in the Tokai prefecture in central Japan, within the city of Nanto in Toyama prefecture. In Japanese, 'Gokayama' means five mountains.

2. What does Gokayama Ancient Village in Japan offer?

In Gokayama, Japan, the houses here have been standing for centuries, with some dating back 100 to 200 years, and a few remarkable ones nearing 400 years old. Similar to the Shirakawa-go ancient village, Gokayama is renowned for its abundance of Gassho-zukuri architecture, a traditional design seen throughout Japan's ancient villages, featuring steeply sloped thatched roofs on wooden houses ranging from 100 to 400 years old. As one of the two most famous ancient village areas, Gokayama was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1995. This village has preserved both its landscape and traditional Japanese way of life, offering a captivating glimpse of pristine nature.

In the Japanese ancient village of Gokayama, there are several small and large villages, with the largest and oldest being Suganuma and Ainokura. The houses here typically span 3 to 4 stories, catering to large families. The ground floor serves daily activities, while upper floors are used for silkworm breeding during harsh winter months. Even if you don't stay overnight in one of these houses, you must seize the opportunity to peek inside. Interior observation reveals intricate Gassho-zukuri architectural details, such as small attic spaces used for silkworm farming. Moreover, the ambiance is deeply cozy with antique wooden furniture. It's best to savor the atmosphere firsthand.

These are the age-old Japanese ancient villages, exuding an aura of historical charm that beckons travelers from all corners of the globe to Japan. If you ever find yourself in Japan, make sure to visit these picturesque ancient villages to experience the enchanting beauty that's far removed from everyday urban life! Explore more Japan tours at:

Posted by: Son Son

Keywords: Discovering 3 Famous Ancient Villages in Japan: Exploring the Culture of the Land of the Rising Sun