The Must-Visit Attractions During a Rural Tour in Japan

Japan is a country of immense beauty and culture, with a unique mix of traditional and modern attractions. Taking a rural tour in Japan is the perfect way to experience all that the country has to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant local customs. From its ancient shrines and temples to its picturesque landscapes, Japan has something for everyone. Here is a guide to the must-visit attractions during a rural tour in Japan.

1. Nikko National Park

Nikko National Park is one of the most beautiful and impressive areas in Japan, and a must-visit for any rural tour. The park is home to thousands of incredible plants and wildlife, including the rare Japanese macaque. The park also features stunning shrines, temples, and monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, Toshogu Shrine. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails and spend a day relaxing by the lake.

The park also offers some of the most spectacular views in Japan. From the vast forests to the majestic waterfall, visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty of Japan. The park is also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen.

Nikko National Park is a must-visit attraction for a rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and memorable experience.

2. Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi is a small town in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan that is home to a stunning collection of Buddhist temples, shrines, and gardens. These ancient sites are some of the oldest and most important cultural sites in Japan, and are a must-visit for any rural tour. The town is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Chuson-ji Temple, which is one of the oldest and most important sites in Japan.

Visitors can explore the many gardens and temples of the town, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Hiraizumi is the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of rural Japan.

Hiraizumi is an essential stop on any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

3. Shirakawago Village

Shirakawago Village is a traditional village located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. The village is home to a unique collection of traditional thatched-roof houses, which are some of the oldest and most well-preserved in Japan. The village is also home to a number of historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen. Visitors can explore the village and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The village also offers some of the best traditional Japanese food in the country. Visitors can sample a variety of delicious local dishes, such as soba and okonomiyaki, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the village.

Shirakawago Village is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

4. Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha Shrine is one of the most important and oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is home to a unique and impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including the oldest surviving shrine in Japan. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The shrine also offers some of the best traditional Japanese food in the country, and visitors can sample a variety of delicious local dishes.

Izumo Taisha Shrine is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

5. Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is located in the Miyazaki Prefecture of Japan. The gorge is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Japan, including a stunning waterfall and a unique rock formation known as the ‘Goddess’s Bridge’. Visitors can explore the gorge and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The gorge is also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen.

Takachiho Gorge is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

6. Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island is a small island located in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, and is home to one of the most iconic sights in the country. The island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine, which is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The island also offers some of the best traditional Japanese food in the country, and visitors can sample a variety of delicious local dishes.

Miyajima Island is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

7. Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Japan, and is located in the Nikko National Park. The falls are a popular spot for visitors to explore and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The falls are also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen. Visitors can also explore the many trails of the park, and spend a day relaxing by the lake.

Kegon Falls is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

8. Kenroku-en Garden

Kenroku-en Garden is a stunning traditional Japanese garden located in the city of Kanazawa. The garden is home to a stunning collection of plants and trees, and is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Visitors can explore the garden and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The garden is also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen.

Kenroku-en Garden is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

9. Yoshino Mountains

The Yoshino Mountains are located in the Nara Prefecture of Japan, and are home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. The mountains are a popular spot for hikers, with many trails to explore and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The mountains are also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen.

The Yoshino Mountains are a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

10. Mount Koya

Mount Koya is a sacred mountain located in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. The mountain is home to a unique and impressive collection of Buddhist temples, shrines, and monasteries. Visitors can explore the mountain and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The mountain also offers some of the best traditional Japanese food in the country, and visitors can sample a variety of delicious local dishes.

Mount Koya is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

11. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a stunning castle located in the city of Kyoto. The castle is home to a unique and impressive collection of ancient artifacts, and is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle Palace. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The castle also offers some of the best traditional Japanese food in the country, and visitors can sample a variety of delicious local dishes.

Nijo Castle is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

12. Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is a stunning sandbar located in the Miyazu Bay in the Kyoto Prefecture of Japan. The sandbar is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Japan, including a beautiful pine forest and a unique rock formation known as the ‘Bridge of Heaven’. Visitors can explore the sandbar and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The sandbar is also a great spot for wildlife-watching, with many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles to be seen.

Amanohashidate is a must-visit for any rural tour in Japan, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Japan is a country of immense beauty and culture, and a rural tour in Japan is the perfect way to experience all that the country has to offer. From its ancient shrines and temples to its picturesque landscapes, Japan has something for everyone. This guide to the must-visit attractions during a rural tour in Japan includes Nikko National Park, Hiraizumi, Shirakawago Village, Izumo Taisha Shrine, Takachiho Gorge, Miyajima Island, Kegon Falls, Kenroku-en Garden, Yoshino Mountains, Mount Koya, Nijo Castle, and Amanohashidate. These attractions offer an unforgettable experience of Japan’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant local culture.