Hidden places in Japan

2 uncrowded places in Japan, away from Tokyo: quiet towns, geological oddities and free-to-enter ruins.

All (2) Hidden towns (1) Geological oddities (0) Forgotten ruins (1)

Hidden towns Japan · Nagano Prefecture

Tsumago-juku

An Edo-period post town on the Nakasendō highway, preserved in 1968 by residents who agreed never to sell, rent or demolish, and best seen on the 8 km trail from Magome.

Coordinates: 35°34′43″N 137°35′44″E
Crowds: Some visitors
Landscape: Forest
Best season: Best in Autumn

Forgotten ruins Japan · Gifu Prefecture

Iwamura Castle

The stone terraces of one of Japan's three great mountain castles, 717 m up in the Gifu hills above an Edo-era merchant street, free to walk at any hour.

Coordinates: 35°21′30″N 137°26′42″E
Crowds: Quiet
Landscape: Forest
Best season: Best in Autumn