You’re invited to escape the crowds of the major cities and journey to Ibaraki Prefecture, where you can take a carefree walk of one of Japan’s most famous gardens, before learning about the culture and etiquette of Japan.

Making use of Chichibu’s historical shops and houses, NIPPONIA Chichibu Shrine Town helps preserve the town’s cultural heritage while supporting responsible tourism to the area through partnerships with local businesses. Saitama’s Chichibu is nestled in a basin dotted with dozens of historical shrines, a world of serene beauty just outside Tokyo’s doorstep. The city was also home to a thriving silk textile industry in the days when wearing kimono was more common than Western-style clothing.

Step back in time and experience the charm of Edo and Meiji-era Japan at the Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel in Katori City, Chiba. Located in Sawara, an area designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, this one-of-a-kind accommodation invites guests to immerse themselves in the history and culture of a flourishing merchant town once known as "Edo’s Kitchen." With its blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern comforts, the hotel provides a stylish and unforgettable stay.

Discover the innovative way this store is giving new life to undiscovered clothing and accessories. Located just across from Tokyo Bay, at Kisarazu Concept Store shoppers can discover a treasure trove of discontinued fashions and unique designs.

This 200-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly restored as a luxurious ryokan for guests who want to experience an authentic retreat in the Japanese countryside near Tokyo. For a luxurious ryokan experience just outside of Tokyo, Miyamotoke offers guests countryside hospitality in a traditional Japanese farmhouse, plus something unique.

Abt Road in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, is a world away from high-speed bullet trains, timely commuter rails and subway systems. The 11.2-kilometer portion of railway on the Usui Main Line between Yokokawa and Karuizawa stations had been active for 104 years until it finally closed on September 30, 1997. The Usui Main Line and others like it connected Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures to Tokyo, paving the way for travel today. The Usui Line has since opened to visitors in the form of Abt Road, which welcomes hikers, adventurers and history enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy the historic railway and make new kinds of memories on these tracks.

The only wooden double-helix styled building in Japan, this mysterious temple located in Aizuwakamatsu must be experienced to be believed. Located partially up the slopes of Mt. Iimoriyama, the site of the tragic end of the 19 samurai boys of the Byakkotai during the Boshin War, Sazaedo Temple is a curious architectural anomaly that has fascinated visitors from around the world.

Amidst the scenic greenery of Shibukawa, Hara Museum ARC is a haven for contemporary art lovers. This unique museum integrates cutting-edge exhibitions with breathtaking natural surroundings, giving visitors a tranquil yet inspiring experience. ©Art by Kokoro, Jean-Michel Othoniel, 2009 ©Photo by Yuichi Shiraku

With its 280-year-old history of making tatami mats, Kuboki Tatami is helping this traditional craft win new fans at its innovative facility in Fukushima.

In Gyoda (Saitama Prefecture), a new tradition has been established: “Tanbo Art” (rice field art), a stunning seasonal display that transforms large rice fields into colorful canvases. Various shades of rice plants create elaborate artworks that showcase the region's agricultural tradition in a modern and impressive way. As one of Japan’s most innovative rural attractions, Gyoda’s rice paddy art combines farming techniques with contemporary creativity, drawing visitors from around the world.

Hidden on the historic streets of Nagareyama in Chiba, the Nagareyama Kaleidoscope Gallery & Museum offers visitors the chance to experience the unique and immersive world of kaleidoscopic art. The museum is located in a preserved storehouse that was built in 1889 and was once owned by the Terada family, one of the six pioneering families in the area. This is the only original storehouse remaining on the street, with its black plaster finish adding a touch of historical charm to the neighborhood gallery.

Explore a collection of preserved houses, shops, and public buildings that trace the evolution of Tokyo’s architecture and daily life from the Edo to the Showa period.

Discover the quiet beauty of bonsai in a serene setting that brings together the beauty of Japanese gardens and traditional architecture created by master Kunio Kobayashi.

Step into a retreat where time slows down and every moment invites introspection. At ZEN & BED Bogetsu-An, guests experience traditional Zen practices that refresh both mind and body.

Discover the artistry of Japanese crafts at Chichibu Orijuku Koubou Yokoyama, where over a century of dyeing and weaving heritage comes to life. Located in the Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture, this workshop offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional techniques with more than 100 years of history, including Chichibu Meisen, Nagatoro indigo dyeing, and plant dyeing. Suitable for both experienced artists and curious beginners, it’s an inviting space to challenge your own creativity while embracing Japan’s rich textile traditions.

Discover a space dedicated to fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. ARTS MAEBASHI is a museum that functions as a cultural hub; a place where art enriches lives and shapes the local community.

This stunning building preserves three eras of Japan’s history and serves the unique cuisine of this samurai castle town from days long past. Immerse yourself in Aizu-Wakamatsu’s cultural history at this nostalgic restaurant.

Experience a temple lodging that invites you to embrace quiet reflection and mindful living. TEMPLESTAY ZENSŌ offers a distinctive refuge for visitors where Zen principles and Buddhist traditions shape every detail, earning it the Special Award at the 2025 Japan Travel Awards.