Do you know any places that maintain that 'traditional' feel to them? Places where you don't see a 7-11 or pachinko parlour every 5 meters?


A couple of my favorites are

Obuse, in Nagano

Suzaka, Nagano

Most post-towns on the Nakasendo (the old fuedal highway between Tokyo and Kyoto) between Suwa (Nagano) and Nakatsugawa (Gifu)

that little village in the north-east of Kyoto, Ohara(?).

Most of inaka Shikoku has that feel to me...as well as central Kyushu. So lovely.

Went to Obuse for the 1st time last year. Really nice place -like you said.
Most of rural Japan (as in anyplace that's not a stone's through away from the Shink) is pretty chill. Aside from Culture, there are BEAUTIFUL rivers and quiet beaches.... loads of pristine coastline only accessible by boat. Plus you can camp pretty much anywhere.
Oh... but I'm digressing from 'Tradition'....

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is really pretty.



It has very traditional ryokans, with a small river tumbling through the middle of town. Traffic and electric cable free. There is a nice walk into the mountains, and an old silver mine to see too, though only when there's no snow.

I didn't see anything particularly amazing traditional Japan wise, which is a shame. Perhaps I need to visit a film set?!