Kyoto enjoys worldwide fame as it charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, fascinating history and stunning nature. But do you know that such traditional Japanese traits are not limited to Kyoto? In fact, towns nicknamed ‘Little Kyoto’ exist all over Japan, from Tohoku to Kyushu, and offer you an equally memorable experience. Why not appreciate traditional Japan at some of these 9 Little Kyotos featured below?

What Does “Little Kyoto” Mean?

Kyoto holds a privileged position in the hearts of Japanese people, as it was the former capital and still retains much of what made it irresistible during the Edo Period. Think samurai residences, lovely gardens and quaint shophouses. However, such old-fashioned charm can also be savored in many other parts of Japan as they showcase buildings and atmospheric vibes that are reminiscent of Kyoto. Proud of their past, locals in these towns are dedicated to preserving the townscape as it was during the Edo era, so you will feel that you are transported back to the past when you visit these delightful places. Such places are hence bestowed with the name of “Little Kyoto”. 

Why Should I Visit These Little Kyotos?

Kyoto’s name spreads far and wide, so many visitors - Japanese and foreigners alike - make it their priority to visit its famous landmarks, especially during the change of seasons when it seems to shed its facade for another kind of picturesque scenery. With so many people flocking to admire its marvels, it can be difficult for you to take your time to soak in Kyoto’s tranquil atmosphere properly. If you are the kind of traveller who relishes having the time and space to explore a town on your own terms, then visiting Little Kyotos will surely appeal to you as it will enable you to do just that!

Little Kyoto

1. Kakunodate [Akita]

         Keen to experience what olden Japan was like during the Edo era? Look no further than Kakunodate which is known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku”. Founded in 1620, it was a castle town that prospered during the Edo era and housed about 80 samurai families. Although times have changed, Kakunodate still manages to keep much of its old-world charm as many of its distinctive samurai houses and merchant shops are preserved magnificently. Hence, as you take a leisurely stroll in the Kakunodate Samurai district, you can get up close with Japan’s feudal past and imagine how samurais must have lived their lives with integrity and dignity then.

Kakunodate also has another claim to fame: its mesmerizing weeping cherry blossom trees that sagely line the streets and along the banks of the Hinokinai River. Apparently, about 162 out of these 400 trees are designated as national treasures, so you can really look forward to how breathtaking they will look when cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Also don’t forget to pay a visit to the Denshokan Museum. Here, you will get to learn about how the locals in Kakunodate live in harmony with their environment and even leverage bark from the cherry blossom trees to transform it into aesthetically pleasing wooden artefacts such as dishes and even furniture. 

1. Obama [Fukui]

Ever wondered how Kyoto would be like if it were a port town? Now, you can

put your imagination to rest if you visit Obama, a city in Fukui that is located near the sea and is roughly in the center of the Wakasa district. Be sure to take a stroll along Sancho-machi and the Obama-Nishigumi Historical District. They not only dazzle your eyes with fascinating residences and shophouses that represent the best of Japanese traditional architecture, but also emanate a quaint atmosphere, thus enabling you to feel at peace with yourself and the surroundings. The temple fanatics among you will also gravitate towards the many temples and shrines constructed here between the 8th and 14th centuries. Some of them are designated as National Treasures, which underscores the prominent role Obama played in the past. 

After all that walking, you may want to visit the Wakasa Obama Fish Center. Apparently, since the Edo era, fresh fishes caught in the Wakasa Bay were transported from Obama to Kyoto via a mountainous road. Hence, you can be sure that the seafood delicacies here are top-notch. Tuck into the scrumptious mackerels, flounders and tilefish, among others!

Last but not least, the enterprising residents in Obama harness the fact that their hometown is spelled the same way as the ex-US President Barack Obama. So you may wish to buy souvenirs that feature the ex-president’s face - great for a dose of laughter for your folks back home!  

1. Kanazawa [Ishikawa]

Situated in Ishikawa, Kanazawa is one of those rare Little Kyotos that seamlessly straddle history and modernity, thus adding the much-needed oomph to your trip. As a prosperous castle town within the Kaga Domain during the Edo Period, Kanazawa facilitated the development of fine arts and traditional handicrafts. Even today, you still can get a feel of its exotic elegance when you visit the Higashi Chaya District. The feudal-style shophouses have been thoughtfully repurposed into chic teahouses and cafes so that you can savor Kanazawa’s wagashi (traditional sweets) and delicacies as well as its laid-back atmosphere. Other shops will amaze you with their variety of exquisite products that cannot be found elsewhere. Think Wajima lacquerware, Kutani ceramic ware and even gold leaf cosmetics.

Art lovers will surely wish to pay the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art a visit. The design of the museum is a fascinating artistic masterpiece in itself. It is a glass-walled circular building with no obvious entrances, thus serving as a creative reminder that art should be approached from varied perspectives. Once you are inside, be thrilled by some of the creative artworks that push artistic boundaries, such as Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool”.  

Ishikawa is near the Sea of Japan, so you can rest assured that the seafood in Kanazawa is of premium quality. Thus, a trip to the Omi-cho Market is a must! Help yourself to thick, tender slices of salmon, squid, sea urchins and other succulent seafoods without breaking your wallet!

1. Tsuyama [Okayama]

Moving on to central Japan, Tsuyama in Okayama is another Little Kyoto that you should put on your travel list. For one, it boasts a magnificent castle, Tsuyama Castle. Its founder Tadamasa Mori took a whopping 13 years to construct Tsuyama Castle and bolstered it with a lot of fortifications. Indeed, it was once known as the most impressive castle in Japan due to its formidable fortifications. Although Tsuyama Castle is now in ruins, it nonetheless showcases the awe-inspiring sight of a stone wall that is approximately ten meters tall and exudes an air of rustic elegance. Since it is located in the expansive grounds of Kakuzan Park, you might want to have a picnic there and spend quality time with your travel crew. Even better, you can consider visiting Tsuyama in April, because this is when the resplendent cherry blossom trees in Kakuzan Park bloom. Looking down from atop the stone wall at these vibrant cherry blossoms will definitely enable you to savor spring like you never have before!

Joto Street is also worth a visit. As the historical district of Tsuyama, it was the prime spot for pilgrims to stop, rest and recharge themselves during their journey to Izumo Shrine in Shimane during the Edo Period. Even now, these old residences still evoke a calm and relaxing atmosphere. For a change of pace, you may also wish to visit the Old Tsuyama Fun-Shaped Locomotive Depot. As the second largest JR station in Japan, it houses steam locomotives of different models and styles - all of which will delight train geeks. 

1. Yamaguchi [Yamaguchi]

In the Chugoku Region, Yamaguchi beckons as a charming “Kyoto of the West” that attracts many visitors. This Little Kyoto was under the rule of a powerful clan known as the Ouchi family during the 14th century. According to historical records, the Ouchi clan exerted a powerful influence on Kyoto when it was ruling Yamaguchi, so it wanted to develop Yamaguchi to look as elegantly designed as Kyoto. This is perhaps best illustrated by Rurikoji Temple, a magnificent five-storied pagoda that was built at the height of Yamaguchi’s prosperity. Standing at 31 meters tall and acknowledged as one of Japan’s Three Famous Pagodas, it is sure to be one of your indelible memories of your trip. Be sure to visit Rurikoji Temple at night too, for it is typically illuminated for several hours after sunset. 

Here’s a fun fact. Do you know that Yamaguchi is the prefecture where most Japanese prime ministers hail from? Given its stature, you will definitely not want to miss out on the opportunity to visit Yamaguchi Saikotei. Originally a restaurant that hosted numerous VIPs, including various prime ministers, it was repurposed into a museum where you can learn more about Japanese history and heritage through engaging activities like kimono donning. After your action-packed day of sightseeing, remember to shower yourself with some love by dipping in the gentle waters of Yuda Onsen. Dating back 800 years as the Chugoku Region’s most plentiful source of hot spring waters, it will help you restore your inner balance. 

1. Tsuwano [Shimane]

Another Little Kyoto situated in the Chugoku Region is Tsuwano in Shimane. Nestled deep within the mountains, Tsuwano is a nostalgically attractive old castle town that helps you to take a breather from the busyness of city life. Tsuwano Castle was constructed early in the 14th century, with the town developing around it. Although the castle doesn’t exist anymore, you can still view its stone base which exudes an air of gentle gracefulness. 

In Tsuwano, the samurai residences and merchant stores have been wonderfully preserved for several centuries, so make your way down to Honmachi Avenue and Tonomachi Avenue to get up close with these spectacular relics of time. Tsuwano’s buildings set themselves apart from those of other Little Kyotos due to their remarkable red tiled roofs. These roofs are known as Sekishu Gawara, and are not only a feast for the eyes, but also help residents keep warm during winter. The serene canals running along these streets are also a unique architectural feature. In the past, they were apparently stocked with carps so that residents could turn to them as an emergency source of food should their town come under attack. You can still see colorful carps in the canals - a delightful reminder of Tsuwano people’s intelligence! 

The Taikodani Inari Shrine will appeal to temple devotees too. Similar to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, this shrine features more than a thousand vermilion-lacquered Torii gates. Take your time to walk up the steps, enjoy the calm ambience and arrive at the shrine, feeling perfectly refreshed. A spiritual experience to be savored!

1. Nakamura [Kochi]

Can you find Little Kyotos in Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands? You bet you can! Take for instance Nakamura in Kochi. In fact, Nakamura boasts a structural layout that closely resembles Kyoto’s; both follow grid patterns. This is because Nakamura was built by a former samurai government official named Norifusa Ichijo who had worked in Kyoto prior to coming to Nakamura. Some of the streets in Nakamura are named after popular streets in Kyoto, including Gion and Higashiyama. If you have visited Kyoto before and are keen to know how its layout is replicated in Nakamura, you should include it on your travel itinerary. 

Nakamura is a stone’s throw away from the Shimanto River, which is widely known as Japan’s last free-flowing river. Head over to Nakamura Castle and you will be rewarded with a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Shimanto River and the townscape of Nakamura. The placid Shimanto River shimmers gloriously under the sun, showcasing its hues of vivid blues. This will definitely set your adrenaline pumping and make you want to indulge in some water activities.

The residents of Shimanto have thoughtfully come up with a buffet of activities to address this need.  If you are the sporty type, you can rent a kayak or canoe, paddle your way along the river and work up a sweat. If you prefer walking, you can sign up for a walking tour and explore the flora and fauna of the Shimanto River. Even if you are not up for physical activities, boat tours are an option you can choose. Regardless of which activity you engage in, spending time in the embrace of verdant mountains and blue skies will inject you with a much-needed dose of endorphins and help you relax. 

1. Akizuki [Fukuoka]

Accessible from downtown Fukuoka by car within 70 minutes, Akizuki is dubbed as the Little Kyoto of Chikuzen. As a castle town whose prosperous origins can be traced back to the Kamakura era about 800 years ago, Akizuki is so visually appealing that it served as the source of inspiration for film directors Akira Kurosawa and George Lucas. To understand why these directors were inspired, embark on a trekking trip towards Mt. Kosho. Approximately three hours later, you will come face to face with the stately Akizuki Fortress. Soak in its nostalgic atmosphere of faded majesty and marvel at how it stimulated the directors’ creative juices. 

Akizuki has many other sightseeing spots, including Akizuki Castle Ruins, samurai residences and even an old Dutch-style bridge. This bridge is called the Megane Bridge and was said to be built by Dutch engineers invited from Nagasaki. What an interesting juxtaposition of Eastern and Western styles that you can experience for yourself.

Akizuki is also revered as one of the best places to admire cherry blossoms in Fukuoka. You can plan your trip such that you will be greeted by the soul-stirring sight of cherry blossom trees on Sugi-no-Baba, a main street in Akizuki. Remember to sip tea at one of the tea houses along this street and take pleasure in Akizuki’s vibrancy and vitality before you.

1. Obi [Miyazaki]

Another Little Kyoto found in Kyushu is Obi in Miyazaki. Its most prominent landmark is Obi Castle, a historical landmark that was built in the 15th century and ruled by the Ito clan for 14 generations. With such an illustrious past, it is no wonder that the locals in Obi are fiercely proud of this castle. In the 1970s, they restored parts of it by harnessing high-quality Obi cedar wood. Hence, when you view Obi castle today, you can feel a heartwarming sense of serenity and gravity - one which only classic buildings that have been lovingly cared for can emanate.

If you are intrigued by how samurais had lived in the past, you can drop by the Obi Castle Historical Museum while exploring Obi Castle. This museum may be small but showcases an interesting array of authentic items from the Obi Domain, including armor, swords and samurai uniforms! Obi Castle is also strategically located near some samurai residences - all the easier for you to soak in its old-town vibes. To complete your experience, why not stay overnight at one of these samurai houses like Katsume Tei and Oya Tei? With the architecture and amenities remarkably preserved from the olden days, these samurai residences let you get a taste of what life must have been like as a member of a samurai clan. Super priceless!

Enjoy Kyoto’s Charms, Without The Crowds

I bet you never knew that there are so many Little Kyotos in Japan. Their interest value certainly rivals that of Kyoto: samurai houses, splendid nature and serene atmosphere. Rather than jostle with the crowds in Kyoto, why not travel to your preferred Little Kyoto and have a ball of fun exploring it at your own pace? Let’s discover the joys of these Little Kyotos which are off the tourist tracks and yield awesome travel memories!