Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Historical Sites
Many of Japan’s centuries-old structures and landmarks remain alive and busy up to the present day, and a lot of them offer tourists a fantastic
learning experience, focusing on how life was back in the early days.
Old Towns
Otaru
A city facing Ishikari Bay, Otaru is a popular tourist destination in the Hokkaido region, best known for its old, traditional atmosphere. With its
cobbled streets, oil lamps, and stone and brick buildings, it exudes a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the past centuries, when the city was newly
established.
Kakunodate
A small, peaceful town surrounded by mountains, Kakunodate is an old castle town developed at the start of the 17thcentury. It is among
Akita’s most popular destinations because of its samurai residences, all located on one street and now open to the public as museums. It also
has museums, temples, and the Hinokinai River that is lined in part with cherry trees, a great spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Kawagoe
A flourishing castle town back in the 1600s, Kawagoe is a city in Saitama that has been declared an important national district for its many
historical houses and buildings. Dubbed as “Little Edo”, its architectural style and layout is similar to that of a small-scale Edo. One of its most
significant landmarks is the bell tower right at the centre of the town.
Kiso Valley
Situated close the Kiso-gawa River in Nagano, Kiso Valley is a rural area that offers an abundance of natural scenery. It is found at the foot of
Mount Ontake-san and is a great destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. The town consists of many sloping cobblestone roads and
stone-paved paths with stone houses and buildings on both sides.
Takayama
Located in the Hida region of Gifu prefecture, Takayama is a city in the mountains. It is an old town filled with narrow streets that contain
traditional buildings, shops and sake breweries. Some of the old merchant homes are also open to the public.
195 - Japan Travel Guide