Japan Countryside Or Inaka: Celebrating The Art Of Slow Travel And Making Meaningful Connections
“These days, there is so much Instagram hypes! I can’t really find a place where you feel a real connection. It’s just about getting down from the flight, exploring the places like ticking off your bucket list, and before you even notice, your holidays are over.
And in the name of accessibility, they are tampering with nature. Can you suggest a place where I can really have a meaningful experience?”
Liana, a 27-year-old solo traveler and member of a women-only travel group, asked me. Something in me said that I had the answer, as I had already done a lot of research on Hokkaido, a crown jewel when it comes to seeing the best of Japan countryside.
Also, Liana’s question drew my attention to the art of slow travel, which Inaka, or the Japanese countryside, celebrates to perfection.
As you travel by train, ride a bicycle, take a walk, and even meditate with the monk, you feel a real connection to the place.
Moreover, these days, you do not even need to constantly think about the connectivity issues. Thanks to eSIM Japan travel, you can stay connected with your friends even while visiting the remotest corner of the country.
So, why wait? Let’s find out how the Japanese countryside has mastered the art of slow tourism.
Japan Countryside: How It Helps To Create The Real Connection Through Slow Travel
Have you recently checked the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data?
One day, I was just reading a Reuters news report, and I found out that the number of visitors to Japan had already crossed the 10 million mark by March 2025.
That’s great news, considering the country has capitalized on the success of 2024, the year in which Japan had a record-breaking 36.87 million visitors.
However, that has also caused a rise in the problems related to overtourism, with Tokyo bearing the brunt of it.
In this scenario, the Japanese Government is promoting the Japanese countryside and rural areas to avoid excessive tourist concentration in specific areas.
The Rural Tourism Act of 1995, the just-rolled-out accommodation taxes, and various sustainable projects are now bringing multiple areas in the Japanese countryside into the limelight.
Furthermore, the following elements can be the most memorable moments as you enjoy slow travel in Japan countryside.
Japan Countryside Celebrates Cultural Journey
Interacting with diverse human cultures is an important aspect of the slow travel philosophy.
The countryside of Japan allows you to taste local delicacies, meet local farmers and craftsmen, stay in small ryokans, and participate in cultural practices.
For example, onsen bathing, or a bath in the hot springs in areas such as Kyushu and Hokkaido, offers you the ultimate Japanese experience.
Moreover, slow travel in the Japanese countryside will also offer you many spiritual encounters.
In Kunisaki Peninsula, Kyushu, you will come across many spiritual destinations such as Shinto temples, Buddha reliefs on cliffs, Buddha shrines, and rocks. In the local language, these places are called pawā spotto.
Trains, Bicycles, And Walk: Promising Sustainable Travel
To visit the hamlets, villages, forests, lakes, and mountains, you must travel by train, ride a bicycle, or walk through the trails.
Now, all these modes of transportation allow you to travel at your own pace and explore the surroundings.
Furthermore, with low to no emissions, these modes of transportation make your travel experience more sustainable.
Sustainability is an important element of slow travel.
Meditating With The Monk And Experiences That Transform You
While exploring the Japanese countryside, you will encounter places like Fuki-Ji Temple in Bungotakada.
The Mini Zen Program here teaches you the art of meditation. As you sit with the monks, cross-legged, you will learn how to put your nervous and anxious mind to rest. You will learn how to focus and concentrate.
In those brief moments, you can feel a connection with your innerself and who knows from that day onward, meditation can become an important part of your daily life.
Best Japan Countryside Destinations For Slow Travel
Time stands still in the hamlets and villages of Japan. Many areas in the Japanese countryside practice a lifestyle that resembles that of a bygone era.
These are my favorite destinations if you want to experience a slice of Japan countryside and how it celebrates slow travel.
1. Fuki-Ji Temple, Bungotakada
In Bungotakada, Japan, the 8th-century Fuki-Ji temple is a must-visit place for history or cultural enthusiasts. It is hard to believe that this 718-century temple was built with a single kaya, or Japanese Torreya tree.
The oldest wooden structure in Kyushu, this temple celebrates the grandeur of Buddhist architecture. It has the seated image of Amida Nyorai Buddha, and you can even take part in the Mini Zen program here to practice meditation.
Furthermore, the VR reproduction here shows the history of the temple being built in the most fascinating way.
Visit the temple in winter for the best experience.
2. Tsurui Village In Hokkaido: A Melting Pot Of Culture, Rich Cuisines, And Natural Abundance
Hokkaido, especially its Tsurui Village, is the best place to learn about the traditional way of living in Japan.
Here, you will stay in humble farms and see how human lives thrive with a direct connection to nature. Also, the canoe journey and scenic view throughout it will take all your anxieties away.
Furthermore, Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products and venison. Indulge in the bes local delicacies here for the ultimate gastronomic delight.
3. Miyamoto-ke Farmhouse, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture: Enjoy The Farm-To-Table Culture
Miyamoto-ke is a century-old farmhouse in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. However, it is now run by a Sumo Wrestler and functions as an inn or Ryokan.
During your stay here, you can participate in farming and learn traditional methods. At Miyamoto-ke Farmhouse, you can also enjoy a Goemonburo or a traditional Japanese bath.
Moreover, it is one of the best places in Japan Countryside to experience the farm-to-table culture.
Slow Travel In Japan Countryside: An Experience To Remember
Slow travel in Japan countryside is about connecting with your inner self and bonding with nature.
Further, you feel empowered as you explore rural places on foot or by bicycle. Here, you are relying on your body and its ability to take you to places.
Also, the onsen bath after exploring the Japanese rural areas prepares you for the toil on the next day.
Overall, your heart feels full with the most immersive, authentic, and rejuvenating experience as you indulge in various activities in Japan countryside.
Yoki kokai wo!
