I took a day trip to three sleepy Japanese towns just a few hours from major cities, and they were the highlight of my visit.0

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• July 27, 2026

When I planned my first trip to Japan during cherry blossom season, I knew I wanted to see the tourist highlights in major urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka, but I also wanted to embrace the countryside. I asked my relatives who live in Japan for recommendations, and their suggestions led me to three rural