Officially certified！ Japan has 46 “Little Kyotos” — have you been to them all?

▲ A street in Kyoto. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most representative tourist cities and also a top choice for Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan. To attract visitors, many places across Japan with a traditional and classic ambiance similar to Kyoto have adopted the title “Little Kyoto.” There are now known to be over 46 such places. But among so many Little Kyotos, which one is the most authentic? Answer: they’re all authentic.

▲ Kyoto streets have charm both day and night. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

In fact, as early as 500–600 years ago, many Japanese cities were built in imitation of Kyoto, giving rise to the term “Little Kyoto.” Up to the present, there is even a “National Kyoto Conference Member Cities and Towns” organization responsible for certifying Little Kyotos across Japan. The certification criteria are:

1. Possessing a landscape similar to that of Kyoto City
2. Having historical connections to Kyoto City
3. Boasting traditional industries and arts

As long as any one or more of the above three conditions are met and the place is recognized by the National Kyoto Conference Member Cities and Towns, it can be awarded the title of “Little Kyoto.” Currently, 46 towns have joined.

▲ Certified Little Kyotos in Japan so far. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe official website of the National Kyoto Conference Member Cities and Towns)

▲ The old town of Takayama in Gifu is known as Hida Little Kyoto. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

But in reality, Japan has more than just 46 Little Kyotos. This includes 11 cities and towns such as Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, which were once part of the National Kyoto Conference but are no longer on the list, as well as other towns that, although not part of the conference, promote themselves as Little Kyotos to boost tourism. Altogether, Japan’s “Little Kyotos” number well over 100. Lonely Planet has even selected six of the most worthwhile Little Kyotos to visit, including:

1. Takayama in Gifu Prefecture
2. Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture
3. Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture
4. Ogaki in Yamaguchi Prefecture
5. Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture
6. Yosa in Fukui Prefecture

If you have the chance to visit Japan, be sure to check out these “Little Kyotos” to experience a different kind of travel atmosphere.