Kouge(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ukomachi, the most acclaimed ryokan is Oono Onsen Yakan, nestled in a secluded valley with natural sulfur-rich hot springs. Its private outdoor baths overlook the Ukomachi River Gorge, offering panoramic views of autumn foliage and winter snowscapes. Each room features tatami mats, sliding shoji screens, and access to a seasonal kaiseki dinner using local ingredients like wild mountain vegetables and river fish. The onsen’s therapeutic waters are renowned for skin health and relaxation.

The Old Town District in Ukomachi is the heart of cultural immersion. Wander through preserved Meiji-era wooden houses, visit the Ukomachi Weaving Museum, and participate in hands-on workshops led by master artisans. Don’t miss the Yukari Tea Ceremony House, where visitors learn traditional tea preparation while enjoying views of cherry blossoms in spring. This district also hosts monthly folk craft markets, showcasing handmade pottery, bamboo crafts, and regional textiles.

Yes, Kodama Family Stay is a highly recommended family-friendly lodging in Ukomachi. Located near the Ukomachi Forest Zoo, it offers spacious rooms with bunk beds, a fenced garden, and a kids’ activity corner. Families can join guided rice planting sessions, stream fishing tours, and nighttime storytelling under the stars. The staff provides multilingual support and organizes themed days like "Forest Explorer" or "Farm Life," making it ideal for intergenerational travel.

Experience local cuisine at Kawa-ya Dining House, a family-run inn serving wild boar miso stew, river trout sushi, and mountain vegetable tempura made from ingredients harvested that morning. Many guesthouses offer dinner cooking classes, teaching guests how to prepare Ukomachi-style soba noodles using stone-ground flour. Evening highlights include bonfire gatherings with home-brewed plum wine and traditional folk songs, deepening your connection to the region’s culinary heritage.

For breathtaking night views, head to Takamatsu Hill Observatory, located atop a hill overlooking the entire Ukomachi Valley. From here, you’ll see the twinkling lights of the town, glowing lanterns along the Ukomachi River, and steam rising from the onsen areas. Some luxury lodges, like Hoshizora Guesthouse, provide private rooftop terraces with heated seating and complimentary sake, perfect for romantic evenings or solo stargazing.

Start your day with a sunrise visit to Ukomachi Shrine, followed by a walk through the Historic Wooden District. Stop by the Bamboo Craft Studio for a hands-on weaving lesson, then enjoy lunch at Sakura Soba, known for its fresh, hand-pulled noodles. In the afternoon, attend a tea ceremony workshop at Yukari House, then explore the Ancient Path Trail with a local guide. End the day with a soak at Oono Onsen, followed by a bonfire dinner with live folk music.

Ukomachi hosts several vibrant festivals: the July Ukomachi Festival features a grand float parade, taiko drum battles, and a bustling night market. The October Harvest Festival celebrates rice culture with paddy field rituals, mochi pounding demonstrations, and a farmers’ market. During winter, the Snow Lantern Festival transforms the riverbank into a magical corridor of hundreds of handcrafted paper lanterns, illuminated against snowy backdrops.

Green Valley Eco Village is a standout sustainable stay in Ukomachi, built from repurposed farm buildings with solar panels and rainwater harvesting. It offers treehouse suites and forest cabins equipped with compost toilets and organic linens. Guests can join evening owl-watching walks, wetland bird surveys, and native plant identification hikes. The lodge promotes low-impact tourism and donates proceeds to local conservation efforts.

Yes, the Ukomachi Weaving Workshop at the Weavers’ Guild Hall offers immersive sessions in handloom weaving using locally grown hemp and indigo-dyed threads. Visitors learn ancient techniques passed down for generations, creating a small fabric sample to take home. The workshop also includes a cultural talk on textile symbolism in rural Japan, enhancing appreciation for this intangible heritage.

Ukomachi stands out as a hidden gem due to its untouched landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and minimal tourism impact. Unlike crowded destinations, it offers genuine interactions with locals, access to pristine nature, and authentic experiences—from early-morning shrine visits to seasonal harvest rituals. Its blend of quiet charm, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism practices makes it ideal for travelers seeking meaningful, off-the-beaten-path journeys.