{"id":36963,"date":"2026-06-30T17:12:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T16:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=36963"},"modified":"2026-06-30T17:31:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T16:31:37","slug":"joge-a-town-with-a-past-thats-shaping-its-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/30\/joge-a-town-with-a-past-thats-shaping-its-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Joge: A town with a past that\u2019s shaping its future"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tucked away in the hills of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hiroshima\/\">Hiroshima<\/a> Prefecture\u00a0and\u00a0far from Japan\u2019s\u00a0big\u00a0cities, lies Joge\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a\u00a0place\u00a0where traditions endure\u00a0and community comes first.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On first glance, its quiet streets and preserved merchant houses feel like you\u2019re walking through history, a town stuck in past, perhaps. Yet just a short while here and you\u2019ll realise that this is a place where the community is working to protect its future, by preserving its traditions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joge offers something many travellers don\u2019t realise they\u2019re missing: a chance to experience Japan beyond the highlights &#8211; as travel specialist, Marina, found when she visited as part of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-hj\/hidden-japan\/\">Hidden Japan Small Group Tour<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tenryo<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0town\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What first-time visitors may not\u00a0see\u00a0is just how deep the town\u2019s\u00a0history runs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joge\u00a0is what\u2019s\u00a0known as a\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tenryo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0town, meaning land that was once under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. This meant it wasn\u2019t just another rural village, but an important administrative and economic hub, where officials, merchants, and travellers once passed through.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0community shaped by\u00a0generational pride<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When I arrived, it was evident the locals were not only the friendliest of people, but also had deep roots in this town and a distinct pride for the place they call home.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some were born and raised here, others married into the town decades ago. However, they all share a strong sense of purpose in preserving it. One local, now a member of the town\u2019s cultural museum and visitor centre, grew up in Joge and continues to share its stories alongside her daughter. Together, they host tours of the town, sharing not only its history but also stories of the personal significance for each stop. Visiting the local souvenir shop that\u2019s been in the family for generations, walking through the streets where Morimoto-san (our day guide) grew up, or seeing the theatre in which her friends and family have performed. To these locals each place doesn\u2019t just hold historical significance, but a personal one as well. It makes the tour feel less like walking through an abstract past but rather enjoying present day life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Historically, Joge thrived as a post town along the Ginzan Kaido, or \u201cSilver Road,\u201d which transported silver from the Iwami Ginzan mines across western Japan. As a stop along this route, it became a lively\u00a0centre\u00a0of trade, with merchants, artisans, and travellers shaping the town\u2019s identity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, that same main street is still intact. With narrow streets, whitewashed buildings with weathered woodwork and centuries old tiled roofs and small shops that expand into the family home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-36966\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"An empty street in Joge with a dark-panelled building face on\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Building-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-36969\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-280x300.jpg\" alt=\"A quiet Joge street. Tarmac road, older buildings and a blue sky\" width=\"374\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-280x300.jpg 280w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-957x1024.jpg 957w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-768x822.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-1436x1536.jpg 1436w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-1914x2048.jpg 1914w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-1200x1284.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-900x963.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-720x770.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-1440x1541.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-390x417.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-780x835.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Town-510x546.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 374px) 100vw, 374px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like many rural areas in Japan, Joge has faced change. Its population has significantly declined in the last five decades as people moved to surrounding cities for job opportunities, schools consolidated from six buildings down to two, and the town was briefly absorbed into the larger city of Fuchu, meaning some long-standing community events have faded over time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And yet, what stands out most is the determination to keep going, as lifelong resident of\u00a0Joge, Morimoto-San,\u00a0emphasised\u00a0when I spoke to her.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe want to preserve this town as it is\u2026just as our parents did\u201d.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fighting\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atarimae<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0through preservation\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For\u00a0me,\u00a0what\u00a0makes\u00a0Joge\u00a0remarkable\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0simply how it looks, but how\u00a0its residents\u00a0care\u00a0about\u00a0it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Preservation here goes beyond\u00a0maintaining\u00a0a\u00a0pretty fa\u00e7ade.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0about ensuring buildings are structurally sound.\u00a0Its\u00a0history is respected from the inside out,\u00a0so\u00a0that traditions can truly last for generations to come.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0a\u00a0process\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0rooted in respect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s\u00a0a Japanese concept,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atarimae<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which means to take something for granted, or simply accept it as \u201cthe way things are.\u201d In\u00a0Joge, locals are consciously pushing back against that\u00a0idea.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe don\u2019t want this place to be taken for granted.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0says Morimoto-San. \u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We want people to visit and appreciate the culture and traditions that generations before us worked so hard to preserve\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This mindset shapes everything and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0something you feel\u00a0immediately\u00a0when you visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36972\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Joge theatre with a stage and screen with a tree on at the back of the room\" width=\"819\" height=\"819\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Theatre-510x510.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unforgettable\u00a0hospitality:\u00a0the\u00a0Joge\u00a0difference<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond the drive to preserve traditions was the genuine welcome I received from the whole community.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Around ten years ago, when international visitors first began arriving, many locals were unsure,\u00a0mainly because they\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0feel confident speaking English. But instead of letting that hold them back, they\u00a0leaned\u00a0in\u00a0and\u00a0learned the language. They showed up.\u00a0They\u00a0found ways to connect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe treat all visitors the same<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d says<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Morimoto-San.\u00a0\u201cWe\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0gatekeep. Everyone is welcome here.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a visitor,\u00a0I\u00a0immediately\u00a0felt\u00a0welcomed with open arms<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not just through polite interactions, but in the\u00a0small\u00a0thoughtful\u00a0moments. We were invited to watch\u00a0and\u00a0participate\u00a0in\u00a0a local\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kendo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> class (a form of Japanese martial arts), treated to a delicious lunch from a local caf\u00e9, given a historic tour of the town, and gifted handmade crafts.\u00a0\u00a0I was given a clutch bag made from a beautiful textured peach fabric. I was hesitant to accept the gift. The locals had already done so much for me, but they smiled and insisted I take it. They explained<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it brought them great joy to have had me as a visitor and wanted to thank me. It was an unexpected gesture that spoke volumes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We were welcomed in such a way that I didn\u2019t feel like we were just passing through as tourists, but rather that we were invited into every day life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36975\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-300x218.jpg\" alt=\"Kendo class in a hall. Two men in robes are Japanese fencing.\" width=\"819\" height=\"594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-1024x743.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-768x557.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-1536x1114.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-2048x1486.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-1200x871.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-900x653.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-720x522.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-1440x1045.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-390x283.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-780x566.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Kendo-Practice-510x370.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0side of\u00a0Japan few\u00a0travellers\u00a0experience\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here, the most meaningful moments\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0the big-ticket\u00a0sights,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0the ones you\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0expect.\u00a0It\u2019s wandering past centuries-old storefronts originally built for merchants and traders, stepping into\u00a0family owned shops that have been around for generations,\u00a0exploring\u00a0one of the oldest\u00a0Buddhist\u00a0temple\u2019s in the area, learning to draw a sword with <em>kendo<\/em> master,\u00a0visiting\u00a0an\u00a0old <em>kabuki\u00a0<\/em>theatre\u00a0that now hosts local community shows,\u00a0trying on a traditional bridal gown\u00a0that\u2019s been used by locals,\u00a0enjoying a meal\u00a0with\u00a0a ginger ale made from locally sourced ginger syrup,\u00a0or simply sharing a conversation with a local keen to practice their\u00a0English.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As\u00a0Morimoto-San<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">says:\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe hope visitors will look beyond the big sights and notice the smaller things, those details that make\u00a0Joge\u00a0unique.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s\u00a0a slice of\u00a0daily\u00a0life, where you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0just see Japan but feel it.\u00a0This\u00a0perspective has challenged me as a\u00a0traveller,\u00a0to acknowled<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ge\u00a0that\u00a0immersion in local daily life is much more meaningful and rewarding than\u00a0just scratching off a destination to say\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been there\u00a0and done that.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-37002\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"three samurai suits with a navy background\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-1200x1601.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-1440x1921.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Samurai-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-36999\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Workshop with crafted dolls\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Joge-Crafts-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Travel\u00a0that\u00a0gives back<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0Joge,\u00a0visitors\u00a0themselves\u00a0play a\u00a0crucial\u00a0role.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By coming, they support local businesses,\u00a0as a result the\u00a0money spent here goes straight into\u00a0preservation efforts\u00a0and\u00a0helping\u00a0sustain traditions that have existed since the town\u2019s days as a thriving trade hub.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That impact is tangible. Local activities are growing again, and younger generations are becoming more engaged, as Morimoto-San has noticed at the local <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kendo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0group:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThere used to be only one student. Now there are six. The children are excited\u00a0by the influx of\u00a0visitors;\u00a0they\u00a0too\u00a0want to learn and share their\u00a0culture.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What Joge taught me about travel<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joge, like many rural communities, is navigating the balance between preserving tradition and adapting to modern life. But\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0clear is that the people here are committed to finding a path forward,\u00a0one that protects what makes the town special without losing sight of its future.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They research, fundraise, collaborate, and care deeply about getting it right.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s something powerful about Joge. It doesn\u2019t try to reinvent itself or compete for attention. Instead, it stays true to what it is and invites visitors into that authenticity.<\/p>\n<p>And in doing so, it offers an important reminder.<\/p>\n<p>In a time when overtourism dominates so many destinations, I truly believe places like Joge show there\u2019s another way to travel \u2013 one that supports communities, preserves culture, and creates genuine human connections.<\/p>\n<p>As Morimoto-San sums up so well, \u201cThe richness of Japan isn\u2019t only in the cities. It\u2019s in places like this, in the mountains, in the traditions and everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After visiting, it\u2019s hard not to agree.<\/p>\n<h2>Start your next cultural adventure with InsideJapan<\/h2>\n<p>Our itineraries are designed to take you beyond the crowds and into the places in between, where everyday life, culture, and human connection truly come alive.<\/p>\n<p>Because sometimes, the places you\u2019ve never heard of are the ones you\u2019ll remember forever.<\/p>\n<p>You can visit Joge on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-hj\/hidden-japan\/\">Hidden Japan Small Group Tour.<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F36963\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Tucked away in the hills of Hiroshima Prefecture\u00a0and\u00a0far from Japan\u2019s\u00a0big\u00a0cities, lies Joge\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a\u00a0place\u00a0where traditions endure\u00a0and community comes first.\u00a0\u00a0 On first glance, its quiet streets and preserved merchant houses feel like you\u2019re walking through history, a town stuck in past, perhaps. Yet just a short while here and you\u2019ll [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":36984,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2360],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travellers-tales-from-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36963"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36963\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37023,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36963\/revisions\/37023"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}