Little Kyoto
While much of Japan's historical sights have been engulfed by Japan's large metropolitan areas, Tsuyama is a more quiet town where you can enjoy the historical sights without the tourist crowds. This is partly because it is in rural Japan, but also because the citizens have taken an interest in their city's history and culture, so they are well-preserved. Because of the history and culture, Tsuyama has been called "Little Kyoto". Joto street and the samurai house are from the feudal Edo Period, the Yayoi village is a recreation of some of the first settlements in Tsuyama (and there is a museum nearby that contains artifacts from the past), Yokono Washi (which is the traditional method of making paper in Tsuyama) still exists in Tsuyama, Kakuzan Park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle, Shurakuen Garden has been preserved from the 17th century, and of course there are many temples and shrines, along with many museums, so you can truly learn a lot about Japanese history and experience much of it firsthand!
One of the main reasons why people travel to Japan, is to experience its unique culture and to learn more about its fascinating history. If this is one of your goals, then Tsuyama will not disappoint you! The people of Tsuyama really made my stay there memorable. I lived with a host family for four weeks, and I have since returned to visit them.


Boat in Shurakuen's Lake
Cherry Blossom Festival
Shurakuen Garden
Kakuzan Park