Oita, Japan

Oita may be a hot springs paradise, but don't expect an easy ride. With a population of just 1.1 million, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the prefecture has Japan's fewest municipalities. The winters can be bitterly cold, while summer brings sweltering heat. Yet the region's bounty of natural resources - from saffron to shiitake - makes it an appealing option for those drawn to rural Japan's charms.