This ‘Hidden’ Village In Pahang Lets You Experience Japan Without Leaving Malaysia

Snap photos in a kimono by the koi pond and learn how to brew tea the traditional Japanese way.

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Just a short drive from Genting Highlands, the Japanese Village in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang feels like it was plucked straight from Kyoto

Tucked within the Berjaya Hills Resort area, this village perches 3,500ft above sea level in the mountains.

Part of the larger Colmar Tropicale resort, it's one of the main highlights for visitors heading up to Bukit Tinggi. Built in 1997, it's described as the first Japanese-themed village outside Japan.

Although relatively small, the Japanese Village is full of intricate details that make you forget that you're in Pahang.

A climb up an 88-step staircase brings you to the entrance of the village

Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted by a wooden torii gate and a small bridge leading into the village.

Inside, the village opens into a Japanese-style garden with a flowing koi pond, large river stones, and bonsai trees. All around the garden are small wooden houses, each with its own purpose.

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Image via Dan Ho/Japenese Village Google Review
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Image via GMD/Japanese Village Google Review
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Image via Ramani Raj/Japanese Village Google Review

For just RM20, you can rent a full kimono set and a traditional Japanese umbrella, perfect for getting into the mood while snapping photos around the village.

The highlight here is the Japanese Tea House, which sits right in the middle of the garden, overlooking a koi pond surrounded by mossy rocks and trees. Inside, you can learn how to make tea the traditional way.

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Image via Vincent Khoo/Japanese Village Google Review
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Image via Nusrat Sultana/Japanese Village Google Review
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Image via Lee Yat Yew/Japanese Google Review

If a day in Japanese Village isn't enough, stay the night at the Ume Tatami Suite, a Japanese-style suite available for overnight guests

It has two Japanese-style rooms, one Western room, a cosy living area, and a Japanese-style dining table for meals.

It fits up to eight people, perfect for you and your family to experience a quiet stay surrounded by nature.

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Image via Colmar Tropicale
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Image via Colmar Tropicale
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Image via Colmar Tropicale

Before you leave, make a stop at the Ryo Zan Tei Japanese Restaurant, located further down the path

It's a small, peaceful spot surrounded by trees, serving classic Japanese dishes. With open windows overlooking the garden, you can eat while enjoying the cool mountain air.

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Image via Farid Farid/Ryo Zantei Japanese Restaurant Google Review
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Image via Mooi Ngoh Yeoh/Ryo Zantei Japenese Restaurant Google Review
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Image via Vincent Wong/Ryo Zantei Japanese Restuarant Google Review

On your way out, drop by the souvenir shop near the entrance. It sells a mix of Japanese-inspired keychains and Colmart Tropicale tote bags you can take home as mementoes.

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Image via Stephen Abraham/Japanese Village Suovenir Shop Google Review

Japenese Village

Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday (10am – 5.00pm)

Address:
Pahang, Bentong, Bukit Tinggi, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak, 28750

Contact:
09-221 3888