One of the most beloved gaming genres is the JRPG. JRPGs have been around the industry for decades and have birthed some of the greatest titles throughout gaming history. While people love JRPGs for many reasons, from narratives to characters to memorable musical scores, it's often the locations you visit along the journey that stick with you for the long haul.RELATED: Underrated RPGs That Need RemakesJRPGs also cover a wide array of themes, settings, and motifs. From fantasy to sci-fi, JRPGs offer you so much to sink your teeth into, especially when it comes to towns and villages. Some of the most iconic JRPG moments take place in the smaller locations in the genre. There is generally a sense of coziness and safety in a well-constructed JRPG town or village. Here are some of the best from the genre.

7 Iselia, The Village Of Oracles - Tales Of Symphonia

iselia village of oracles from tales of symphonia

Tales of Symphonia offers a diverse cast of quirky characters who explore some truly memorable locations, however, it's the opening village, Iselia, that really stands out from the pack. Iselia is home to many of the game's staple characters but is arguably most important because Symphonia's protagonist, Lloyd Irving, is from the outskirts of this village where he lives with Dirk.

Unfortunately, the "Days of Prophecy" are about to take place at the start of the game which does eventually leave this place in a trail of flames, ashes, and despair. However, prior to this event, Iselia is a quaint and charming fantasy village replete with cozy homesteads, welcoming citizens, and a sense of pureness.

6 Tenuto Village - Eternal Sonata

tenuto village in eternal sonata

Eternal Sonata is easily one of the most underappreciated and overlooked JRPGs ever, full stop. Eternal Sonata featured a bonkers yet highly emotional and captivating story centering around the legendary composer Frederic Chopin. Taking place in his dying dreams, Eternal Sonata is filled with musical references, lovable characters, and some downright gorgeous locations to explore.

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One of the most picturesque villages in all of Eternal Sonata is Tenuto Village which lies in the district of Forte. This cliffside village overlooks the massive beachside city of Ritartando, an area that you explore later in the opening act. Tenuto Village feels unreal with its sweeping vistas, blooming flower fields, and the babbling brook that runs right through it.

5 Veniccio - Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)

veniccio from dark cloud 2

Veniccico from Dark Cloud 2 is a gorgeous sun-soaked beach town that is heavily featured in the fourth chapter of the game. Veniccio feels and looks like a tropical beach paradise that you would be very happy to vacation at to get some fun in the sun while also having ample relaxation time.

The game's protagonist, Max, finds himself in Veniccio in order to care for another character, Shingala. Interestingly, Veniccio is sparsely populated. However, as Max journeys through the chapter, he is able to restore the area and to eventually build the Lunatic Wisdom Laboratories. Veniccio is certainly a unique location but will pull you in with its gorgeous oceanview and calm sense of place.

4 Farebury - Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King

Dragon Quest VIII cover art

Farebury is the very first town you visit in Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King but also happens to be one of the very best in the game. Oftentimes a game needs to hook you right from the start and Farebury immediately does that, mostly down to its warm and inviting atmosphere and incredible musical score. Farebury is a pure high fantasy location that begs to be explored.

Farebury is also a very important location in this entry in the long-running series since it's where you meet up with a large part of your party before venturing out in the lands.

3 Ding Dong Dell - Ni No Kuni

ding dong dell from ni no kuni

Ding Dong Dell is one of the best locations from both Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and the sequel, Revenant Kingdom. Ding Dong Dell is an incredible fantasy-inspired location with a small medieval-themed village that lies below the massive castle and throne area. Plus, it's hard to miss the giant mouse ears adorned atop the castle section.

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Ding Dong Dell is set in the Summerlands region and is home to the Grimalkin (the mousekind) and humans. Fortunately the two have coexisted for many years which is why this town is welcoming and comforting. Some of the best towns feature rivers or waterfalls and Ding Dong Dell has these in spades.

2 Pirate Isle - Skies Of Arcadia (Legends)

pirate isle in skies of arcadia

Skies of Arcadia and its updated version, Legends, features one of the most unique and interesting locations in JRPG history. That location is none other than Pirate Isle, the home of Vyse. Vyse is the charismatic protagonist of Skies of Arcadia and just so happens to be a sky pirate.

Pirate Isle isn't discussed much due to its small size and lack of features, however, its simplicity is what makes it so special in the JRPG genre. Pirate Isle is a small floating sky village that wasn't seen much in the genre prior to players exploring it. You don't spend much time here but it perfectly sets up the pirating adventure ahead.

1 Black Mage Village - Final Fantasy 9

black mage village in final fantasy 9

Black Mage Village from Final Fantasy 9, as its name implies, is home to the black mages. The black mages live in this dense forest village where they seek to live in harmony and peace with others and the land. Aside from its more subdued and cozy atmosphere, this village is actually concealed from the outside world which helps the black mages to live in peace.

This village is home to a quaint inn, plenty of farming areas, mage hat houses, and enough trees to continue to breathe life into the region for years to come. Black Mage Village is a great contrast from some of the more regal and opulent medieval and castle locations from the rest of the game.

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