I have often wondered about this as well. I think the answer is, where else are you going to find a very small town, in the mountains, on a passenger rail line?

I have often wondered about this as well. I think the answer is, where else are you going to find a very small town, in the mountains, on a passenger rail line? For good measure throw in extensive local history (including historic sites), modern internet and cellular coverage, and maybe also some onsen. Certainly there are a few to be had but (my impression) pretty much none in North America. Probably some places in Switzerland and Austria that tick most of those boxes which people seem to find similarly fascinating.