20 Best Places to Visit for Nature Lovers in Japan

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Japan’s tradition, historical past, and gastronomy are sometimes cited as causes to journey to Japan. However do you know that for these within the know, Japan‘s nature can be a very talked-about purpose to go to? 

Nature lovers from everywhere in the world flock to Japan to get pleasure from primeval forests, energetic volcanoes, scenic rugged coastlines, drifting ice, and rather more. Pure variety is nice in Japan, and for those who don’t thoughts touring to a bit extra distant areas you may be rewarded with sights you’ll be able to’t see in lots of different locations on the earth. These are the 20 excellent locations to go to for nature lovers in Japan!

1. Yakushima (Kagoshima)

Kagoshima is just not solely a culturally wealthy space due to its lengthy historical past with a robust feudal household ruling the realm, however a scattering of small islands are additionally a part of the southern prefecture. One in every of these islands is Yakushima, which is very well-known for its primeval cedar forest. 

Because the air is humid right here, the timber are sometimes shrouded in mist which provides to the paranormal environment. There are only some small villages on the island, and the forest is undeveloped. Yow will discover a number of mountain climbing trails that lead by means of the forest, previous waterfalls, and to secluded seashores. Because the island is mountainous, a number of the hikes require a number of days and an general good bodily situation.

2. Amami Oshima Island (Kagoshima)

Amami Oshima is one other island within the southern prefecture of Kagoshima. Like Okinawa, Amami Oshima, the most important island within the Satsunan chain, boasts gorgeous pure magnificence. Lush forests, together with mangroves and big ferns, thrive within the island’s tropical local weather. Lovely seashores with white sand and crystal-clear waters line the coast, providing glorious swimming and snorkeling alternatives. Not like Okinawa, you’ll discover fewer crowds right here, making it a extra off the overwhelmed path escape.

However Amami Oshima is extra than simply seashores. It has a wealthy historical past and a novel tradition, together with the famend Oshima Tsumugi silk, used for hundreds of years to create beautiful kimonos. The very best time to go to is throughout the summer season months (late June to August) when the climate is heat and sunny.

3. Mt. Aso (Kumamoto)

Mt Aso, with its very giant caldera is a volcano that’s nonetheless energetic right now, and it’s well-known for 3 areas particularly. To start with, in the midst of the caldera, you’ll find Mt Nakadake whose crater you’ll be able to view from up shut. Volcanic gases spout from the crater offer you a barely unsettling, however nonetheless wonderful view. Close to Mt Nakadake you’ll find a shapely volcanic cone lined in grass. It isn’t straightforward to achieve by automobile, however you’ll be able to hike across the space. 

Kusasenri is the third must-see spot on Mt Aso. The grassy plain is a wonderful sight, and Due to the truth that the volcano is energetic, entry to Mt Aso is usually restricted when the scenario is just too harmful or visibility is low. On the official web site of the volcano, you’ll be able to test its present standing.

4. Amanohashidate (Kyoto)

You might indirectly affiliate Kyoto with coastal areas, however Kyoto prefecture really has some very fairly seaside locales. Amanohashidate is situated just a few hours away from Kyoto metropolis, not removed from the Maizuru cruise harbor. This sandbar is roofed with pines and is paying homage to a bridge to heaven, therefore the title. It’s a really scenic spot, and guests like to find the realm on foot or by bicycle. There are small shrines and temples to go to, and you may get nice views from a number of remark decks.

5. Takeda Citadel Ruins (Hyogo)

Takeda Citadel, a ruined fortress in Hyogo Prefecture, is famously often known as the “citadel floating within the sky.” Perched atop Mt. Kojo, this Fifteenth-century citadel presents gorgeous views, particularly on foggy autumn mornings when it appears to magically float above a sea of clouds. Although solely ruins stay, Takeda Citadel attracts guests worldwide with its breathtaking mix of historical past and pure surprise. The excessive altitude additionally supplies panoramic vistas of the encompassing mountain peaks.

6. Oboke Koboke (Tokushima)

Oboke and Koboke are 8-km lengthy gorges on Shikoku Island the place you’ll be able to benefit from the historic pure environment from the water or from the bus/prepare. The realm is distant, and you’ll really feel just like the cities are in a unique world. It’s stated that one of the best ways to get pleasure from Oboke Koboke is by rafting down the white water river, as this river has the quickest present in Japan!

7. Nachi Katsuura (Wakayama)

Nachi Katsuura is a coastal scorching spring city on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path. There are a number of bigger onsen inns the place you’ll find all the things you want for a snug keep; in depth bathing amenities, eating places, bars, and even karaoke. For those who can, we advocate a keep on the Urashima lodge with a cave tub or the Nakanoshima Resort with outside baths with ocean views. There’s additionally a well-known tuna market in Nachi Katsuura with auctions you can watch within the morning round 7 am.

8. Lake Nozori (Gunma)

Lake Nozori is situated round 200km north of Tokyo, and it was fashioned within the Nineteen Fifties when a dam was constructed right here. Because the lake is located at a top of 1500 meters above sea stage and is surrounded by gently sloping hills, the panorama reminds a lot of that of northern Europe. In the summertime the grassy fields develop into colourful with over 150 species of alpine flowers in bloom. We advocate combining a hike at Lake Nozori with a soak within the baths of the most effective scorching spring resorts on the earth, Kusatsu. It’s only 45 minutes by automotive when you have your individual transportation.

9. Oze Nationwide Park (Gunma)

Oze Nationwide Park is a mountainous paradise boasting considered one of Japan’s largest highland marshes. This distinctive panorama teems with various wildlife, together with the elusive Japanese stoat and the nation’s smallest dragonfly. Hikers can conquer towering peaks, stroll by means of vibrant meadows on picturesque boardwalks, and marvel at a powerful waterfall.

The park is a haven for outside fans, particularly throughout the summer season and fall (June to October) when vibrant blooms paint the meadows. Nonetheless, winter (November to April) blankets the park in a serene layer of snow, providing a unique sort of magnificence. Situated in Gunma, roughly 150 kilometers north of Tokyo, Oze Nationwide Park is definitely accessible.

10. Nagatoro (Saitama)

Nagatoro, a scenic mountain city in Saitama Prefecture, is a beloved escape for Tokyoites searching for outside adventures. This designated prefectural park presents a wealth of outside actions, from invigorating hikes and scenic river boat excursions to thrilling whitewater rafting. The Nagatoro River is a chief vacation spot for each adrenaline junkies and households, with its mixture of exhilarating rapids and calmer stretches good for swimming. After a day of aquatic enjoyable, discover the charming city, identified for its vibrant festivals, historic shrines, and scenic mountain climbing trails that wind by means of the encompassing countryside.

11. Okutama (Tokyo)

Okutama may very well be thought-about the ‘yard of Tokyo’, as you’ll be able to journey from central Tokyo to Okutama very quickly and it’s a bountiful pure space stuffed with cool mountain climbing trails. Apart from mountain climbing, Tokyoites additionally wish to go to Okutama for actions like biking, tenting, river swimming, rafting, and mountain climbing. There’s additionally an historic limestone cave (Nippara Limestone cave) that’s particularly good to go to in summer season due to the constantly cool temperature within the cave.

12. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki)

With the refreshing Pacific Ocean breeze, Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, presents seven distinct areas showcasing seasonal blooms and outside enjoyable. Miharashi no Oka (Hill of Views) particularly is completely lovely in mid-April when hundreds of nemophila flowers blanket the panorama in a sea of blue. Past the floral shows, the park presents a variety of actions for everybody. Cycle alongside the coast, problem the children on the impediment course, fireplace up the grill for a BBQ, and even get pleasure from a spherical of golf. It’s not shocking that that is considered one of Japan’s most lovely flower parks!

13. Owakudani (Hakone)

Owakudani, a famend Hakone viewpoint, presents a front-row seat to intense volcanic exercise. Born from a robust eruption 3,000 years in the past, this “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani) is famend for its pungent sulfur scent. An area delicacy, “black eggs” cooked within the space’s scorching springs, are stated to increase life by seven years. Guests right here can journey the scenic ropeway, get pleasure from views of Hakone and Mt. Fuji, and discover the quite a few mountain climbing trails that wind by means of this distinctive and fascinating panorama. There are specific occasions when the realm is closed due to volcanic gases so regulate the native reviews earlier than you go.

14. Shirakami Sanchi (Aomori-Akita)

Shirakami Sanchi is a big space within the northwestern nook of Honshu that’s dotted with pure locations of curiosity. As a result of the realm is so huge, it’s prudent to plan your journey and resolve which locations you need to go to beforehand. 

There are a number of mountain climbing paths by means of the forest that go previous waterfalls, lakes, and peaks. The Anmon Falls are essentially the most well-known waterfall within the space. Juniko, or ‘12 lakes’, can be a must-see vacation spot when you are right here as properly. The lakes are all linked by means of trails, and one lake referred to as ‘Aoike’ has a wonderful deep blue colour. One other fascinating hike takes you from the Dairakyo Gorge by way of the Tanashiro Swamp to Mt Komagatake.

15. Oirase Gorge (Aomori)

The Oirase Gorge, also referred to as Oirase Stream or Oirase Mountain Stream, is a breathtakingly lovely river valley famend for its vibrant, fast-flowing waters. This Nationwide Particular Place of Scenic Magnificence and Nationwide Pure Monument extends over 14 kilometers from the serene Lake Towada. Whereas gorgeous year-round, the gorge is most well-known for its spectacular autumn foliage. Lush with waterfalls and thick woods, the Oirase Gorge presents a fascinating environment good for forest bathing and galvanizing poets and artists alike. Guests can discover the gorge on scenic mountain climbing trails.

16. Kamikochi (Nagano)

Kamikochi within the Northern Japan Alps, presents breathtaking mountain vistas. This largely undeveloped resort invitations you to discover its magnificence, whether or not you’re strolling alongside the peaceable Azusa River or embarking on a difficult mountain hike. Accessible solely by bus or taxi, Kamikochi boasts a serene environment that includes just a few inns, outlets, and mountain huts. Surrounded by majestic peaks like Nishi Hotakadake and the energetic volcano Yakedake, Kamikochi is a must-visit for any Nagano itinerary. Nonetheless, notice that it’s solely open from April seventeenth to November Fifteenth as a result of heavy winter snowfall.

17. Jodogahama (Iwate)

This pure gem is present in an space the place you’d perhaps not anticipate it. Jodogahama was ravaged within the tsunami that was triggered after the devastating earthquake of March 2011, however this beautiful seaside has recovered since. You will discover calm, clear seawater with a white pebble shoreline with rocky islands within the bay. You possibly can safely swim right here in the summertime, there are amenities resembling showers and bathrooms, they usually function Blue Cave cruises the place you’ll be able to see the rocky islands up shut and enter a cave with intensely blue water.

18. Zao (Yamagata)

Zao is a dream for nature lovers, situated between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku, Japan’s northeastern area. This mountainous space boasts gorgeous surroundings, from the eerie “snow monsters” phenomena that cowl the timber in winter to the colourful foliage of autumn. Past the breathtaking views, Zao presents a wealth of outside actions. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the famend Zao Onsen Ski Resort, whereas hikers discover the area’s trails, encountering all the things from charming fox villages to serene mountain vistas. Zao can be famend for it’s onsens. Generally known as the “Springs of Magnificence,” these naturally heated waters have been soothing weary vacationers for hundreds of years.

19. Shiretoko (Hokkaido)

Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido is chock full of fantastic pure highlights, however for now we need to shine the highlight on one place particularly;  Shiretoko (知床). This peninsula on the jap facet of the island is a delegated nationwide park and it’s so distant that enormous elements of it might probably solely be considered from a ship. The a part of the nationwide park you can uncover by land is inhabited by bears, deer, and foxes. You may also see many fairly waterfalls and lakes, however one of many important points of interest is the drift ice you can see right here within the winter. In Utoro they set up ice strolling excursions through which you don’t simply stroll, however even swim among the many drift ice. No worries, you’ll put on a dry swimsuit so that you gained’t really feel too chilly.

20. The Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori)

Only a quick journey from Tottori Metropolis on the Sea of Japan coast, the Tottori Sand Dunes are a wide ranging sight and a unbelievable start line for exploring this often-overlooked prefecture. These spectacular dunes, stretching 16 kilometers alongside the coast, are Tottori’s most well-known attraction and a part of the Sanin Kaigan Nationwide Park. Rising 50 meters excessive, they provide breathtaking views of the coast. For a novel expertise, journey a camel throughout the dunes or take the chairlift to the Sakyu Heart’s remark deck. Thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline pumping with paragliding or sandboarding (assume snowboarding however on the sand!).

These 20 wonderful pure spots are simply the tip of the iceberg, and there are sufficient different creations of Mom Nature to get pleasure from in Japan to fill a lifetime of journeys. Japan is a must-visit vacation spot for any nature lover, and making the mix of discovering Japan’s cultural traditions and historical past whereas additionally setting apart just a few days for visiting pure locations. 

Japan Surprise Journey Excursions 

Japan Surprise Journey is a journey company that provides guided excursions all through Japan. 
From non-public strolling excursions to scrumptious Meals and Drink excursions, we may also help you set up one of the best excursions only for you! If you wish to discover Japan and be taught extra in regards to the historical past and backstories of every space you might be visiting, our educated and pleasant English talking guides will fortunately take you to one of the best spots! 
As well as, we will offer you any help chances are you’ll want on your upcoming journey to Japan, so please be happy to contact us when you have any questions or want some assist! 

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