Nature Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Nature

ALL
- All categories
- Mountain
- Coast / Beach
- Waterfall
- Lake
- Plateau
- Valley
- Sea
- Island
- Cave
- Special Terrain
- River
- Pass
- Cape
- Wetland / Marshland
- Rock
- Whale Watching
- Peninsula
- Dune
- Other Natural Terrain

Enoshima

4.5

1094 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima

Enoshima is a tied island connected to the mainland via a sandbar. Known for its picturesque scenery since ancient times, the island is also home to Enoshima-jinja Shrine and numerous other historic Shinto shrines. Sightseeing spots have continued to accrue on the island over time, including the Samuel Cocking Garden as well as a stone monument dedicated to the 1964 Olympics. The Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse, which is lit up beautifully at night, is a more recent addition. In times past and today, Enoshima remains a popular tourist destination visited by countless travelers.

Was looking for lunch on the way to Fujigawaguchiko and we hit this town. A seaside area with much to see and eat. A day trip for those from Tokyo seems viable but I was driving so can’t comment much...
Kegon Falls

4.0

1658 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2479-2

This is a magnificent waterfall which cascades down the 97 meter high sheer cliffs in a flash, and is one of Japan’s top three most famous waterfalls. If you go down to the observation deck by elevator which requires the payment of a fee, you will be able to experience up close the intensity of the water falling down which rises from the waterfall basin with a splash. You can enjoy the magnificent fresh greenery and the figure of Asian house martins flying around in the vicinity of the waterfall in the early summer, crimson foliage in the autumn and in winter, the frozen small falls or the twelve falls as they are called located half way up the waterfall provide us with a beautiful display. It is a waterfall which provides us with picturesque scenery from season to season.

Was in town and took the bus all the way up to the onsen final destination for the day and made a few stops along the way including Kegon falls. I didnt expect much and thought gee one of the most...
Oirase Stream

4.5

1063 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aomori Pref. Towadashi Okuse

"Oirase Stream can be reached by a JR Bus service from JR Shin-Aomori Station; the journey takes around two hours. It is one of the most scenic places in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park; the river flows out from Lake Towada through the gorge for a distance of around 14 kilometers, from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama, with a road and a footpath all the way along, making it easy for visitors to experience the gorge's wonderful natural scenery. There are many ""must-see's"" in the area, including the Ashura Rapids, which are one of the Oirase Stream's best-known sights, and Choshi-otaki Waterfall, one of the most imposing waterfalls in the gorge. Visitors can see the new spring greenery in May-June, and view the autumn foliage in mid to late October; the winter scenery, when the ground is covered with snow, is also very beautiful."

Generally speaking, the Oirase Stream is hard to access by public transport during winter due to road closure, but the winter sight is awesome which is something I realy wanted to see. So I joined...
Lake Chuzenji

4.0

992 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi

Lake Chuzenji, located in the west of Nikko in Chugushi, Nikko City. The lake, with circumference of 25 kilometers, was formed with the eruption of Mt. Nantai in the north. With an elevation of 1,269 meters this is the highest lake in Japan. During the Meiji and Taisho periods many European embassies built vacation houses around the lake, and they remain to this day. The lake is a pretty scenic spot with Mt. Nantai in the background where visitors can enjoy pleasure boats and of course the beautiful autumn leaves.

Given an hour here to explore on foot and was lucky to catch some last late blooming sakura near the Futaarasan Shrine, another one that is. There are activities available by the lake such as riding...
Lake Toya

4.5

527 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abutaguntouyakochou Touyakonsen

This is the third largest caldera lake in Japan with an area of the ninth largest lake nationally in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. While visitors can experience the magnificence of nature, it is also a hot spring resort with an abundance of hot water and many inns and hotels. It is one of Hokkaido’s most popular resort areas where you can enjoy activities such as pleasure boats, canoes and dairy experiences.

Breathtaking views and a pleasant drive around the lake. Plenty of places to stop along the way. I suggest stopping at Sobetsu-Cho for the waterfall and also visit the Windsor Hotel Resort. Cherry...
Shiretoko Goko Lakes

4.5

967 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Yuzu Iwa 549

A wooden walkway with an observatory along its length has been built which leads to Shiretoko Goko Lakes. The walkway and observatory were created so that people could enjoy the beauty of Shiretoko, one of Japan's top world natural heritage sites. You can also take in the ridgeline of the Shiretoko Mountain Range, Mt. Rausu, and the other mountains of the range. The wooden walkway leads from a parking area to the observatory area. The walkway both protects the delicate natural wetland and also protects visitors from brown bears and other wild animals. Use of the walkway may be temporarily prohibited depending on brown bear activity in the area.

We visited only ichiko the first lake and took the elevated broad walk. It’s a very easy walk and offers good views. We visited when it was getting foggy tho so not much of the sea can be seen.
Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

4.0

669 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575 Meoto Iwa in

The Husband and Wife Rocks is a fantastic sightseeing spot on Futamigaura Beach and this unique geographic feature has long been seen as a place to worship the sunrise. The rocks are seen as torii gates for the rising sun and are located on the sacred Okitama jinseki group of holy stones 700 meters away from the coast connected to the god Sarutahiko. The male stone is nine meters high; the female four meters. The sun can be seen rising between the rocks from May through July, while in autumn and winter, full moon appears between them.

If visiting Ise, you have to visit Meotoiwa Rocks. Its a few minutes drive from town along the coast. There is parking here, but it can be limited. There is a nice paved trail hugging the coast that...
Mt. Fuji

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi / Shizuoka prefecture

This is an elegant mountain which is certainly also a symbol of Japan, which is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters. Mt. Fuji is also often the theme of artistic inspiration such as Hokusai Katsushika: “Fugaku Sanjurokkei” (Thirty-six Sceneries of Mt. Fuji). Also, Mt. Fuji is also the place where the “Mt. Fuji faith” started and it is revered as a sacred mountain in which a deity resides. In 2013 it was registered with World Cultural Heritage as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”. There are four climbing routes including the Yoshida Route, the Subashiri Route, the Gotemba Route and the Fujinomiya Route. Since the opening periods vary depending on which mountain trail you choose, it is necessary to confirm in advance whether your intended route is open.
Mino Falls

4.5

406 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Minoshi Minokouen

This 33-meter-tall waterfall was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful waterfalls. It is located inside Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Known as a popular fall foliage spot, many visitors come during the autumn season. There is a “waterfall walkway” approximately 2.8 kilometers long that starts in front of Minoh Station and offers wonderful views of the natural forests of Osaka. The fall foliage is best from mid-November through the beginning of December. In the middle of the walkway is the Mino Park Museum of Insects, another popular spot.

Ive read most reviews saying that the hike up to the waterfall is an easy one, with gentle uphill slope. However, personal experience is that some parts of the hike isnt that easy, and it could...
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave

3.5

667 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Ishigaki 1666

Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is a large limestone cave which developed naturally over a period of about 200,000 years. It has a total length of 3.2 kilometers, out of which approximately 660 meters is open to the public. The limestone cave which was created from coral reef has many highlights such as the “Suikinkutsu” (water harp cave) where you can enjoy the sound of water dripping and the “Totoro Stalactite” which is similar to Totoro. The inside of the cave has been illuminated creating a fantastic atmosphere. The tour of the caves takes about 30 minutes.

This cave shows nature at its most fascinating. However, some of the human additions need work. I liked the various colors to subtly highlight the stalactites, but the Christmas-style lights detract...
Lake Kawaguchi

4.0

2 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Prefecture Minamitsuru-gun Fuji Kawaguchiko Town

Lake Kawaguchi is located at the lowest elevation of the Fuji Five Lakes. It also has the longest shoreline, about 20 kilometers, of any of the lakes and affords spectacular views of the magnificent Mt. Fuji. The area is a popular resort attracting many visitors with so many things to do such as the Music Forest Museum, pleasure cruises, campsites and hotels. The lake is registered as a World Heritage site as part of the Fujisan cultural site, ‘Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration’.

河口湖畔をお散歩していると、自然と河口湖七福神めぐりが出来るような感じになっています。七福神のうちの弁財天は、唯一女性の神様。河口湖音楽と森の美術館の裏手、というか、湖側にいらっしゃいます。調べたら、綾小路きみまろさんが寄贈されたんですね。
Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave

4.0

297 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunnarusawamura 8533

This is a cave located at the eastern entrance to the “Aokigahara Jukai” (sea of trees) forest, and is one of the sightseeing spots within the Fuji Five Lakes area. In 864 A.D., when Mt. Nagao, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji erupted, the red hot lava flow descended down between the ancient parasitic volcanoes creating this cave. The average temperature within the cave is as low as three degrees, and it is covered with ice year round. It was designated by the Ministry of Education as a Natural Monument in 1929.

This is a terrible place to visit unless you are fit and adventurous, The attendant at the gate didnt warn us enough about the danger. Our previous experience with lava ice cave was in Jeju and that...
Onioshidashi Park

4.0

355 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gunma Pref. Agatsumaguntsumagoimura Kambara 1053

This beautiful scenery was created from the lava that flowed out and spread when Mt. Asama had its giant eruption in 1783. The sight of the giant lava boulders scattered around makes for an impressive sight. In spring the lovely alpine plants bloom in profusion, while visitors can enjoy the changing leaves in the fall. The contrast with the deep black earth is indeed a sight to behold.

どこを見ても溶岩に囲われていて、自然の凄さや強さを感じることができる場所でした。景色も良く30分ほど歩きました。一度は訪れるべき、おすすめの場所です。 I drove there at late February. There is nice view and I felt the power of nature. I walked for about 30 minutes there...
Lake Yamanaka

4.0

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanakako village Minamitsuru gun Yamanashi prefecture

Located to the northeast of Mt. Fuji at an approximate altitude of 980 meters, Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. With very comfortable temperatures of around 20 degrees in the summer the place is known as a summer resort alongside Karuizawa and Hakone. There are a range of tourist facilities such as guest houses, sports facilities, fishing spots, literature museums, and art galleries, etc.

山中湖の湖畔で打ちあがる花火大会です。４か所から打ちあがる為、色々な場所で花火鑑賞を楽しめます。駐車場確保が一苦労しました。
Noshappu Cape

4.0

360 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Wakkanai City No Shap 2 chome

This cape takes its name from Ainu-language phrases meaning “the cape that juts out like a jaw” and “the place where waves are broken up.” There are views of Mt. Rishiri and Rebunto Island, and the island of Sakhalin is just visible in the distance; the sight of the sun setting below the horizon is especially beautiful. Visitors can also look round Noshappu Aquarium, where they can view a variety of fish that live in the seas of Hokkaido, including the mysterious Sakhalin Taimen.

We reached Wakkanai just in time to see the sunset at Cape Noshappu. At this time of the year, there wasnt too many people. Fortunately for us, the weather was fantastic.
Ryusendo Cave

4.5

229 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Shimoheiguniwaizumichou Iwaizumi Kannari 1-1

This massive limestone cave is one of Japan’s three largest, and is designated a National Natural Monument. The cave is over 5,000 meters long overall, and hosts eight underground lakes that are among the clearest in the world. The color of the water, called Dragon Blue, is astonishing and the mystical sight is worth visiting. A 700 meter walking route in the cave and three of the eight lakes are open to the public. One section of the trail is barrier-free, with full wheelchair access. The limestone filtered water has been named one of Japan’s top 100 waters, and is available to drink at the cave entrance.

This spot is far from any station, so you need a car or bus to reach it. The entrance fee costs 1000 yen per person. Business hours are from 8:30 to 17:00, and open everyday. It is one of the three...
Oshino Hakkai Springs

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunoshinomura Shibokusa

Oshino Hakkai Springs is a collection of eight spring water ponds created from water from Mt. Fuji. The springs are revered as a place of pilgrimage for many people. The place was also registered as a World Heritage site as an integral part of Mt. Fuji due to being an historical sacred place of Sengen Shrine, and an historical place for people on the road to Mt. Fuji to perform a purification ceremony, as well as because of its mysterious beauty.
Tottori Sand Dunes

4.0

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tottori Pref. Tottorishi Fukubechouyuyama

Tottori Sand Dunes run along the Sea of Japan coast in Tottori City. They are the largest dunes in Japan and extend 16 kilometers from east to west and 2.4 kilometers from north to south. The landscape formed by the granite sand which is carried from the Chugoku Mountains due to the swift current of the Sendai River and the sea breeze from the Sea of Japan is beautiful. From the viewpoint of these dunes having characteristic topography, there are places with large depressions which are called “suri-bachi” because their shapes resemble that of an earthenware mortar, and it is said that large ones can be as much as 40 meters deep. It is also fun to ride a sightseeing camel through the sand dunes or glide over the sand on a sand board. The sand dunes were designated as a Natural Monument of Japan in 1955, and were selected as one of Japan’s top 100 geological features in 2007.

砂丘の生物や植物などを展示されていました。映像を見ることもできるようで無料でした。観光案内所を兼ねているような感じです。
Nomizo Falls

4.0

320 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Kimitsushi Sasa

The light shining on the surface of the water at Nomizo Falls of Kameiwa Cave are beautiful. The mystical scene is popular and it feels as if it is from the world of Ghibli.

Beautiful place to admire the beauty of the forest, waterfall & cave. Good to drive to get there. It should take less than 15 minutes to complete the walk from the start to the end.
Kurumayama-kogen Highland

4.5

329 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama 3413

This is a beautiful highland that spreads out around Mt. Kuruma, the highest peak in the Kirigamine Mountain Range, where around 600 types of alpine plants grow. The view from Mt. Kuruma’s summit is exquisite, overlooking the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains), Mt. Fuji, Mt. Yatsugatake and the Asama Mountain Range. In summer one can enjoy hiking or trekking, and in winter skiing.

Easy to climbing to the top from the nearest parking. We can enjoy its view like Kirigamine Prairie and Lake Shilakaba.