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

Lake Inawashiro

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Yamaguninawashiromachi

This massive lake at almost the direct center of Fukushima Prefecture is Japan’s fourth largest in area. It boasts a long history, being used for farm irrigation from the Edo period, and it is spoken of in Kobo Daishi’s Legends of Okinajima. Mt. Bandai stretches to the north, and it is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery including Oshika-zakura cherry and Tatsusawa Virgin Forest, Natural Monuments. There are rental bicycles available at Inawashiro Station and Roadside Station Inawashiro, so you can ride through the beauty of Lake Inawashiro through all four seasons.
Takahama Beach

4.5

21 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Takahamamachi

This beach is located in Takahama-machi, Nagasaki City. With white sands that stretch for approximately 800 meters and cobalt blue seas with excellent water quality, it has been chosen as one of the 88 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan. In addition, you can see Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage ''Sites of Japan's Meiji Japan Industrial Revolution'' on the other side of the sea.

We took the bus (number 30) from Nagasaki station to the beach, 50 mins for 590 Yen. For time info ask the tourist office at the station, timetable differs from weekdays and weekends. The bus stop is...
Kakusen-kei Valley Kawadoko

4.0

40 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Kagashi Yamanakaonsenkajikamachi Aya toya

The picturesque Kakusen-kei Valley, located in the Yamanaka Onsen hot spring resort area in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has a lovely pure river running through it as well as seasonal natural beauty which draws large numbers of tourists. Kawadoko, traditional raised decks erected on and near a river, are set up in the riverbed area generally from April to October, and visitors may use them to enjoy a relaxing, elegant time while gazing at fresh spring verdure or fall foliage. Popular sweets such as a cool matcha green tea shiruko sweet bean soup and Kawadoko roll, prepared according to recipes by renowned chef Rokusaburo Michiba, are also sold here. It’s also popular to reserve a takeout Kawadoko bento box lunch at nearby ryokan inns and restaurants.

その日はとても気温が高く大変だったのかもしれませんが接客態度が酷かったです。席を確保し1人が全員分注文しに行ってる最中に、注文してないのに座ってると思われたのかもしれませんが1人のスタッフの方が指をさしてきてこっちに向かってきて遠くから「注文しましたか？」と威圧的な態度で何度も大声で話しかけてきたので「今注文しに行ってるものの連れです」と言うと何も言わずに立ち去り他のスタッフの方とこちらをみなが...
Kumoba Pond

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa

This pond located in close proximity to Roppon-tsuji serves as the water source for gozen-sui. The quiet, beautiful pond is also called Swan Lake since swans used to migrate here in the past. A promenade has been built around the circumference of the pond upon which visitors can enjoy a slow stroll. Visits during the autumn season with its changing leaves are particularly recommended. The sight of the trees steeped in red and yellow reflected in the water is well worth seeing.
Cape Ogon

4.0

39 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido

Cape Ogon protrudes out into the sea just beyond Bikuni Harbor. There is an approximately 410-meter footpath, with three entrances giving access to the observation platform. In the past, a lookout tower was located on the Cape to watch for shoals of Pacific herring out at sea, and the name “Cape Ogon” (“Golden Cape”) was given to the Cape because the shoals of herring flashed gold in the setting sun. The way in which both the sky and the sea become tinged with crimson as the sun goes down is very beautiful, and Cape Ogon has been said to have the best sunsets in Japan.

This is probably missed by most people on the way to Cape Shakotan. Its however just a short walk from the Shakotan tourist centre. It is a hilly trail and a pretty short walk, till you reach a 2...
Lake Kinrin

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Yufushi Yufuinchoukawakami

This unusual lake is fed by both hot and cold springs welling up under the lake bottom, resulting in warm waters year round. In winter, steam wafts off of the lake’s surface, creating a fairy tale-like sight. It is said that early Meiji period Confucian scholar Mori Kuso gave the lake its name, Kinrin-ko (“Gold Scale Lake”) after he saw the scales of a fish glittering like gold in the lake’s waters against the light of the setting sun.
Sandanbeki

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou

Extending out for about two kilometers, Sandanbeki features 50-meter tall large rock walls comprised of columnar joints and is a Place of Scenic Beauty for its precipitous cliffs. On top of the cliffs is a viewing platform which allows visitors to gaze out at the scenery of the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Also close to the viewing platform is a cave that, according to legend, is where Kumano pirates (and later Kumano navy members) hid their boats during the Genji and Heike battle. Inside the cave is Japan’s largest bronze statue of the goddess Benzaiten, and it is possible to ride an elevator down into the cave from the top of the cliffs.
Mt. Haruna

Travel / Tourism

Gunma Pref. Takasakishi Harunakomachi

A 1,449 meter tall mountain located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture and one of the Three Mountains of Jomo. At the top of the mountain are Lake Haruna, a caldera lake, and the Haruna-Fuji lava dome central volcanic cone. A ropeway takes visitors to the top in around three minutes, and from here you can get a sweeping view of the Kanto Plain and the mountains of the Joshu area. Many events are also held here and in winter visitors can enjoy the magical site of the Lake Haruna during the Illumination Festa nighttime illumination festival.
Cape Futtsu

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Futtsushi Futtsu 2280

Cape Futtsu is a narrow land formation resembling a crane jutting its beak into Tokyo Bay. At the tip of the cape is the Meiji Memorial Observation Tower from which one can see the expansive ocean, downtown Tokyo and even Mt. Fuji. Many people visit Cape Futtsu for swimming in the ocean or in the jumbo pool, and for clamming as well.
Cape Nosappu

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Nemuroshi Nosappu

Located at a longitude of 145°49'01'' East, Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point in Hokkaido. As the sunrise here occurs earlier than anywhere else in Japan, many people come here to see the first sunrise of the New Year on New Year’s Day. On a clear day, the Northern Territories (islands that were formerly Japanese territory but are now occupied by Russia) can be seen in the distance; a number of monuments etc. (including the Shima-no-kakehashi Bridge) have been constructed near the Cape to express the desire for the return of the Northern Territories to Japan.
Lake Okama

Travel / Tourism

Zao-cho, Kariya-gun, Miyagi prefecture

Lake Okama is a round crater lake on Goshikidake Peak in the Zao Range, and it is a famous scenic spot, considered a symbolic place in the Goshiki Zao region. It is surrounded by three peaks, Zao Karitadake Peak, Kumanodake Peak, and Goshikidake Peak, and it derives its name, which means “kettle,” due to its shape. Due to the concentration of sulfur and other chemicals in the water, the surface of the lake can take on a turquoise or emerald green color, creating a mystic landscape. This lake is unique among the world’s lakes in that it has multiple temperature layers, with the water hotter at certain depths. Due to the acidity of the water, no living organisms inhabit the lake.
Sosogi Coast

4.0

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Wajimashi Machinomachi Sosogi

The Sosogi Coast is located in Sosogi, Machino Town, Wajima City. It extends for two kilometers from the Tarumi-no-daki Waterfall to the mouth of the Machino River. The rhyolite rock has been eroded by the action of the waves to create complex, strangely-shaped rock features such as Suimon Cliff, Fukuga-ana Cave and Hiroki-no-ken Cliff. There are many beautiful sights, including the Mado-iwa (“Window Rock,” which has a two-meter wide hole in it, and which has become a symbol of the Sosogi Coast), and the “Wave Flowers” phenomenon that can be seen in winter; the Sosogi Coast has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and National Natural Monument.

Some of the views are pretty special but this is a view of a rocky coastline, just like you have in many other countries. If you are in the area by all means, I would not however travel specially to...
Utsue Shijuhattaki Falls (Utsue Shijuhattaki Falls Prefectural Nature Park)

4.0

33 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Kokufuchoutsue

The collective term for 13 waterfalls located in a nature park a 15 minute drive from JR Hida-Kokufu Station along Prefectural Route 479. The name of the falls is derived from a local tale known as the “Legend of Yosohachi.” A highly secluded area, visitors can enjoy the sight of the 18.8 meter tall Otaki falls and other waterfalls splashing down rocky walls amidst seasonal scenery. This scenery has been selected in a variety of lists of Japan’s most beautiful locations, including the 100 best examples of natural scenery to preserve in the 21st century, Gifu Prefecture’s 50 most beautiful water areas, and the 33 most beautiful locals to enjoy fall foliage in the Hida-Mino area. There is a campground and hot spring bathhouse nearby, and the stone paved path leading to the falls makes it easy even for families with children to enjoy the gorgeous views.

Wonderful place next to Takayama. Take train to Hida Kokufu station, outside the station take a free bus to the falls. The bus goes up at 10:08 13:38 and 14:40. The bus stop is opposite to a...
Akiu Great Falls

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Taihaku-ku Akiumachibaba Otaki

Numbered among Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, Akiu Great Falls is an impressive waterfall six meters across and 55 meters high. A pedestrian path along the river brings visitors close to the falls, where they can hear the roar of the water and feel the white mist produced as they view the impressive sight of powerful torrents falling from the cliff. In autumn, the Akiu Great Falls forms a beautiful scenery with the background of colored maple leaves, which attracts many visitors as well.
Shinobazu Pond

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen

This is a natural pond located within Ueno-onshi-koen Park. The pond is divided up into three sections, the Lotus Pond that is covered by lotus plants, the Cormorant Pond which serves as a breeding ground for the birds, and the Boat Pond for small rowboats. Bentendo Temple on Benten Island, in the center of the pond is an octagonal structure dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. The pond is about an eight minutes’ walk from Yushima Station. Known as a famous place for cherry blossoms, visitors can also enjoy various flowers blooming throughout the four seasons.
Shirahige Waterfall

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kamikawagumbieichou Shirogane

This is an extremely beautiful waterfall, with a blue-tinted stream that wells up from an underground water source crashing over the falls and sending up a white spray. In early summer, the waterfall makes a wonderful contrast with the surrounding greenery, while in winter the whole area is covered in snow; this has made the Shirahige Waterfall a popular place to take photos. The illuminations during the winter months are a must-see.
Senjojiki

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou

Facing the ocean from the tip of Setozaki Cape, Senjojiki is a vast bedrock formation that looks as though countless tatami mats were spread out along the shore. The formation is composed of soft white sandstone, and the magnificent scenery formed by waves hitting the shore over many years is truly overwhelming. This is also a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Cape Chikyu

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Muroranshi Bokoiminamimachi 4-77

Cape Chikyu is famous for its approximately 14-kilometer stretch of spectacular cliffs, which average around 100 meters in height. On days when the weather is good, the observation platform at Cape Chikyu offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean; the Cape is very popular as a place to view the first sunrise of the new year on New Year’s Day, with many people coming to watch the sun rise up out of the Pacific Ocean. Cape Chikyu also has a wealth of natural interest; for example, it is famous as a nesting site for peregrine falcons, which come here to breed because of the food source provided by the large numbers of migratory birds.
Higashi Shiiya Falls

4.0

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Usashi Ajimumachihigashishiya

"A waterfall located in Higashishiiya, Ajimu-machi, Usa City. Dropping straight down 85 meters, the waterfall resembles Kegon Falls in Nikko and is thus also known as the ""Kyushu Kegon."" The falls contrast beautifully with the surrounding spring verdure and autumn foliage of the vally and has even been chosen as the 100 elections of the waterfall in Japan."

We cycled here from Beppu having brought our tandem with us to Japan. It’s a slow uphill climb but the incline never becomes very steep it’s just constant. 2 km from the main road at a well signed...
Nemichi Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Sekishi Itadori On the Shimane Road 448

Nemichi Shrine sits in an area surrounded by lush vegetation. The main enshrined deities are Nemichi Okami, Izanami no Mikoto, Oyamatsumi no Kami, and Kanayamabiko no Kami. The spring festival is held in April and the autumn festival is held in October. Beside the main gate to the shrine is a small pond nicknamed Monet’s Pond. So called because it resembles Claude Monet’s water lilies. The place has become particularly well known on the internet and consequently attracts visitors to the shrine almost daily.