Nature Spots in Tokyo Area

Area

Tokyo
- 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

Nippara Limestone Cave

4.0

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunokutamamachi Nippara 1052

A limestone cave located in Tokyo’s Nishitama District and one of the largest in the Kanto region as well as a prefecturally designated Natural Monument. The interior is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, maintaining a constant temperature of about 11°C year-round. Visitors can enjoy majestic and fantastical scenery interwoven with the surrounding natural greenery outside.

After hanging out in everybody is a busy-body central Tokyo, it was a literal breath of fresh air to get into the countryside and view natural beauty. The caves are spectacular and cheap for...
Mt. Takao

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Hachioujishi Takaomachi

This is popular as a mountain that can be reached from the city in just one hour. Having received three stars as a sightseeing location from the Michelin Guide, it is visited by approximately 3 million people each year who come primarily for viewing colorful fall foliage or to hike in the warmer months. It’s an easy mountain to access for both children and inexperienced visitors with a cable car in addition to the various well-maintained hiking paths. It’s famous for tororo soba and shops also sell souvenirs associated with tengu (a long-nosed goblin in Japanese folklore). There is also a monkey park, wildflower garden, and observatory, and in the summer season the beer garden near the summit is popular. An onsen (hot springs) lies just in front of Takaosanguchi Station.
Meguro River

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Setagaya Ward Meguro-ku, Shinagawa-ku

The Meguro River is a Class B River that flows through Tokyo’s Setagaya City, Meguro City and Shinagawa City before flowing out into Tokyo Bay. Around 4 km of the River’s course is lined with cherry trees, and as a result it is visited by large numbers of tourists during the spring cherry blossom season. In winter, the River is lit up spectacularly with special illuminations; the Meguro River thus receives a great many visitors throughout the year. Many fascinating shops and fashionable restaurants are located near the River, which are popular with people of both sexes and all ages. All in all, the Meguro River is a great place for a stroll.
Lake Okutama

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunokutamamachi Hara

Lake Okutama is an important source of water for Tokyo, providing around 20% of the water used by Tokyo’s inhabitants. The Lake is a man-made reservoir straddling the boundary between Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo, and Tabayama Village, Kitatsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture; its official name is Ogochi Reservoir. Lake Okutama is surrounded by mountains, and has beautiful scenery in all seasons: cherry blossom in spring, verdant greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and spectacular snowscapes in winter. There are two pedestrian pontoon bridges, colloquially known as “steel drum bridges,” which are one of the most famous tourist sights in the Okutama area. Originally, actual steel drums were used for the bridge construction, but these have since been replaced with plastic pontoons.
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.
Mt. Mitake

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Oumeshi Mitakesan

This 929-meter mountain receives many visitors who come to see the fall foliage or the sunrise on January 1st. The mountain is easy to access with a cablecar and lift available. Along the path from the cablecar’s Mitakesan Station to the Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine are several shukubo (lodging for pilgrims) which are available to the general public for accommodation. Sights to see include the natural ancient Japanese zelkova, which is one of Natural Monument, while the observation area and Nanayonotaki Waterfall are also popular. Many visitors take their dogs with them since the Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine conducts prayers for pet dogs.
Hossawa Falls

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunhinoharamura Motoshuku

A four tier, 60 meter tall water fall along the Seto Stream, a tributary of the Kitaakikawa River. This waterfall is the only one in Tokyo to have been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful in Japan. The final tier of the waterfall is a 23 meter drop, and a pathway extends right up to it. The area gets quite cold in winter, and during this time visitors can enjoy the rare and wonderful site of waterfall icicles. The falls are illuminated at night in mid-August, and the Hossawa Falls Winter Festival is held around the time it freezes over.
Lake Tama

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Higashiyamatoshi Tamako 1

This reservoir is a five-minute walk from Seibu-Yuenchi Station on the Seibu Tamako Line. Completed in 1927, it's important historically. Popularly known as Lake Tama, Murayama Reservoir is considered a symbol of Higashi-Yamato City and is both one of the 100 Views of New Tokyo and one of the 20 Views of Higashi-Yamato. Care is taken with the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem considering its role in headwater conservation. It's next to Sayama Lake, and as there are numerous green zones in the area, it's a popular spot with families who come to have fun while getting in touch with nature. In addition to the intake tower with domed roof and arch windows deemed the most beautiful of its kind in Japan, it's also a good spot to enjoy the sunset, moonset, and views of crimson-dyed Mt. Fuji at sundown, as well as the cherry blossoms in spring.
Mt. Jinba

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Hachioji City/Kanagawa Prefecture Sagamihara City Fujino Town

"Mt. Jinba is an 855-meter mountain on the border between Hachioji City in Tokyo and Midori Ward, Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is known for cherry blossoms in the spring and colored leaves in autumn, and is a favorite of recreational hikers. In addition, the quality of the views from this mountain have led it to be included among ""The100 Views of Mt. Fuji in Kanto"" and ""The 50 Best Scenic Spots in Kanagawa Prefecture."" At the summit is a famous statue of a white horse."
Hachijo Island (Hachijojima)

Travel / Tourism

Hachijo-jima Hachijo-machi, Tokyo

"Hachijo Island (Hachijojima) can be reached by air from Haneda Airport in around 55 minutes, or by taking a large passenger ship on an overnight voyage from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo that takes around 10 hours and 20 minutes. The island has been described as ""the closest tropical paradise to Tokyo."" The waters around the island, which are a unique aquamarine color known as ""Hachijo Blue,"" are very clear, and are a popular scuba diving destination because of the high likelihood of being able to see sea turtles. There are many things to see on the island itself, including Uramigataki Waterfall (where visitors can walk behind the curtain of water), and Mt. Hachijo-Fuji, where it is possible to enjoy spectacular, 360-degree panoramic views. In spring, the annual Freesia Festival is held, during which time around 350,000 freesias are in bloom in the foothills of Mt. Hachijo-Fuji."
Akigawa Valley

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Akiruno

A lush valley sprawling along the Aki River west of Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line. The valley is also a convenient one-hour drive from central Tokyo. Here you can enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecuing and river fishing, and during the summer the area bustles with families out having fun. Open season for ayu fishing in the area starts at the beginning of June. Area restaurants also serve seasonal cuisine. The seasonal scenery found here is another of the area's draws, and in the vicinity of the Ishibune Bridge, the symbol of Akigawa Valley, you will find sprawling fresh verdure throughout summer, colorful fall foliage in autumn, and white snowscapes in winter. The valley is fully outfitted with walking courses, as well, enabling visitors to both experience the area's atmospheric mountains and take in a little forest therapy.
Miyake Island (Miyakejima)

Travel / Tourism

Miyake Village, Miyakejima, Tokyo

"Miyake Island (Miyakejima) can be reached by taking a roughly 50-minute flight in a small passenger aircraft from Chofu Airport, or by taking a large passenger ship on an overnight voyage from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo that takes around six hours and 30 minutes. The island is located around 180 kilometers south of Tokyo, and is roughly the size of the part of central Tokyo that is encircled by the Yamanote Line. Miyake Island (Miyakejima) has warm weather all year round, and is a great place to enjoy both marine activities such as scuba diving and swimming with dolphins, and on-land leisure activities. The island's landscape, which has been created by volcanic activity, is spectacular; it is almost as if one can feel the Earth ""breathing."""
Hatonosu Gorge

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitama-gun Okutamamachi Tanazawa

"About two hours from Tokyo Station, this beautiful untamed ravine is in Okutama with its natural abundance. The gorge with its river winding among the cliffs and distinctive rock formations can be viewed walking about 40 meters down the Ome Highway from Hatonosu Station. The name means ""pigeon's nest"" in Japanese and is said to come from a pair of the birds that lived in a nearby grove of a shrine dedicated to a water deity in the Edo period. Don't miss the Otama Walking Trail, which provides access to Okutama's sites. The view from the suspension bridge during spring with its fresh green and when the leaves change in autumn is exceptional."
Ogasawara Islands

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Ogasawara Village

A group of islands in the Pacific Ocean 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo. Consisting of more than 30 islands of varying sizes including Iwo Jima and Okinotorishima, the Ogasawara Islands have been designated a World Heritage Site in recognition of the endemic plants and animals and precious natural environment of the area. The islands are administered as a part of Tokyo, but reaching them requires a 24 -hour ride on a scheduled ship which leaves from Takeshiba Pier once every six days (more frequent trips may be scheduled depending on the season).
Odake Limestone Cave

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Akiruno-shi Yozawa 1587

Designated a Natural Monument by the Tokyo metropolitan government, this limestone cave is located inside Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and is situated at the foot of 520-meter-high Mt. Odake. Inside the 300-meter-long cave, visitors can take in the majestic natural beauty of stalactites such as stalagmites and milk-stone. The cave rises and falls significantly and many points are slippery; accordingly, visitors can borrow sandals and safety helmets at the cave's reception area.
Kanoto Rock

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunhinoharamura Kanoto

A large boulder standing along the Kanoto River, a tributary of the Kita-akigawa River, located in Kanoto, Hinohara Village, Nishitama County, Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery created by the hard chert boulder, which is 100 meters tall and 80 meters wide. The fall foliage in the area in autumn is also beautiful. The boulder has been designated a Natural Monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Mt. Mihara

Travel / Tourism

Oshima cho, Tokyo

"Mt. Mihara is a 758-meter high volcano situated roughly in the middle of Izu Oshima Island. Originally created by a volcanic eruption in 1777, Mt. Mihara has continued to erupt on a fairly regular basis since then, giving it the appearance that it has today. The most recent major eruption was in 1986; the ""Godzilla Rock"" that emerged during that eruption is a popular tourist attraction. There are hiking trails on and around the mountain; visitors can choose the route that best suits their interests and their state of physical fitness. The mouth of the volcano, at the summit, is a shaft-like crater that is roughly 300 meters wide and over 200 meters deep; because of the absence of any obstructions, there are superb views from the summit."
Hahajima Island

Travel / Tourism

Ogasawara Village, Tokyo Mother Island

Hahajima Island is one of the Ogasawara Islands, located around 50 kilo meters to the south of Chichijima Island; there is a scheduled boat service to Hahajima Island from Chichijima Island's Futami Port, with the journey taking around two hours. Hahajima Island is a verdant island covered with sub-tropical primary forest. Mt. Chibusa, the highest peak on the island at 463 meters, has a rich ecosystem that includes endemic plants such as Melastoma pentapetalum and Dendrocacalia, as well as wild bird species such as the endemic Bonin white-eye. Marine leisure activities such as scuba diving, boat cruising and whale-watching are popular here. There are also guided tours that take visitors to see the habitats of Hahajima Island's precious endemic species.
Chichijima Island

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Ogasawarashotouogasawaramura

"Chichijima Island is a sub-tropical island in the Pacific Ocean that lies approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo. There are regular sailings to Chichijima Island by the vessel Ogasawara-maru, departing from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo; the journey takes around 25 and a half hours. Chichijima Island is the largest island in the Ogasawara Islands (also known as the Bonin Islands), which have been designated as a natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visitors can enjoy marine leisure activities such as scuba diving or swimming with wild dolphins in the sea, which is a deep blue color known as ""Bonin Blue,"" or enjoy a range of on-land activities including cycling, star-gazing and eco-tours. Between February and April, visitors can see whales from Weather Station Observatory."
Mt. Kagenobu

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Hachioji City - Kanagawa Prefecture Sagamihara-shi

A mountain located on the border between the prefectures of Tokyo and Kanagawa. The starting point of a trail leading up the mountain can be reached by taking a bus from Takaosan Station, getting off at the Kobotoke bus stop, and walking a further 15 minutes. At the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the Hachioji area; there are also two teahouses serving light meals. In spring, many people come to enjoy the cherry trees blooming on the mountain.

Travel / Tourism Nature

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

Tokyo Areas

The setting of countless iconic movie scenes and the inspiration for songs, poetry, and literature worldwide, Tokyo barely requires an introduction. It’s hard for the kaleidoscopic neon lights, wacky pop culture, and some of the world’s tallest structures not to instill excitement in any first-time visitor to Tokyo, whether you’re in the very center of the hustle and bustle in Shinjuku or Shibuya or looking in from the quieter suburbs.