Handn blog Japan is a country where you can enjoy beautiful nature throughout the year due to its diverse terrain and climate. Mountains, lakes, coastlines, and hot springs are scattered across the country, showcasing natural beauty everywhere. Here are some breathtaking spots in Japan where you can fully enjoy its natural splendor. Enjoy a healing time while connecting with nature.
1. Hokkaido’s Great Outdoors
Hokkaido is known for its vast natural landscapes and beautiful scenery. This region offers seasonal natural beauty, especially expansive grasslands and snowy landscapes. In summer, lush green lands spread out, and in winter, snow-covered scenery unfolds, offering different views with each visit.
Blue Pond in Biei: Located in Biei, the Blue Pond is characterized by its vibrant blue water, captivating visitors. The blue color of the pond, combined with the surrounding white birch forest, creates a magical landscape. The scenery becomes even more mystical during early morning or dusk, making it perfect for photography.
Furano’s Lavender Fields: In summer, Furano becomes a sea of lavender fields. The sight of blooming purple lavender flowers is breathtaking, and the air is filled with a rich fragrance. You can also enjoy lavender harvesting and making products using lavender.
Odori Park in Sapporo: Located in Sapporo, Odori Park is a vast park where you can enjoy flowers in all seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush trees in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and the Snow Festival in winter make it a year-round destination. During the Snow Festival, the park is lined with fantastic snow and ice sculptures.
Shiretoko Peninsula: The Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is a treasure trove of nature. With beautiful coastlines, majestic mountains, and primeval forests, it offers encounters with rich wildlife. In winter, you can experience the drift ice, enjoying a unique icy landscape.
2. Mountainous Region of Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is a nature-rich region with mountain ranges like the Central Alps and Northern Alps. It’s an ideal place for climbing and hiking, offering beautiful mountain landscapes, clear lakes, hot springs, and various nature experiences.
Kamikochi: Kamikochi is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the Northern Alps. Surrounded by clear rivers and majestic mountains, you can enjoy hiking and trekking. Especially from the walking paths along the Azusa River, you can enjoy the riverside’s beautiful scenery and mountain views.
Asama Onsen in Matsumoto: Located in Matsumoto City, Asama Onsen is a hot spring area where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year. Soak in the hot springs while gazing at the surrounding mountains and natural landscapes. In winter, you can enjoy the luxury of soaking in a hot spring while taking in the snowy scenery.
Shiga Highlands: Shiga Highlands is a nature-rich area with vast highlands. In summer, you can enjoy hiking and camping, and in winter, skiing and snowboarding. The high altitude offers refreshing air and expansive views, with spectacular vistas from the Shiga Mountain summit.
Zenko-ji Temple: Located in Nagano City, Zenko-ji Temple is a place where nature and history blend. Surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes, the temple grounds offer seasonal scenery. As you stroll through the temple grounds, you can appreciate the harmony of historical buildings and nature.
3. Mount Fuji and Surrounding Areas
Mount Fuji is an iconic mountain representing Japan, boasting magnificent natural beauty. The view from the summit and the surrounding landscapes leave a strong impression on visitors. The area around Mount Fuji is rich in spots where you can enjoy nature, such as lakes and hot springs.
Fuji Five Lakes: The five lakes (Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu, and Lake Sai) around Mount Fuji offer beautiful and varied landscapes. The view of Mount Fuji from these lakes is stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset, creating a mystical scenery.
Climbing Mount Fuji: Climbing Mount Fuji is a fantastic activity to experience Japan’s nature. During the summer climbing season, many climbers challenge the summit. The sunrise from the summit, known as “Goraiko,” is indescribably beautiful.
Hakone Hot Springs: Hakone is a beautiful hot spring area with views of Mount Fuji, offering the opportunity to enjoy nature while soaking in hot springs. Especially in outdoor baths, you can enjoy seasonal landscapes and relax. Various hot spring areas like Hakone Yumoto and Gora are available.
Oshino Hakkai: Oshino Hakkai is a group of beautiful spring-fed ponds with water from Mount Fuji. The high transparency of the water and the surrounding nature create a picturesque landscape. Enjoy a quiet moment while appreciating the clear water and lush scenery.
4. Natural Beauty of Shikoku
Shikoku is a region rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. With mountains, coastlines, and hot springs, Shikoku’s diverse nature offers spots where you can refresh your body and mind while connecting with nature.
Mount Tsurugi: Mount Tsurugi, the highest peak in Shikoku, is an ideal place for climbing and trekking. The view from the summit is superb, offering a panoramic view of Shikoku’s great outdoors. Near the summit, you can also find areas with beautiful alpine plants, allowing you to enjoy nature.
Katsurahama in Kochi: Katsurahama, located in Kochi Prefecture, is a beautiful beach with wide sandy shores and blue seas. You can admire the vast Pacific Ocean from the shore, with spectacular sunsets over the sea. It is also famous for the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, allowing you to enjoy nature while feeling the historical background.
Shimanto River: The Shimanto River is a beautiful river blessed with clear water and abundant nature. Enjoy activities like canoeing and rafting, spending a relaxing time in nature. There are also campsites and hot springs along the river, allowing you to unwind while enjoying nature.
Awa Odori: Awa Odori is a traditional festival in Shikoku, where dancers perform lively dances. The festival showcases the intersection of Shikoku’s culture and nature, offering an enjoyable interaction with the local people.
5. Okinawa’s Paradise
Okinawa is a resort area known for its beautiful seas and abundant nature. The clear sea surrounded by coral reefs and the lush subtropical plants create a distinctive natural environment. You can enjoy the beauty of nature while soaking in the resort atmosphere.
Ishigaki Island: Ishigaki Island is a beautiful resort area in Okinawa with clear seas and white sandy beaches. Enjoy snorkeling and diving, encountering beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish. There are also many beautiful beaches around Ishigaki Island, offering relaxing times.
Taketomi Island: Taketomi Island is a small island that retains the traditional scenery of Okinawa. The townscape lined with red-tiled houses, white sandy beaches, and blue seas create a beautiful landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the island by bicycle, soaking in the old Okinawan atmosphere.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a large aquarium showcasing the marine life of Okinawa. The giant aquarium features whale sharks and manta rays. Learn about Okinawa’s marine life while enjoying their beautiful appearance.
Manza Beach: Manza Beach, located on the west coast of Okinawa’s main island, offers a beautiful coastline. The view of the blue sea and coral reefs from the cliffs is breathtaking. Enjoy a peaceful time while admiring the unique landscape created by nature.
Conclusion
To fully enjoy Japan’s natural beauty, it is important to visit spots that highlight the unique features of each region. Whether it’s the great outdoors of Hokkaido, the mountainous region of Nagano, Mount Fuji and its surroundings, the natural beauty of Shikoku, or the paradise of Okinawa, experience the diversity of Japan’s nature and enjoy a soothing time. Each spot offers not only the beauty of nature but also special experiences unique to Japan. Use this guide to plan your trip and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Japan.
