Articles for the theme Outdoor Activities

All about Japan

Tama and Shima, Tokyo's secret islands

While Tokyo is often seen as a busy and bustling megacity, its lesser-known maritime territory could not be any more different.

River in Kamikochi

Kamikochi

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi Valley with its breathtaking views and scenery will create a lasting memory.

Bridge over the lake to wooden buidlings with a tree in the foreground.

Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a resort town, with beautiful scenery, museums and hiking trails for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

A rope bridge over a river in Iya Valley

Iya Valley

Located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, the region of Iya is a Japanese jungle.

 

Waterfall into a pool below surrounded by plants and trees.

Iriomote

Iriomote Island is the largest island of the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama-shoto), the group of 19 sub-tropical islands in the deep south western waters of Okinawa P

Hozu River Cruise in Kyoto

Hozu River Boat Cruise

Take a traditional boat along the Hozu River to Arashiyama, a relaxing way to see this beautiful part of Kyoto.

Mountains and greenary around Mt Mitake

Mount Mitake

Mount Mitake, located in Ome, in western Tokyo and part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, is one of Tokyo's favorite day trip destinations, rivaling the popularity of Mount Takao.

Lake Utonai

Lake Utonai, a blue gem on the island of Hokkaido

Located an hour and a half from Sapporo, Lake Utonai is a small blue pearl lost in the middle of the Hokkaido countryside.

Kamikochi valley

Kamikochi

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi valley remains, for those lucky enough to have gone there, a lasting memory.

Une station enneigée des Alpes japonaises.

The Japanese Alps

In the Chûbu region, between Kansai and Kanto, stand the Japanese Alps: a large and majestic mountain range whose various mountains exceed 3000 meters in altitude.

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10 things not to miss in Mount Fuji

You have decided to climb Mount Fuji, with one goal in mind: to reach the summit at 3,776 meters above sea level.

Visit a salt factory in the Noto peninsula

Salt production is very developed in the Noto peninsula. One of the rare places in the country where the salt workers maintain the traditional method of harvesting called agehamashiki seien.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Nagano prefecture is home to Daio Wasabi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan! Open all year round, you can learn all the secrets of this key ingredient of Japanese cuisine with a guided tour.

Hakone ropeway

Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park enhances the surroundings of Mount Fuji, as well as the Hakone region and Izu Peninsula. This park has one with the most varied landscapes in Japan!

Où admirer les lucioles près de Tokyo

4 places to see fireflies near Tokyo

June and July are firefly months in Japan!

Tsutsuji-so vu de loin, avec la citrouille de Kusama

Rest in an artistic setting, Tsutsuji-so

If you are looking for atypical and inexpensive accommodation, here is a very good plan, the Tsutsuji-so. There, you also have to love art, peace, and nature.

Yuzawa

Yuzawa Ski Resort

Passing skiers will be delighted to discover the small resort of Gala Yuzawa, easily accessible by train from the Japanese capital. Young and old can simply discover the joys of winter sports!

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Rusutsu Ski Resort

Located 70 km from Sapporo, Rusutsu is the largest ski resort on the island of Hokkaido: winter sports and winter sports enthusiasts will easily find what they are looking for in winter.

Tokyo Metro Game- The Underground Mysteries

Tokyo Metro Game: The Underground Mysteries

Here's a unique way to explore the Japanese capital!

teine ski

Teine ski resort

Located just 40 min west of Sapporo, Teine Ski Resort offers quality powder and breathtaking views from its slopes! 

Appi Kogen

Appi Kogen ski resort

The large ski resort of Appi Kogen, in the north of Honshu, welcomes enthusiasts and families wishing to enjoy the joys of winter sports.

Beaches on the Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido

Beloved by cycling enthusiasts, the Setouchi bike path called the Shimanami Kaido, is known worldwide.

The Rainbow Line and its panorama

Located in Fukui Prefecture, The Rainbow Line is a park that overlooks Wakasa Bay with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the five lakes of Mikata!

Shikaribetsu Kotan

The winter village of Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan

In the center of the island of Hokkaido, in the heart of winter, for two months, Lake Shikaribetsu is transformed into a village of ice: Shikaribetsu Kotan.

Longez le littoral à vélo

Shodoshima by bike

Northeast of Shikoku, in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea, is Shodoshima. Coastal roads and mountainous landscapes make the island ideal for a two-wheeled excursion!

Furano Ski Resort

The Furano ski resort on the island of Hokkaido is one of Japan's finest ski areas. The slopes, very snowy every winter, are a delight for skiers and snowboarders of all ages.

Shin-Hotaka Ropeway

The Shin-Hotaka spa resort with many hot springs is particularly famous for its cable car, the longest in Asia. Open all year round, it offers breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.

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Nippara Limestone Cave

Nippara Limestone Cave is one of the biggest limestone caves in the Kanto area. It is open to the public and there is a bus from Okutama Station.

Izu shaboten zoo

Izu Shaboten Zoo

On the Izu Peninsula, not far from Mount Fuji, the surprising Izu Shaboten Zoo is home to tropical plants, monumental statues, and exotic animals!

Vue de nuit de kawasaki

The Kawasaki industrial site at night

Kawasaki is an industrial city in Kanagawa Prefecture. Its industrial site takes on an otherworldly appearance at night, attracting casual visitors and photo enthusiasts. 

 

Vue de Odaiba depuis l'une des croisières ''Tokyo Cruise''

Tokyo Cruise's "Asakusa-Hinode Pier" Cruise

Very popular with tourists when the good weather returns, Tokyo Bay cruises are a good way to discover the Japanese capital.

 

gorges-shosenkyo

Shosenkyo Gorge

In Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shosenkyo Gorge is the meeting place for lovers of beautiful nature; especially when its vegetation blazes with red and ocher once autumn comes.

 

Mount Ishizuchi

Ishizuchi-san is the highest mountain on the island of Shikoku. It is also considered the highest peak in the country's west.

Edge of the Harukas

Attraction on Japan's tallest building, Abeno Harukas

Three hundred meters in height, Abeno Harukas Building is the tallest building in Japan.

Odaiba sous les feux

Top 5 Tokyo Summer Fireworks

Fireworks and summer are synonymous in Japan! Discover five of the Japanese capital's top fireworks if you visit the capital in July and August!

Shikabe

Shikabe Geyser Park

In southern Hokkaido, the Shikabe Geyser Park (Kanketsusen Park) offers visitors the opportunity to discover an astonishing natural phenomenon!

Les tournesols sont les fleurs de l'été au Japon

Four places to see sunflowers near Tokyo

Sunflowers are described as the flowers of summer! Here are four places to admire them: just a stone's throw away from Tokyo!

 

Le sanctuaire dédié au Fuji

Fuji Mountain Race

The ascent of Mount Fuji is already an ordeal. But some push the challenge even further and climb the mountain from top to bottom... running!

Vue sur le mont Fuji

When to climb Mount Fuji?

Mount Fuji is the symbolic mountain, almost tutelary of Japan. Its snow-capped summit, the white crown of a lonely mountain, gives it the air of a guard planted at the entrance to Tokyo Bay.

Kozushima

Japan on the beach side: Kozushima

The island of Kozushima is only 18km 2 but it has everything to delight visitors: magnificent landscapes, pretty sandy and rocky beaches, clear waters where emerald green and cobalt blue alternate.

Ichinomiya Beach

Palm trees, blond sand, street furniture in pop colors. Ichinomiya Beach on the island of Shikoku feels like a stopover on a California coast.

Masuhogaura Beach

White sand and crystal clear water, it was enough to make Masuhogaura beach, in the Noto peninsula, one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan.

Baie isolée intacte

The beaches of Shimane

A region often overlooked by tourists, the prefecture of Shimane is surrounded by mountains and the sea. It is therefore full of riches, including its magnificent beaches.

Suzaki Kaigan Coast

Shikoku Seiyo Geopark

To the west of Shikoku Island, Seiyo Geopark is one of Japan's 34 recognized geoparks. It conceals well-hidden treasures, small villages and splendid landscapes, between sea and mountains...

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The Suigosai fireworks in Matsue

Fireworks, or hanabi, are absolutely unmissable when spending a summer in Japan. They are very popular: some Japanese are even starting to reserve places in the morning for the evening itself!

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Sasagawa Nagare

Sasagawa Nagare: Sasagawa Nagare in Niigata is an area of remote coastline replete with jagged rocks, craggy cliffs, screeching seagulls, and minuscule islands just peaking above an aquamarine wate

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Fukuroda Falls Ibaraki Prefecture

Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture are known as one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan. The other two are Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.

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Three Waterfalls of Kuroyama

The Three Waterfalls of Kuroyama (Kuroyama Santaki): The Three Waterfalls consist of the Odaki (11 meters) and the Medaki (5 meters) located right next to each other, as well as the Tengu Taki (14

doro-hatcho

Doro-Hatcho Gorge

The Doro-Hatcho Gorge is a 1.2 kilometer portion of the Doro-Kyo Gorge, which is among the most beautiful and spectacular in Japan.

3 places to enjoy spring near Tokyo

Want some fresh air while exploring the prefectures around Tokyo? Discover Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama to enjoy spring less than two hours from the capital, for half-day trips among the flowers.

Le lac Akan

Enjoy winter at Lake Akan

Located east of the island of Hokkaido, Akan National Park is set in a chain of volcanic mountains.

Scuba diving in Okinawa

The coastal waters of Okinawa coast are ideal for both fish and divers. You can see an impressive variety of aquatic species, as well as coral reefs.

Traffic routier à OkinawaTraffic routier à Okinawa

Sightseeing in Okinawa by car

In Okinawa, roads are the only means of connection inland and between the small islands. By car !

The Miyako Islands

Further south-west than Okinawa, the tropics meet Japan on the Miyako Islands.

Floating bridge on Okutama Lake

Okutama

Okutama, with it's stunning landscapes and abundant nature, greenery and crystal clear waters is just two hours by train from the center of Tokyo.

Ama : les plongeuses traditionnelles de Toba (Ise), spécialistes de la pêche aux huîtres.

Ise-Shima National Park

The Shima-Hanto peninsula, located 150 kilometers southeast of Kyoto, is one of Japan's 34 national parks.

Engetsu_Island_Shirahama_Wakayama

Engetsu Island

Engetsu Island (Engetsu-to) is located in Rinkai Bay, Nanki Shirahama, off the Shirahama Coast in Wakayama Prefecture.

vélo shinsaibashi

Visit Osaka by bike

Unlike Tokyo, which is immensely large, Osaka is human-sized and can easily be cycled through!

The best hikes in the Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps are located in central Japan and consist of three mountain ranges spread over six prefectures with twenty mountains more than 3,000 meters high with many walking routes.

Onuma Park

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is known for its wide open spaces and the beauty of its landscapes. Onuma Park, in the southeast of the island, is a good example.

 

The Kuju Mountains

Located in Aso-Kuju National Park in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, the Kuju Mountain Range is one of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains".

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Naguri Valley

The Naguri Valley (名栗) near Hanno in Saitama Prefecture is a popular destination for Tokyoites seeking hiking, camping and temples.

Randonnées au sommet du Mont Asahi

Daisetsuzan National Park

In the heart of the island of Hokkaido, more than 220,000 hectares of untamed nature promise visitors a timeless outing, out of the world. This promise is called Daisetsuzan.

Zenigata

Zenigata Sunae Kagawa Prefecture Shikoku

Zenigata Sunae 銭形砂絵: Zenigata Sunae is an Edo Period sand sculpture on the island of Ibukijima in the Inland Sea.

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Mount Oyama

Mount Oyama, in Kanayama Prefecture, is a popular hike within reach of Tokyo, 60km to the east. Mount Oyama is known for its numerous shrines and temples and spectacular autumn leaves.

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Takanabe Daishi

Takanabe Daishi: Takanabe Town, on the coast in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, is a very unusual collection of monumental sculptures, both Shinto and Buddhist.

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Shinrin-yoku on Mount Mitake

Mount Mitake, less than two hours from Tokyo, is an excellent place to try shinrin-yoku (forest-bathing) and takigyo (a waterfall ritual) to refresh body and soul.

Tsutsumigaura Nature Park

The beaches of Hiroshima

Located on the northern coast of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounded by islands, travelers can combine cultural visits and water pursuits when visiting the city of Hiroshima.

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Oniga-jo Rocks

The Oniga-jo Rocks in Kumano-shi, Mie Prefecture are a 1.2km-long rock wall formed from volcanic rock over thousands of years by the power of waves and wind.

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Atera Valley

The Atera Valley in the Kiso region of central Japan is famous for its emerald green river, waterfalls and wild flowers.

Dogo Coastline

The coastline of Dogo in the Oki Islands is one of the most spectacular in Japan and of interest to both geologists and hikers.

Mount Hakkoda

Mt. Hakkoda is in the center of Aomori prefecture. Mountain lovers visit throughout the year to hike and enjoy nature.

Kirishima-Yaku National Park

Kirishima-Yaku National Park on the island of Kyushu was the first site in the country to be designated a national park.

Where to go for snow near Tokyo

Planning to be in Tokyo this winter? Here is a selection of one or two day excursions from the Japanese capital, to make the most of the snowy season.

Le lac Towada en été

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a famous landscape site in the Tôhoku region. This clear-blue lake offers a unique experience of nature and fresh air.

Magose-toge Pass

Magose-toge Pass: read a guide to hiking the Magose-toge Pass on the Iseji Route of the Kumano Kodo near Owase in Mie Prefecture.

On the Nakasendô road in the Japanese countryside.

The Nakasendo Road

 

Walk the Nakasendo Road, once used by feudal governors, merchants and craftsmen of the Edo period (1603-1868) to connect Tokyo and Kyoto inland.

 

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Candle Rock Dogo

Candle Rock (Rosokujima) off the coast of Dogo in the Oki Islands is one of the island's most iconic sights as at sunset the rock seems to be burning like a candle.

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Nachi & Nachi Falls Guide

Read a guide to Nachi and Nachi Falls on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route including Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seigantoji Temple.

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Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge, in Toyama, is accessed on the Kurobe Gorge Railway and is one of the deepest, most beautiful gorges in Japan, famed for its autumn leaves.

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Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam in Toyama Prefecture is the highest (elevation: 1,454 meters) and tallest (454 meters) dam in Japan and a popular tourist attraction for its autumn leaves.

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Shimanami Kaido Cycling

The Shimanami Kaido is a 60 kilometer cycle-friendly expressway that links the main island of Honshu with Shikoku via a series of bridges connecting half a dozen islands.

Takeno

On the coast of the Sea of Japan, about 200km from Kyoto, a small fishing village comes alive in summer and is a must for swimming enthusiasts.

The Gorge of Gokase

Here you can admire the basalt columns that make up the walls of the gorge, created by lava flows of Aso volcano.

Lake Toya

South of Hokkaido, near Sapporo, Lake Toya (Toyako) reveals its uniqueness and tranquility in the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Kujukuri Beach Chiba Prefecture

Kujukuri Beach is a 60 km long stretch of uninterrupted sandy beach on the Pacific Coast in north-east Chiba Prefecture.

Mt. Takao (Takaosan) Guide

Mt. Takao (Takao-san) is a small, easily accessible mountain west of Tokyo that was once a retreat for ascetics and is now a one-day escape into nature for Tokyoites.

Kankakei Gorge Shodoshima

Kankakei Gorge on the island of Shodoshima is considered one of Japan's most beautiful gorges, especially in the fall.

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Hiking Rebun & Rishiri Hokkaido

Hiking Rebun

Rishiri

Hiking Mt Rishiri

Rebun & Rishiri Access

Sandankyo Gorge

Located about 75 minutes drive north-west of Hiroshima, Sandankyo Gorge offers a breath of fresh air in an exceptional location.

Misotsuchi no Tsurara

Misotsuchi no Tsurara is a frozen waterfall on the Arakawa River in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture that is illuminated in January and February.

Korankei Valley

Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan, has the image of an industrial town without charm. Still, only a few kilometers away are the magnificent gorges of Korankei.

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Beaches Around Nagoya

Read a guide to beaches near Nagoya to enjoy swimming and marine sports at Utsumi, Gamagori, Sakushima and Himakajima.

Karuizawa

If you feel stifled by the Tokyo megalopolis, if you miss the nature and fresh air, jump into a train to Karuizawa.

Amaharashi Beach

Amaharashi Beach, near Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture is a beauty spot long-celebrated for its view of the sea and Tateyama mountains.

Okinawa Travel: Kume Island

Long white sandy beaches, cliffs, caves, jungle, sugar cane fields, castle remains...Kumejima is a 59km² compendium of cultural and natural sites.

Iejima

Explore Iejima, a small paradise island with a surprising topography!

Mount Mitake

You are in Japan for a few days but you burn with desire to discover the true nature of the archipelago? No problem, Mount Mitake is here!

Urauchi River, Iriomote

Iriomote Island

Iriomote-jima holds a special place in the Japanese imagination, with its outstanding wild flora, fauna and endemic species.

Glowing autumn leaves on Lake Chuzenji, Nikko.

Autumn in Nikko

The thick forest surrounding the Nikko lends itself perfectly to the contemplation of autumn leaves ... if you know how to find peace.

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Tokachidake Onsen

Tokachidake Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park is a hot spring and outdoor winter sports resort on the slopes of Mount Tokachidake.

Decouvrir Tokyo à vélo

Tokyo by bike

Renting a bike in Tokyo can be a good idea to discover the city in a different way!

Mount Unzen

Hiking and hot springs are on the agenda when visiting this volcano, which dominates the Shimabara Peninsula.

Utsumi

Utsumi's Chidorigahama Beach on the south west tip of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi, south of Nagoya, is a very popular beach resort in summer.

The Five Peaks of Mount Aso

Several marked trails wind along the slopes of Mount Aso, for novice walkers and fans of beautiful panoramas.

View of Sakurajima from Yunohira viewpoint

Sakurajima Volcano

Sakurajima is more than just postcard picture. It is an active volcano with a turbulent history: a walk close to the ancient lava flows will quickly make you realize this.

Blue Sun Beach

Blue Sun Beach in Shinmaiko on the Chita Peninsula is the nearest beach to Nagoya city and popular with windsurfers.

Winter Activities Around Kanazawa

With the Japanese Alps in the background, and the Sea of Japan bordering it, the city of Kanazawa and its surroundings have indisputable qualities for travelers.

Hiking in Kamakura

Several hiking trails connect the all the main sites, transforming your visit to Kamakura into a real journey into the local nature and history.

Cycling in Japan

Kyoto Cycling Tour Project

Exploring Kyoto on foot is good. Enjoying the charming streets and less visited areas, by bike is even better.

Three men driving each boat to the sheer force of their arms as well through the rapids and calmer stretches.

Down the Hozu River / Hozugawa Kudari

Travel down the Hozugawa to discover the landscapes of the Kyoto area, all in an enchanting setting.

Goshikinuma

Goshikinuma is five main ponds, and many smaller ones, in pristine Bandai-Asahi National Park, Fukushima, famous for their intense, beautiful and changing colors.

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Wadokuroya Chichibu

Wadokuroya in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture was the 8th century home of a copper mine that produced the first coins in Japan in the Nara Period.

Tokyo bike tours

Tokyo discovery bike tours

Do you want to take a Tokyoite walk in a different way? Want to explore Tokyo hair in the wind? Tokyo Discovery Bike Tours has been offering a package since 2006 that should please you.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji from the 5th station to the summit

Kawaguchi-ko is the fifth of the ten "stations" of Mount Fuji. Buses transport floods of tourists here, climbing with difficulty to 2,300 meters above sea level, and eventually arrive...

Mount Misen

Climbing Mount Misen

Mount Misen is the perfect place to admire the Bay of Miyajima, peaking at five hundred and thirty five meters above the sea level. A must on the island!

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Lake Suwa Nagano

Lake Suwa: read a guide to Lake Suwa (suwa-ko) in Nagano Prefecture famous for its onsen, skiing, highland hiking and firework displays in summer.

Pilgrim Hikes / Chôishi-michi

If you want to walk in the footsteps of the original pilgrims of the Shingon Buddhist sect, you will need good legs.

Kinchakuda Higanbana Fields & Mount Hiwada

Read a travel guide to Hiwadayama & the Kinchakuda higanbana fields in Saitama Prefecture an area which is a flood of red in September with fine views of Tokyo.

The beach of Odaiba (Tokyo), with stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge.

The beaches of Tokyo

To enjoy the fresh air of the beaches, there's no need to abandon the capital. Tokyo Bay has a lot to offer its visitors...

Lake Ikeda in Kagoshima is Kyushu's largest lake.

Lake Ikeda Kagoshima Kyushu's Largest Lake

Lake Ikeda: Lake Ikeda (Ikeda-ko) has a perimeter of 15km and reaches a maximum depth of 233m. It is Kyushu's largest lake and is location in Kagoshima Prefecture.

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Dai Sekirinzan Park

Dai Sekirinzan Park: read a guide to Dai Sekirinzan Park in the north of Okinawa main island - part geological wonder, part nature reserve, part a great hiking and walking destination.

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Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls Guide

Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls guide: read a travel guide to the spectacular Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji-ko) and the Kegon Falls near Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.

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Zao Snow Trekking

Zao snow trekking: read about snow shoeing in the snowy mountains at Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan.

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Rebun Island Hokkaido

Rebun Island (Rebun-to): read a guide to Rebun Island off the north west coast of Wakkanai in Hokkaido known for its lovely alpine flowers in summer.

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Yabakei Gorge Oita

Yabakei Gorge: read a guide to the beautiful Yabakei Gorge in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, known for its spectacular fall colors.

Mount Ontake

Mount Ontake Hiking Gifu

Mount Ontake on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures is Japan's second highest volcano after Mt. Fuji at 3,067m and Japan's 14th highest mountain.

Daimonjisan

Daimonjisan

Fifty minutes out of Ginkakuji, an easy walk up the hill, atop Mount Dimonji is a panoramic site of Kyoto valley and on a clear day, as far as Osaka...

Kabira Bay Ishigaki Okinawa Emerald Water

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, is Ishigaki's main tourist draw and is an awe-inspiring and beautiful natural site.

Mount Hiei

Hiking Mount Hiei, Kyoto. Read a guide to walking and hiking Mount Hiei, the tallest mountain in Kyoto City.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Museum of Contemporary Art: read a guide to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Japan.

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Akame Shijuhataki Mie

Akame Shiju-hataki: read a guide to the beautiful waterfalls known as Akame Shijuhataki in Mie Prefecture in central Japan.

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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Guide

Kumano Kodo: read a travel guide to walking the Kumano Kodo trail, an ancient pilgrimage site south of Osaka & Kyoto.

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Oze National Park

Oze National Park: read a guide to Oze National Park including places to see and stay in the Oze National Park area.

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Skiing in Karuizawa

Read about skiing in the mountains of Japan's beautiful alpine resort, Karuizawa. All the information you need about skiing in Karuizawa.

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Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park

Read a guide to Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a vast national park west of Tokyo full of awesome natural beauty, and a hiking and sightseeing paradise.

Climbing Mount Atago Kyoto

Every July 31, Kyoto's Mount Atago, the second highest in Kyoto, witnesses a surge in the number of hikers. And nearly all of them do so at night.

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands: (Hakone Shissei-en), established in 1976, is one of the most enjoyable natural attractions in Sengoku, Hakone.

Dangyo Gorge Dangyokei Shimane.

Dangyo Gorge Dangyokei Shimane

Dangyo Gorge is located off Route 261 south of Imbara Station on the JR Sanko Line. The area and the limestone gorge is part of the Dangyo Gorge Kannondaki Prefectural Nature Park.

Tachikue Gorge, Shimane

Tachikue Gorge Shimane

Tachikue Gorge Shimane 立久恵峡: Tachikue Gorge is located on the Kando River about 8 km south of Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture.

Ena Gorge

Ena Gorge Gifu Prefecture

Ena Gorge near Ena in Gifu Prefecture is known for its stunning scenery. The gorge dates from the dam of fast flowing Kiso River in the Taisho Period.

Akiyoshido Limestone Cave Yamaguchi

Akiyoshido Cave - Japan's Largest Limestone Cave  秋吉洞: To date, more than 400 caves have been discovered beneath Akiyoshidai, the largest karst in Japan.

Yoshidayama Kyoto

Yoshidayama Kyoto Remote Mountain Walk

Yoshidayama Kyoto - I spent a wonderful couple of hours wandering in the drizzle around the paths and lanes of Yoshidayama in Kyoto.

Kumano Kodo on a bike

Nachi Falls Japan's Biggest Waterfall

Nachi Falls in the south eastern corner of Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the highest waterfalls in Japan - just over 130 meters tall.