Exploring the Nature of Japan: 14 Natural Wonders

While many of these places are beautiful spots to simply visit, take some pictures, and maybe stay nearby, a lot of them are also excellent places to visit for nature lovers that like hiking and outdoor activities. Let’s take a look at what to expect at each of them!

Table of Contents:

• The Fuji Five Lakes and Captivating Views of Mount Fuji
• Nikko National Park: Waterfalls Meet Sacred Shrines
• Shiretoko National Park: Exploring the Untamed
• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Gateway to the Japanese Alps
• Oze National Park: Japan’s Golden Marshlands
• Mitake Shonsenkyo Gorge: Chasing Waterfalls
• Iya Valley: Shikoku’s Hidden Valley
• Sakurajima Volcano: the Fiery Heartbeat
• Yakushima Island: Ancient Cedar Forests
• Okinawa Islands: Tropical Azure Paradise
• Akiyoshidai Plateau: Limestone Rock Formations
• Miyajima Island: Sika Deer and Floating Shrine
• Nachi Falls: A Spiritual Waterfall
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Serene and Scenic Destination

The Fuji Five Lakes and Captivating Views of Mount Fuji (Yamanashi Prefecture)

We’ll start with the most iconic Japanese landscape there is – views of the majestic Mount Fuji on Japan's main island, Honshu. The Mount Fuji Five Lakes area contains the five lakes of Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. These lakes offer stunning views and photo opportunities of UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, as well as several outdoor activities at the lake and the surrounding ancient forests. If you visit in cherry blossom season, you may experience one of Japan’s most magical views with Mount Fuji surrounded by cherry blossoms.

While they are all natural beauties, Lake Kawaguchi, nestled on the north-western side of Mount Fuji, is the easiest to access from Tokyo, and offers the most activities for Japan travellers: boat cruises, bike rentals, ropeway and hikes. It takes around 2-2.5 hours by train or bus from central Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi. Apart from the activities, you can also relax in one of Lake Kawaguchi’s hot springs, or admire some iconic cherry blossoms from along the Chureito Pagoda. Whether you visit Mount Fuji in cherry blossom season or momiji (autumn leaves) season, you can be sure to find beauty wherever you look.

Nikko National Park: Waterfalls Meet Sacred Shrines (Tochigi Prefecture)

A beautiful spot where you can experience Japan's natural wonders with great access from Tokyo is Nikko National Park. Known mainly for its beautiful autumn foliage (momiji) scenery, the mountainous area is full of waterfalls and stunning walking and hiking trails.

The most famous natural spots in Nikko are the Kegon Waterfall that flows down a 97-metre drop, and the calm and spacious Lake Chuzenji. However, it is also known for its spiritual side, with numerous jizo statues in the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine with its rich history. After exploring Nikko National Park, go further down the valley, where many hot springs can be found in the small town of Kinugawa Onsen.

Shiretoko National Park: Exploring the Untamed (Hokkaido Prefecture)

For that feeling of untouched natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, Shiretoko National Park is possibly the best option in Japan. The national park, on the very northern tip of Hokkaido Island spreads far and wide, covering an impressive 386 square kilometres.

In winter, it’s the place to see dramatic snowy scenes, including drift ice, mountains, and cliffs. Throughout the year, plants and wildlife thrive, with Steller's sea eagles, brown bears, killer whales, and rare Ezo deer in the area. The best way to make the most of this area is to go with an expert on a tour or activity, as the area is far too big to simply explore on your own!

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Gateway to the Japanese Alps (Toyama and Nagano Prefectures)

While the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a manmade route between the prefectures of Toyama and Nagano in the Japanese Alps, it is the easiest way to see some of the most stunning natural mountain scenes you can find.

At the Murodo stop, you’ll find Mikurigaike Pond, a beautiful volcanic pond that can only be seen between July and October, as the rest of the year it is frozen over. For the entirety of the route, you will be surrounded by mountains, and you can even choose to hike around the area, stay overnight in the mountains, or soak in the hot spring baths.

Oze National Park: Japan’s Golden Marshlands (Spans Multiple Prefectures)

Less of the typical blue skies and scenic beauty, Oze National Park is a gem among Japan's natural wonders, known for its natural diversity. The area is a great hiking destination, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is a particularly popular spot in early autumn, when the forests and marshlands light up in a scenery of golden brown, as in winter it gets covered in a deep snow.

The park is made up of four parts, the Lake Ozenuma area, the Ozegahara Marshland area, the Mt.Tashiro and Mt.Taishaku area, and the Mt.Aizu-Komagatake area. There are a number of rare plant and animal species in the area, including daylilies and the Japanese stoat. Out of the above, Ozegahara Marshland is the most fit for taking a relaxed trek while admiring the beauty of the National Park.

Mitake Shonsenkyo Gorge: Chasing Waterfalls (Yamanashi Prefecture)

Often described as one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges, the Mitake Shonsenkyo Gorge is a part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, surrounded by 1250 square kilometres of lush greenery and mountains.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the gorge is to hike the walking trail that goes from Nagatorobashi Bridge to Sengataki Waterfall, spanning around five kilometres. The gorge is particularly beautiful in momiji (autumn leaves) season, which typically peaks around mid November. But if hiking isn’t for you, there is also the Shosenkyo Ropeway which takes you to a panoramic viewing platform with a few cafes and shops near the waterfall.

Iya Valley: Shikoku’s Hidden Valley (Tokushima Prefecture)

Leaving Japan's main island and crossing the Seto Inland Sea, The Iya Valley is a stunning and remote location in the centre of Japan’s Shikoku Island in Tokushima Prefecture. The area is known for its natural hot springs and outdoor activities, but is possibly most well-known for the natural beauty of its incredible vine bridges that were made to cross the gorges in the past.

Three of the bridges are maintained to this day and make for unique trail-walking experience. Walk through the greens and blues of these beautiful gorges and mountains to feel a little closer to Mother Nature.

Sakurajima Volcano: the Fiery Heartbeat (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Sakurajima is another one of Japan's natural wonders: a breath-taking volcano that has earned itself the place as the symbol of Kagoshima city in southern Japan. It is an active volcano that can be seen emitting plumes of smoke from many spots around the city.

If you have the confidence to get up close, you can explore the Nagisa Lava Trail, a roughly three-kilometre trail that cuts through the “lava zone” created by its historic eruption in 1914. If not, the volcano looks stunning from the safety of the city, particularly at sunset.

Yakushima Island: Ancient Cedar Forests (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Yakushima is a tropical island off the coast of Kagoshima covered in ancient forests of cedar trees. The island's lush forests, known for their beauty and biodiversity, were officially designated a Natural World Heritage Site in 1993, the first one in Japan to receive this title.

The island’s lush forests have many trees over 1,000 years old, as well as beautiful mountains, ridges, and extensive flora and fauna. This is a remarkable location for exploring the rainforest (it rains a lot year-round) but is also great for divers wanting to take a look at the plentiful coral reefs.

Okinawa Islands: Tropical Azure Paradise (Okinawa Prefecture)

An unmissable one of Japan's natural wonders on our list is the area of Okinawa. Floating on the Pacific Ocean, there are so many stunning islands that make up the Okinawa Islands that it would be a shame to narrow it down to just one! In fact, Okinawa Prefecture has 160 islands in total. While Okinawa Island itself has some beautiful beaches and interesting natural locations, some of its more remote locations offer a reprieve from the crowds and a truly tropical, relaxing atmosphere.

One of the surrounding islands where nature truly thrives is Iriomote Island, which has breathtaking scenes of dense jungle trails, fireflies, and beautiful wildlife. But for something that is a nice in-between of nature and civilisation, Ishigaki has mountains, trails, and beaches, as well as plenty of culture and entertainment options so you’re never too far from home comforts.

Akiyoshidai Plateau: Limestone Rock Formations (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Akiyoshidai Plateau, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a geological marvel that showcases the natural beauty of Japan in a unique way. This expansive plateau is renowned for its stunning limestone rock formations, which have been sculpted over millions of years through the forces of erosion. As you explore the area, you’ll be captivated by the dramatic karst landscape, dotted with countless limestone pinnacles and sinkholes.

Visitors can traverse the plateau by car or on foot, with numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of Akiyoshidai is the Akiyoshido Cave, Japan’s largest limestone cave. This subterranean wonder is well-equipped for visitors, featuring a well-lit walkway and informative displays that delve into the cave’s fascinating geology. And beyond the plateau, the surrounding countryside offers even more beauty and opportunities for exploration.

Miyajima Island: Sika Deer and Floating Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Miyajima Island, located off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, is often described as a “heavenly haven” for nature lovers. This small island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring lush forests, rugged mountains, and picturesque coastlines. One of the island’s most endearing features is its population of Sika deer, which roam freely and are considered sacred messengers of the gods.

A visit to Miyajima Island wouldn’t be complete without exploring the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important Shinto sanctuary is renowned for its “floating” torii gate, which appears to hover on the water at high tide, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Visitors will find plenty to do on Miyajima Island, from hiking through its verdant forests up to Mount Misen, to enjoying the serene coastal views. The island’s rich history and cultural significance, combined with its stunning beauty, make it an unforgettable destination for anyone visiting Hiroshima Prefecture.

Nachi Falls: A Spiritual Waterfall (Wakayama Prefecture)

Nachi Falls, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most impressive natural wonders. This majestic waterfall stands at 133 meters tall and 13 meters wide, making it a breathtaking sight to behold. The falls are part of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage route, and visitors can walk a short section of this ancient trail to reach Nachi Taisha, a shrine situated right beside the Buddhist Seigantoji Temple.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Nachi Falls is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. The rich history and cultural significance of the falls and the surrounding shrines add an extra layer of depth to the experience.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Serene and Scenic Destination (Kyoto Prefecture)

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located in the Sagano area of Kyoto, is a serene and scenic destination that offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of Japan. The grove is famous for its towering bamboo forests, which create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can wander along the many trails and paths that wind through the hill, providing stunning views of the carefully groomed bamboo grove.

The grove is also home to the renowned Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Zen Buddhist temple. The temple’s exquisite gardens and traditional architecture add to the area’s charm, making it a popular spot for relaxation and contemplation and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kyoto.

We hope this has made you fall in love with the nature of Japan and given you a good idea of some of the most stunning natural spots to see around the country. If you’re looking for something more seasonal, take a look at our top 10 spots to see snow scenes around the country, or our autumn guide to Japan next!