Japan is renowned for its delicate cherry blossoms and mesmerizing bamboo forests, but that’s only the beginning of the country’s charms. From the snowy wilderness of Hokkaido to the tropical forests of Okinawa, Japan has enough natural wonders to keep you in awe. Come explore some of the most stunning places across the country’s 47 prefectures.
1. Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki, Kyushu
The Gokase River has carved a deep slash through volcanic rock, creating an undulating surface resembling dragon scales climbing toward the sky. Visitors can rent a rowboat to paddle down the river and along the Minainotaki, a waterfall plunging down the sheer cliffs into the river.
2. Iya Valley, Tokushima, Shikoku
The remote and isolated Iya Valley was an escape for the retreating Heike samurai clan. The valley is characterized by plunging gorges, verdant mountains with terraced farms, centuries-old thatched-roof farmhouses, and suspended woven vine bridges swaying precariously over rushing rivers.
3. Yakushima, Kagoshima, Kyushu
The green island of Yakushima, off the southern tip of Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture, is home to native deer and monkeys, as well as ancient cedars. It also happens to be the stomping ground for migrating turtles and dolphins. One-fifth of the island is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the heady mix of subtropical forest, hot springs, and dozens of peaks more than 3,000 feet served as major inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animators of “Princess Mononoke.”
4. Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori
The enormous sand dunes on the Tottori coast have an otherworldly quality. The surreal scenery is also the inspiration for Kōbō Abe’s 1962 novel (and later film) “The Woman in the Dunes.”
5. Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
At the very top of Hokkaido lies Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sprawling more than 70,000 hectares. It’s the habitat for one of the densest populations of brown bears in the world, and is frequented by whales, porpoises, and sea birds among the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk.
6. Goshikinuma, Fukushima
The back side of Mount Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture is home to Goshikinuma, which means “five-colored ponds” and refers to a collection of water bodies that shift their brilliant hues to blues, greens, and reds based on the time of day, season, and weather. The pond trail winds through the forest and can be hiked or snowshoed, depending on the time of year.
7. Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo
It may be part of Tokyo, but it’s more than 620 miles away, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The Ogasawara Islands, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, are only accessible via a ferry that departs from Tokyo and takes 24 hours to reach Chichijima, the largest of the islands. Along with Hahajima, only two islands in the archipelago are inhabited. They’re also home to sperm whales, dolphins, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and even a submerged shipwreck for snorkel exploration.
8. Gokayama, Toyama
Gokayama and the neighboring area of Shirakawa-go are UNESCO World Heritage Sites home to rustic farm villages that maintain the structures and visage from centuries past. The villages are set in green valleys surrounded by towering, snowy mountains dotted with farmhouses featuring steeply pitched, traditional thatched roofs that insulate the homes against the cold and keep snow from piling up. Try a farm stay with firewood heat, tasty country food, and hot spring baths.
9. Iriomote Island, Okinawa
Closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan, Iriomote Island is one of the country’s wildest and most remote places. Thickly forested, the jungle-like center gives way to mangroves and sparkling blue and white beaches at the edge. The island is also home to the Iriomote cat, a critically endangered wildcat thats only found here.
10. Mount Zaō, Yamagata
In January and February, a curious phenomenon takes over the ski resort at Mount Zaō. Aomori fir trees meet Siberian winds, and before long, the slopes become covered by juhyo, or “snow monsters” — an army of giant, shaggy beasts with long beards and stumpy arms, seemingly ready to shuffle forward in battle.
!!! Explore Journey !!! 