While its cities are filled with man-made marvels, Japan’s great outdoors are home to some of the most unique natural sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From eerie bamboo forests and fiery volcanic hot springs to islets surrounded by clear tropical waters, here are some of Japan’s must-see natural sights for your next visit.
Takachiho Gorge
Slicing through the town of Takachiho, this deep gorge was formed from the lava flow of a double volcanic eruption from Mt Aso 120,000 years ago. The base of the gorge is now filled with emerald green waters and is best enjoyed by rowing boat where you can watch the waterfalls cascading from the rocks above as well as the lush foliage with hangs over the rock faces.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
The aptly named Hell Valley will make you feel like you’re wandering through another planet. Located north of the hot spring town of Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, Jigokudani is a volcanic crater offering dramatic displays of volcanic activity with bleached rocks, boiling hot springs and plumes of steam rising from the ground below. Visitors can experience this spectacular landscape by using the designated walkway that meanders through the valley to capture the best sights and angles.
Kabira Bay
On the north coast of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, the tropical paradise of Kabira Bay is home to vibrant turquoise waters, lush uninhabited islets surrounded by white sands, and colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Visitors to this idyllic setting can explore the bay’s many treasures – above and below the water’s surface – by kayak or glass bottom boat.
The Bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto
The Sagano Bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is a nature photographer’s delight with it’s dense bamboo trees jutting up to 20 metres tall above the ground. You’ll be mesmerised as you take the 200 metre walk through the forest watching how the sunlight flickers through the gently swaying bamboo.
Beppu Onsen, Oita
Probably one of the most famous onsen towns in the country, Beppu Onsen in Oita is home to 8 hot springs – dubbed the “8 hells”. Although too hot for swimming, the hot springs which are spread across two sites attract visitors wanting to absorb the mystical steamy atmosphere as well as the unusual sight of their vivid colours which range from aqua blue to a deep orange fiery red.
The Blue Pond
Not far from the onsen town of Shirogane in Hokkaido, The Blue Pond is not strictly natural, but worth a visit for its beauty. The pond was formed as a result of work on the Biei river dam which was designed to prevent volcanic mudflow from impacting the town of Biei. The vibrant blue colour comes from minerals found in the water, with the reflections and blue hue endlessly changing along with the seasons and weather.
Tottori Sand Dunes
A visit to the coastline just outside the city of Tottori will have you thinking you’re in the Middle East as you lay your eyes on the vast Tottori Sakyu (Tottori Sand Dunes). With camel trekking replacing the bustle of the nearby city’s cars and trains – it’s a truly surreal sight. Typical activities include sandboarding, camel trekking, paragliding, fat mountain biking, and even yoga.
Shiraito Falls
Not far from Tokyo in the prefecture of Yamanashi, Shiraito Falls are the result of spring water flowing from Mt Fuji. The waters elegantly cascade from a somewhat curvaceous 20 metre cliff which stretches an impresses 200 metres in length. The name Shiraito is translated to ‘thread’ , describing the many narrow streams of water which fall from the cliff.
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