Nature Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Nature

ALL
- All categories
- Mountain
- Coast / Beach
- Waterfall
- Lake
- Plateau
- Valley
- Sea
- Island
- Cave
- Special Terrain
- River
- Pass
- Cape
- Wetland / Marshland
- Rock
- Whale Watching
- Peninsula
- Dune
- Other Natural Terrain

Ryugashido Cavern

4.0

263 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Hamamatsushi Kita-ku Inasachoutabatake 193

This limestone cavern is located Inasacho Tabatake, Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City. About 400 meters of its 1,000-meter length are open to visitor. Visitors can enjoy exploring the cavern, which stays around a comfortable 18°C all year long. The cavern's substantial surrounding facilities include a museum, restaurant, souvenir shop, and a gelato shop.

This was my first time exploring a cave and it was fun! Great for the family! It had hills and areas that was cool to maneuver through! The walk is not that long so it is great for any age!
Cape Erimo

4.0

217 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Horoizumigunerimochou Erimomisaki

Cape Erimo is a cape at the southernmost point in Hokkaido, where the Hidaka Mountains gradually fall in elevation as they approach the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned as one of the windiest places in Japan, with wind-speeds that often exceed 30 meters per second. At the Erimo Wind Museum, visitors can experience Erimo’s strong winds for themselves, and both adults and children will enjoy viewing wild Harbor Seals from the Museum’s observation deck. In 2010, Cape Erimo was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty under its Ainu-language name Pirika Noka (meaning “beautiful shape”), in recognition of its spiritual importance to the Ainu people as a sacred place.

It takes about 4 hours from Sapporo to Cape Erimo by car through the highway. Usually, the wind is very strong there, and this cape is often misty. Please take care of the weather. Scenery surrounded...
Valley of Gangala

4.0

174 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 202

Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest that originated when a limestone cave collapsed hundreds of thousands of years ago. The valley occupies an area of about 47,995 square meters, and the distance to walk through the valley is about one kilometers. You can experience an ancient natural environment in the valley where there are large trees called “Giant (Ufushu) Gajumaru trees” known as the wise men of the forest as well as the Inagu Cave and the Ikiga Cave. A full-time guide accompanies tours through the valley in order to protect the abundant nature which is highly valuable to both archaeology and folklore science. The time required to take the tour is about one hour 20 minutes.

The most unique thing about this cafe is the setting. Beware of the drippings from the stalactites! The cafe serves coffee and drinks only.
Takachiho Gorge

Travel / Tourism

Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai Please Shioi

This gorge owes its roots to pyroclastic flow that was discharged from the Aso caldera due to volcanic activity and flowed down along the Gokasegawa River. These pyroclastic deposits rapidly cooled and formed cliffs of columnar joints, which then experienced years of erosion from the Gokasegawa River, resulting in a V-shaped gorge. The approximately 100-meter high cliffs extend for seven kilometers, and the sunlight that filters through the tall cliffs and various trees above pours down into the clear streams of the river to create a mysterious atmosphere. One of the sights in the area is Manai Falls, a magnificent waterfall with a 17-meter cascade of water which has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Visitors can rent a rowboat and look up at the beautiful gradation of light.
Kiyotsu Gorge

4.0

136 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Koide

In 1862, local people built a hot springs bath at Kiyotsu Gorge; in 1941, the Gorge was officially designated a Natural Monument, and in 1949 it was included as part of the newly-established Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. It is well worth seeing, both for the beauty of the Gorge and for the spectacular columnar joint rock formations. Kiyotsu Gorge is beautiful at any time of year, but visitors should note that the tunnel that gives access to the Gorge is closed between mid-January and late March.

Not very impressive unless you like walking in the dark. The public bus service from Echigo-Yuzawa station will get you to different drop off areas. One drop off is approximately 3 miles from the...
Lake Ashi

Travel / Tourism

Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture Hakone-machi

This is a dammed lake of Mt. Hakone, and the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture, which has a view of Mt. Fuji. It is a mysteriously beautiful lake which has blue water to the extent that Ryotaro Shiba extolled it by writing “The colour of the clothing of the God that created Hakone”. Again, it is also famous as a fishing spot where you can enjoy rainbow trout and bass fishing such as black bass fishing and Japanese pond smelt fishing.
Kamikochi

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Adumi

Kamikochi is an approximately 1,500 meter high gorge in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Known as one of the top mountain scenic spots in the country it is designated as a special place of scenic beauty and natural monument. It is a gateway to the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains) and many tourists, mainly climbers and photographers visit each year. To help protect the environment the use of cars is restricted so it is recommended to use a shuttle bus service or taxi.
Ryugado Cave

4.0

166 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Kamishi Tosayamadachousakakawa 1424

Ryugado Cave is a sightseeing limestone cave which is representative of Japan, which is said to have been formed over roughly 175 million years. There are remains of a cave dwelling from the Yayoi period in the vicinity of the entrance of an internal cave, and “Kami no Tsubo” can be seen within the cave in which Yayoi pottery has been integrated into stalactites. You can enjoy the beauty of nature moulding such as stalactite, stalagmite or celestial stone of 11 meters in height in this cave. There is a standard sightseeing course of about one kilometer but the 90 minute course in which you stretch and make progress through narrow caves and also the “Adventure Course” in which you climb onto three meter high rocks using ropes are also popular.

You enter the cave complex at the bottom of a hill and climb up and up before exiting into sunlight, and then it’s a long staircase and walkway back down. I didn’t see any warnings (in English) that...
Lake Shirakaba

3.5

211 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama Shirakabako

Lake Shirakaba, with a circumference of four kilometers, was originally a pond created as a reservoir for farm use. You’ll find an amusement park, golf course, ski resort, hotels, and other facilities around this area, making it one of Shinshu’s top resort spots. Throngs of people visit every year.

We walked around this lake! So quiet and relaxing! And in the morning it was so foggy that you could hardly see the lake and so cold!
Cape Shionomisaki

4.0

135 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunkushimotochou Shionomisaki

At latitude 33° 25′ 59″ North and longitude 135° 45′ 45″ East, this cape is on the southern most tip of Honshu island. The vast expanse of the sea making an arc at the horizon is a site to see, especially at sunset when the whole sky is painted in coral colors. From the nearby observatory, Mt. Nachi can be seen.

Must visit when in the area. Dramatic view all around this area. The sea is so beautiful, but can be very cruel
Kaizu-Osaki Peninsula

4.5

119 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Prefecture Takashima-shi Makino Town Kaizu

A scenic area situated along Prefectural Route 557 in Kaizu Makino-cho, Takashima City. A reef formed by erosion, the area is also known as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, traditional scenic views of the lake, its title being “Dawn Fog—Kaizu Osaki Peninsula Reef.” In addition, the area is a renowned destination for cherry blossoms in the spring; selected for inclusion in Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, some 600 Yoshino cherries 50 years or older grow in a four-kilometer-long row here.

Spectacular cherry blossoms along the roadway and lake. Full bloom had passed. The hanafubuki was stunning.
Enoshima Cavern

4.0

220 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2

A natural cave carved out by the erosion of waves over countless years, Enoshima Cavern is actually comprised of Cavern One and Cavern Two. Decorated with tasteful lighting and filled with music, the cavern contains various displays relating to the Buddhist training the great priests Kukai and Nichiren conducted here. There is also a large, 128 meter long open area in the cavern which offers a sweeping of Sagami Bay and Izu. The cavern is a 30-minute walk from Enoshima Benten Bridge or a 10-minute ride on the Bentenmaru ferryboat.

Nice caves, they definitely did their best to make it attractive and entertaining. Worth to visit as part of the Enoshima day pass
Abukuma Cave

4.0

123 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Tamurashi Takinemachisugaya Higashi Busan 1

This limestone cave was carved out over 80,000,000 years. The 600 meter length is filled with limestone stalactites and stalagmites, creating an enchanting scene. The largest attraction is the 30 meter high grotto, the Takine Palace, filled with limestone formations like the Crystal Curtain, grotto Coral, and more.

Cost is 1200Yen per adult - average size limestone cave but I have been to better ones in Japan and other countries. Ryusendo and Utsonomiya are way bigger and better. Considering the distance...
Toki Forest Park

4.0

191 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Nibonagaune 383-2

The Toki Forest Park is situated next to the Sado Toki Conservation Center in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. There are a number of different facilities dotted about the place relating to the crested ibis, or “toki”, designated a National Natural Monument. The Toki Rapport Plaza, complete with large breeding cages, enables visitors to see the toki up close. The Toki Materials Exhibition Hall highlights the conservation work surrounding toki through the use of panels, audio-visual materials and specimens, and the Observation Gallery enables visitors to observe the crested ibises in the Sado Toki Conservation Center through the windows.

The toki (crested ibis) are making a comeback on Sado thanks to this preservation and breeding program. These endangered creatures are a rare sight, so being able to see some of the breeding pairs up...
Hida Great Limestone Cave

4.0

156 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Nyukawachouhiyomo 1147

The Hida Great Limestone Cave is located between Hida Takayama and the Okuhida Onsengo. Running a total length of about 800 meters, it is among the greatest tourist limestone caves in Japan. In the cave you can also see a rare form of stalactite known as a helictite, the only known occurrence in Japan. These bizarre looking cave deposits grow in all directions. As well as the limestone cave there is the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum which displays artworks collected by Sotokichi Ohashi, the discoverer of the Hida Great Limestone Cave. About 1,000 pieces of artworks are on display.

This place wasnt really on our itinerary but change of plans gave us free time and glad we did. Reasonably easy to walk through the caves with some stairs and smaller spacers. Museum attached was...
Kikuchi Gorge

4.5

156 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Haru

It is located approximately 50 minutes away from the Ueki Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. This gorge stretches within the Aso-Kuju National Park, and is a scenic area that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Forested Valleys in Japan, the 100 elections of the waterfall in Japan and the Top 100 Famous Water. Also known as Kikuchi Suigen, the underground water of Mt. Asogairin, which flows between a broadleaf forest, creates various lakes and waterfalls of various sizes, creating a landscape filled with variety. The average water temperature in the summer is 13 degrees Celsius, so it is called a natural cooler and is popular as a summer resort area. You can enjoy fresh greenery in the spring, colorful leaves in the autumn and frosty flowers that bloom over the whole mountain in the winter.

The blueish color from the water is very beautiful. It was so refreshing feeling the cool air from the waters.
Chichibugahama Beach

4.5

72 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Mitoyoshi Niochounio Otsu 203-3

This roughly one-kilometer long beach is also known as the Salar de Uyuni of Japan. It's been designated one of the Japan’s 100 best sunset destinations. The scenery is truly superb between 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after sunset when two conditions are satisfied: the tide and sunset coincide and there is no wind to make waves on the surface of the water.

We plan to visit this beach to take amazing photos like other visitors however we forgot to do enough research and came here around noon. The beach is quite large and a bit windy. It s a nice beach...
Tojinbo

Travel / Tourism

Fukui Pref. Sakaishi Mikunichouantou

Tojinbo, the beauty spot is a stretch of steep cliffs with a rock face which has been eroded by the waves. The rock cliffs which have a height of about 25 meters continue along the Mikuni coastline for about one kilometer. “Columnar jointing of pyroxene andesite” of this scale can only be seen in three places around the world, and in 1935, it was designated as a Natural Monument and a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan. You can enjoy a powerful landscape from the pleasure boats which go around the strangely shaped rocks such as the “Beehive rock” and the “Lion rock”.
Nippara Limestone Cave

4.0

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunokutamamachi Nippara 1052

A limestone cave located in Tokyo’s Nishitama District and one of the largest in the Kanto region as well as a prefecturally designated Natural Monument. The interior is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, maintaining a constant temperature of about 11°C year-round. Visitors can enjoy majestic and fantastical scenery interwoven with the surrounding natural greenery outside.

After hanging out in everybody is a busy-body central Tokyo, it was a literal breath of fresh air to get into the countryside and view natural beauty. The caves are spectacular and cheap for...
Awaji Island

Travel / Tourism

Hyogo Prefecture Awaji City, Kushimoto City, Minamiawaji City

An island located on the eastern side of the Seto Inland Sea. The island is famous for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, and for the Naruto whirlpools, said to be the biggest whirlpools in the world. There's also a hot spring district with numerous bathhouses and inns where visitors can stay or enjoy a day trip at the baths. The island is known as Miketsu-kuni (a food treasure trove) known for having supplied numerous tasty foodstuffs and dishes to the Imperial court since ancient times. The island's Awaji beef, the progenitor breed of famous Matsusaka beef, strikes an exquisite balance between rich fat and meat. Japanese spiny lobster, an exquisite delicacy, is in season on the island from summer through fall.