The most beautiful natural sites to discover Japan

This park had its moment of glory in 1975 when it hosted the International Ocean Exhibition. Admission to the park is free. You will find an extraordinary aquarium, where rays and whale sharks evolve, which is very impressive. The main pool was the largest in the world in 2011. The park also includes Aquapolis, a museum of ocean culture, a museum of Okinawa and flowers. An ideal family trip.

The five lakes are located on the north slope of Fuji-san. The region, very forested, is particularly beautiful in the autumn. Throughout the year, the five lakes accumulate tourist potential: fishing on line or in ice (wakasagi), skating, canoeing, etc. Those who would like to hike will be able to take a card with tourist information offices.

The five lakes (Stayokay, Kawaguchi, Sai, Shoji and Motosu) each have their own charm and vie for their view on Fuji-san. For this, the most famous is Kawaguchi lake.

Yet many Japanese agree that the most beautiful lakes are small, including Lake Shōji. The ténébreuse beauty of its waters gives it a poetic atmosphere. Motosu Lake is the only one not to freeze in winter because of the depth of its waters. It is appreciated des in summer. It is also possible to visit caves of volcanic origin (Narusawa and Fugaku), northwest of Sai-Ko Lake. D'Eboshi-san (a good hour and a half walk from the road), a beautiful sea view of the Tree of Fuji (Aokigahara-jukai) is available to all those who come to this point.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, 88 metres high. It has a basin at its feet, also classified as one of the most beautiful natural basins in the archipelago. 

Here is a real complex with whirlpool baths, waterfalls… A free shuttle service allows you to get there from the bridge, one minute from the station.

Located 4 km from the city, Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. As proof, its last eruption was on April 29, 2017. The most violent one was in 1914. Although you can't climb the volcano, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from the observatories in Yunohira and Arimura. The northern coast is the most picturesque. To the east emerges the Kurokami torii, half buried under the volcanic ash. To the south are some onsen and rotenburo. Do not miss the Sakurajima Visitor Center and the foot spa in Nagisa Park.

This magical place is famous throughout Japan and beyond for the beauty of its waterfalls, its natural depth, the color of its water, the lush nature, all enhanced by the position of the overhanging rocks and the smoothness of the steep walls. The view of the Manai waterfall, which rises 17 meters high, from the gorge is breathtaking. Hiring a boat is an almost unavoidable step to make the most of the gorge. It is impossible to book one in advance, so you know what you have to do!

This park has an immense reputation in Japan. He belonged to the Maeda family, which led the Kaga area, known nowadays as Ishikawa and Toyama, from the feudal days and for several generations. Built in 1676 and enlarged 1875 years later, the park was opened to the public in. Its name comes from kenroku, which means the combination of six elements: vastness, solemnity, vénérabilité, consciousness, freshness and abundance of water. It is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscaped gardens with Kairaku in Mito and Kōraku in Okayama. It has a large artificial pond in its centre and is dotted with hills and pavilions. The large basin named «Kasumigaike» was built as a sea, and the island placed in its centre symbolizes the hope of longevity and prosperity. On the edge of the pond is a lantern of stone and a beautiful fountain. The park is very flowery, with many species like azaleas and iris. But it's in the spring and autumn that the park has its most beautiful assets, with in April the cherry trees and plum in bloom and in October, the leaves that become red.

Built between the arms of the Ota-gawa River, the Heiwa Kinen Kōen (Peace Memorial Park) was designed by architect Kenzō Tange, while the two bridges are the works of Japanese-American sculptor Noguchi Isamu. The Cenotaph and the Flame monument feature an inscription, "Remain in peace so that the mistake will not be made again." The lists of the victims are kept in the stone coffin in the cenotaph monument.

These hot springs, whose waters have very pronounced colors (orange, turquoise, gray ...), are very photogenic. But we do not bathe there. The grand tour includes eight hells (Jigoku Meguri). The Kannawa group, located about ten kilometers from the city, includes the Umi jigoku (sea hell) and Yama jigoku (mountain hell). The small group proposes Chi-No-Ike Jigoku (hell of the blood pond), Tatsumaki jigoku (hell of the tornado), Kamado...

According to the texts, it is the oldest baths in Japan. History has it that the thermal waters of Dōgo date back to Mikoto Okuni-nushi, son of Susano'o, an important figure in Shintō mythology who became both the benefactor of agriculture, but also the power of war (8,000 spears). Then, various emperors came to relax at the Dōgo and enjoy the benefits of the waters gushing out at 43°C. The public bath, itself, dates from 1894 and a private bath was built in 1899, in the shoin style, for the emperor's rest. One can see the Botchan Hall, where the action of Sōseki Natsume's novel Botchan, The Young Gentile, is set. This novel chronicles the life of a young mathematics teacher caught up in the tug of war in a provincial society, Matsuyama, as Japan's doors open to the West. This novel is one of the classics of Japanese literature. In another register, the Dogo Onsen inspired Miyazaki for his famous Journey of Chihiro, whose Yubaba baths look strangely like Dogo Onsen. The director worked there for a long time on his sketches. The atmosphere around the baths reminds the scenes of the cartoon. At 6:30 am, the drum is beaten to announce the opening of the baths. There are small rest rooms on the third level. Be careful, the entrance fee does not include towels, soap, and even a hair dryer (try to come with shampoo, soap and towel in addition to your yukata). A restoration of the place has been started in 2019.

This park is located within walking distance of the funicular that leads to Mount Sōunzan. There is a rather curious mixture of alpine and tropical plants.

Classified as remarkable landscapes, these gorges are located in Nishi Park, only 1 hour drive from Hiroshima. Renowned for their beauty, they are also famous for their glowing maples in autumn. Powerful streams, deep pools, steep walls and waterfalls follow one another. This 13 km long area stretches from the entrance of Sandankyo to Lake Hijiri. The five beautiful views of Kurobuchi include the cliff and primary forest, Sarutobi, the narrow passage between the rocks and the waterfalls Nidan-daki, Sandan-daki and Mitsu-daki.

Uzushio Line carries passengers several times a day to the Naruto Whirlpools, a rare natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait under the Onaruto Bridge. The strait marks the separation between the Japanese Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The water rushes from the Pacific Ocean into the bay of Ōsaka and flows around Awaji Island to the Inland Sea of Japan before flowing down to the Naruto Strait. The water level will then be higher on the Sea of Japan side than on the Pacific Ocean side, cascading down to the Naruto Strait, with a water flow at a speed of 20 km/hour. The process will take 6 hours before it is reversed: it is then the water level on the Pacific Ocean side that will be higher. At the level of the strait, the current is very fast in the centre, but slower on the sides. It is this friction between currents of different speeds that produces the eddies. To observe these eddies when they are at their most spectacular, it is advisable to consult the tide schedules on the company's website. There you will find a table of schedules with the associated size of the eddies. Observation from a boat is a striking experience, especially when the eddies reach their maximum size.

Another company, Naruto Kanko Kisen, offers much the same. It is important to book in advance at ✆ +81 (0) 88 687 0101.

The Chasms and Koboke chasms, near the entrance of the Iya Valley upstream of the Yoshino river, have been registered as a national treasure since 2014. The gorges of Oboke are mainly known for the turquoise colour of water and for the large rocks bordering the river, natural perches for many birds. The Yoshino River is one of the best rafting spots in Japan, but the descent can also take place with a small cruise boat. It stretches over 194 kilometres from the Ichizuchi mountain range to Tokushima Bay.

This valley is splendid and is close to the statue of the famous Japanese piss, perched at 200 metres above sea level. For many years, he was a challenge for young boys in the surrounding area who were facing the wind and urinaient to show their bravery. It's now an extraordinary spot to photograph the river that forms a U around a hill.

This bridge in procedurally is designated as an important cultural property of the national heritage and popular prefecture. It overlooks the Iya River and is very photogenic. This is one of the symbols of Oboke. 

Close to the seaside resort of Ushimado, which is left by boat, the island of Kuroshima, rises there. At a low tide it is within walking distance of Venus road. This strip of sand actually connects three islands, which lovers travel preferably at sunset.

Mont Washuzan offers an exceptional view of the Setonaikai National Park, the first Japanese national park. The park is advised for the view it offers on the Seto Grand Bridge. The view from the summit offers a panorama on the Inland Sea. You will see about islands and Shikoku on the opposite shore. The observatory also offers a picturesque resting place. The sunset on the Seto Sea is considered one of Japan's 100 most beautiful.

Ryuga Cave is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. It is one of the three largest in Japan. The circuit is one kilometer long and you will have to climb stairs and go through wet tunnels. The show is grandiose and the rooms are illuminated with multiple lights. An amphora seems to have been covered by sediments for more than 500 years and gives rise to all sorts of legends, such as that of a hermit monk who stayed there. At the end of your journey, you will find a museum.

This waterfall, located at the Niyodo River, attracts thousands of Japanese tourists every year. The blue of the water changes its hue according to the different rays of the sun, which would give, to this waterfall, an extremely romantic aspect. To get there, you will have to take a vertical path that is quite steep. The best time to enjoy the place is around noon. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing, for your own safety and comfort. Swimming is not allowed.