The most beautiful natural sites to discover Japan

The highest point (2,568 metres) of a volcanic chain oriented east-west, Asama-yama is made up of three superimposed volcanoes. This volcano is one of the most active and violent in Japan. It is not possible to climb it, but you will be able to contemplate, in the north of the mountain, the Onioshidashi rocks, solidified lava forming an extraordinary landscape. The latter was formed in 1783 by the last violent eruption of the Asama-yama.

The road to Agematsu runs along the gorge of the Kiso River, called Nezamenotoko. The river has been eroding the granite bedrock since ancient times, so it flows between the vertical walls of the rock. The length of the gorge is about 1.5 km. The most beautiful views are between Kiso Fukushima and Suhara. The cherry trees bloom around the park in spring and the surrounding mountains are decorated with warm colors in autumn.

This sacred explosive volcano, which is forbidden to descend into its crater, was the site of a large number of pilgrimages during the Middle Ages. At 3,067 meters, Mount Ontake is the second highest volcano in the archipelago and the sixteenth highest peak. The ascent can be done by different ways. For example, you can start the ascent from Tanohara Nature Park, which is located 1.5 hours by bus from Kiso-Fukushima. The climb takes about 3 hours. A volcanic eruption took place on September 27, 2014, resulting in the death of 57 people.

The first gorge, Genbikei-Kyo, can be easily surveyed on foot. Buses leave from Ichinoseki station stop #9 (20 minutes). The second gorge, Geibikei-Kyo, is much more impressive than the first. In summer, boat guides will take you down to the gorge on the Satetsu River for about two kilometers (1.5 hours), to enjoy the breathtaking view of the rocks that rise between 50 and 100 meters. You can reach Geibikei-Kyo by bus from Ichinoseki Station No. 7 (40 minutes), or by kaisoku train (25 minutes). The gorge is located just outside the town of Ichinoseki. It has been shaped by the river's rapids over thousands of years, and this phenomenon has created a beautiful landscape of smooth, intertwined rock faces with colorful vegetation along the bank, especially in spring and fall. A trail allows visitors to walk under thick foliage on one side and through jagged rocks on the other. At the eastern end of the gorge, the Goramba Swing Bridge offers visitors a chance to enjoy calmer, emerald-coloured waters. Genbikei Gorge has been designated a National Scenic Beauty Spot as well as a natural monument. In 1927, Geibikei-Kyo was chosen to be included in the list of 100 landscapes in Japan. A great nature getaway to plan.

This cave contains several underground rivers, waterfalls and one of Japan's largest caves. You can cross this small underground world over 800 m. The exit is planned to go directly to the park Gyokuse-dō Habu Kōen, where you can see the famous battles of snakes against mongooses (entry: 500 ¥).

Near the cave on the east coast some beaches like La and Hayakuna Beach. On the offshore you will see corail of coral. By continuing, you will reach the Chinsen Peninsula, especially for its landscape of sugar cane fields. Some okinawaïens myths are circulating on foreigners who come beyond the seas and who have brought new agricultural techniques.

The village of Nakadomari, with its Moon Beach, is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Okinawa. A white sandy cove, bathed by turquoise waters, with the added bonus of a mishmash of Japanese and Americans who come to sunbathe and play like crazy. The American teenagers of the base are everywhere, in a very Californian atmosphere. From the beach, you can reach the Maeda Misaki cape, its cliffs and its surfers who tame the waves. You can also go snorkeling there.

This cave has been used as a burial space for over 2,000 years. Although this space is considered sacred, one can nevertheless enter and walk for more than a kilometre. A number of clay pots can be seen, many of which are broken. A number of them contain human remains. In Okinawan culture, it is common for bodies to be cremated or buried in ohaka. Some residents offer money to the spirits to pray for them. It is more than advisable, if not mandatory, to carry a flashlight.

The most beautiful beach in Taketomi is in the west. It is littered with skeletons of small marine animals.

Located to the east, this beach has very fine white sand. The width of the beach is ideal. Of course, there are all the tourist facilities you need to enjoy the place: windsurfing boards, masks, diving tanks, etc. From Eef Beach, you can access the "end of the world" island (Hate no Shima), a very fine white sand reef in the middle of the coral reef. From there, you can observe a myriad of tropical fish, each more colorful than the next.

The still active volcano erupted in April 1990, while in 1958 another eruption killed twelve people. In 1979, the cable car was damaged. In short, Naka-dake is a still dangerous volcano. The cable car will take you to the top in a few minutes. You can walk for 1 hour around a crater, the width of which varies constantly.

The most popular onsen in the city is the Takegawara Onsen, which dates back to the Meiji Empire. It has the particularity of having sand baths, as in Ibusuki. The Hamawaki Onsen is the second famous spring. Renovated over 20 years ago, Hamawaki is divided into two buildings, the classic onsen and the more sophisticated Hamawaki yu-tō-pia(yu = hot water, tō = bath). Onsen can also be found in the Kannawa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa areas, and in the hills northwest of the city, the Myōban Onsen area.

He is known for his pink flamingos.

This is one of the most popular beaches in Miyazaki, famous for its small island connected to the land by a causeway. People also flock here for the ridged, combed-like rock formation discovered at low tide(Oni no sentaku ita, the ogre's washboard). The warm currents allow you to bathe there like in the tropics. Aoshima is also known for its betel trees(biro) and many subtropical plants. It is definitely a nice day trip to make from Miyazaki.

It consists of two natural caves, one of which is over 400 metres long. Inside the first cave are 40 statues of Hoki Buddhas, some of which date back to the^5th century. Some of these statues are surrounded by their disciples. Others even have traces of paintings. In the second cave, the visitor can take time to contemplate Sannousan Buddhas, statues 3 meters high as well as Furuzono Buddhas. The stone Buddhas of Usuki are classified as a national treasure.

From the sanctuary, a 15-minute walk is necessary to reach the cave. This little walk is an enchantment. In an environment of streams and trees, you will be able to reach the cave located at the east of the sanctuary.

It is the largest archaeological site in Japan, with 329 megalithic kofun dating from the^5th and 6th centuries. These tumuli, of different shapes - round, square or keyhole - were probably built by a very powerful local clan, perhaps close to the Yamato imperial lineage. Some of them can be as long as 220m. They are scattered in a park with a mysterious atmosphere. In some kofuns were found the famous haniwa that can be seen in the Saitobaru Shiryōkan Museum.

There is a rather curious mixture of alpine and tropical plants.

The Rainbow Line is an 11.2 km scenic drive from Mihama to Wakasa. The Summit Park allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking view from the summit of the five Mikata lakes, the Sea of Japan and the surrounding mountains. The 360° view is remarkable. Access to the summit is by funicular or chairlift. Several activities are offered, from a foot bath to a panoramic café with relaxing armchairs in front of the view.

A series of interconnected rooms are discovered in the cave, some of which display large statues of ogres depicting scenes from the history of Momotarō. The cave, which covers an area of 4,000 square meters, is located at a depth of 400 meters. The atmosphere there is very mysterious. The cave is said to have been created in 100 BC and was discovered by Sentaro Hashimoto in 1914. The souvenir shop next to the cave serves millet dumplings, a favorite of the hero of the legend. An impressive visit.

This magnificent beach is best admired when the sea recedes: fine pools of water form on the sand, creating a mirror effect, in which the light, the surrounding nature or your silhouette are reflected. At sunset, the spectacle is absolutely breathtaking! It is one of the 100 best places in Japan to enjoy it. In fact, many Japanese people come here to take pictures for the memory... and for social networks of course. You won't be able to resist the urge to immortalize the moment either.

Under this intriguing name lies a small strip of sand that connects the coast to three pretty little islands. This one appears only twice a day, at low tide. It is a place where couples traditionally come for a walk, as legend has it that walking together along this sandy path is the promise of a happy and prosperous relationship. But the scenery is really worth it, whether you are alone, with friends or family of course. You should check the tide times at the tourist information office in Tonosho harbour.

To appreciate the famous whirlpools of Naruto, resulting from strong tidal currents in the eponymous strait, a boat cruise is a great option. But there is also another way by taking a little bit of height. Uzu-no-michi is an observation platform, located under the Onaruto Bridge, which allows you to observe the eddies through the transparent glass at floor level. A breathtaking and vertiginous experience.

In the concrete forest that is Tokyo, we sometimes forget that we are on an island. The small beach of Odaiba reminds us of the wide expanses of sand, ice, games on the beach in summer. In the evening, it's a great place to admire the view of Tokyo and the Rainbow Bridge. This bridge, completed in 1993, is 798 meters long and crosses the north side of Tokyo Bay. Its structure illuminated with red, green and blue at night has become representative of contemporary Tokyo.

This cave, which can only be visited with a guide, is accessible by a path, but also by a very picturesque motorized monorail that winds its way through the trees on the mountainside. This option is recommended for the pleasure it provides. Once inside the limestone cave, you can make your way through the rocks. The stroll, which is very playful, is illuminated by coloured lights. This excursion is simple even if it is better to wear comfortable shoes. In bad weather, the activity is cancelled.

Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges are two suspension bridges located in the heart of the wilderness of Tokushima Prefecture. They were built using kiwai lianas, a very vigorous climbing plant native to Japan. The Kazurabashi Bridge, the most impressive, is 45 meters long and two meters wide, 14 meters above the water. It was for a long time the only way to travel through the Iya Valley. These bridges are said to be more than 800 years old.

A few kilometers from Okayama is Inujima. Today dedicated to art, this island was for decades dedicated to industry. Its foundry chimneys are still visible. With its galleries occupied by the Inujima Art House Project, as well as numerous art objects and other attractions, the island offers a unique artistic journey. The Seirensho Art Museum, housed in the ruins of an old foundry built a century ago, is the jewel in the crown. Every three years, the island hosts the triennial Setouchi Art Festival.