Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

A great view overlooking the the Five Storied Pagoda of Kofukuji Temple

One of the most spacious ponds in metropolitan Tokyo and beloved as a cherry-blossom viewing site in Spring. The scenic pond was often the subject of ukiyo-e paintings in the mid-19th century.

Yudaki Falls are located in Oku-Nikko and rank as one of Japan's three great waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the 70-meter-high cascade.

Japan’s largest lake, replete with noteworthy places and leisure opportunities

Hirou Shrine’s object of worship is famous for the large volume of water and for having the country’s highest drop off

A caldera lake formed by an eruption from Mt Oakan, Lake Akan rests among a rich natural environment and is famous for the marimo growing in it.

Lake Toya is the second largest caldera lake in Japan, having a circumference of about 40 km. Enjoy a walk along the lakeside or take a cruise on one of the pleasure boats.

The Otaru Canal is a sightseeing spot emblematic of Otaru. About 1.1 km long, old warehouses stand side by side along one edge; along the other runs a promenade ideal for a pleasant stroll.

Five lakes surrounded by forest in Shiretoko. Feel at one with nature as you stroll along pathways in this World Natural Heritage Site.

Experience the earth's energy in the remains of a volcanic crater

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Plumes of steam and the scent of sulfur rise from this hot spring pond

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Overwhelming in scale

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

A snow-white curtain of water falls into a blue river

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

A deep, mystical gorge stretching over 2 km long. Take the famous ”Boat Ride down Geibi Gorge” for the chance to see countless strangely shaped boulders.