Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

The blessed spring water from Mt. Chokai

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

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.

Tour around the beautiful marshlands

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

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

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Overwhelming in scale

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

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

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river