Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

Ryuzu Falls is one of the representative waterfalls in Oku-Nikko. Its forked cascade resembles the head of a dragon.

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.

A lake found at the opening of the Oku-Nikko region. Enjoy the changing of the seasons from the lakeshore at the foot of Mt. Nantai.

Enjoy the Sight of Mountains and Beautiful Fall Foliage Reflected off the Waters of a Lake

Here at Bodaigi Pond, you can view a satoyama (mountain foothill) landscape. It is a tranquil spot where you can hear the chirping of birds.

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

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.

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.

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

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

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

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

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

Overwhelming in scale

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls