Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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.

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

Watashi-bune, or the ferry boat, is affectionately called ”Pon-pon sen.” This ferry boat is Uraga's symbol for going back and forth from east to west within the port of Uraga.

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

A trekking spot surrounded by mother nature

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.

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.

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.

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

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

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

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

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

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Overwhelming in scale

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”