Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

Stroll around the beautiful, mystical lakes and ponds

The blessed spring water from Mt. Chokai

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

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

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.

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

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

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

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

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

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Overwhelming in scale