Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

Strolling around ponds colored subtle shades of blue

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

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

Take a stroll on the pathway with views of this beautiful gorge

The blessed spring water from Mt. Chokai

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

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

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

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

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

Overwhelming in scale

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

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

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond