Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

A trekking spot surrounded by mother nature

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

Lake Ashinoko is surrounded by the mountains of Hakone. You can go for a drive or take a stroll, and you can also take the Pleasure Cruise to enjoy the splendid view from the 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.

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.

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.

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

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Overwhelming in scale

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

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

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond