Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

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

Tour around the beautiful marshlands

Strolling around ponds colored subtle shades of blue

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.

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.

Five mystical lakes cradled in primeval forest, the symbol of UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko — explore via a free boardwalk or a seasonal guided trek.

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.

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

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

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Overwhelming in scale

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

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

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