Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of the nature

A lake found at the opening of the Oku-Nikko region. Enjoy the changing of the seasons from the lakeshore at the foot of Mt. Nantai.

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

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.

Yudaki Falls are located in Oku-Nikko and rank as one of Japan's three great waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the 70-meter-high cascade.

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.

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 lakes surrounded by forest in Shiretoko. Feel at one with nature as you stroll along pathways in this World Natural Heritage Site.

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Overwhelming in scale

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

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

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

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