Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

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.

Stroll around the beautiful, mystical lakes and ponds

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

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

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

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Overwhelming in scale

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls