Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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.

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

Tour around the beautiful marshlands

Stroll around the beautiful, mystical lakes and ponds

The blessed spring water from Mt. Chokai

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.

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.

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.

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

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

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

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

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

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

Overwhelming in scale