Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

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

These thrilling falls run down a steep cliff some 97 meters high. Each season offers stunning views of the great outdoors.

The blessed spring water from Mt. Chokai

A 14km streamside trail past moss-covered rocks and waterfalls, changing beautifully with every season

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

Historic stone warehouses and gaslit water make Otaru's canal one of Hokkaido's most atmospheric evening strolls

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.

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

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

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

A milky, ethereal blue pond that's most stunning at sunrise — and turns magical again after dark with a winter light-up near Biei, Hokkaido

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

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Japan's clearest lake, famed for its deep ”Mashu blue” surface and the mystical sea of clouds that sometimes drifts over it at dawn

Overwhelming in scale