Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons Spot List

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

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

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

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

The deepest and westernmost lake of the ”Fuji Five Lakes,” it is very clear where you can enjoy marine sports and camping.

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.

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.

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

Overwhelming in scale

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

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

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

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

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