Japan’s Top 8 Natural Wonders

Japan is a very diversified country with amazing natural beauty. This includes breathtaking treasures of architecture and the natural environment in addition to the enormous and colorful mito of Tokyo and the modest temples of Kyoto.

There are many gorgeous sites to add to your bucket list if you wish to reconnect with nature and experience something truly spectacular. Japan’s natural wonders stretch from Hokkaido’s ice-blue springs to Okinawa’s turquoise seas, with ancient forests and sand dunes in between. Although some are more difficult to access than others, they are all breathtaking displays of nature’s grandeur that you will never forget.

1. The sweeping sand dunes, Tottori

In Tottori’s illustration, sand dunes resemble a desert and go all the way to the water, which is rare for Japan. These, however, are the result of winds from the Sea of Japan that have existed for 100,000 years. Astonishing 40-meter-deep troughs and towering hills at the east corner of Tottori Prefecture’s dunes, which stretch for 16 kilometers and are 2 kilometers wide, quickly transport you to the Sahara.

Horse-drawn carriage trips, paragliding, sandboarding, and an observation deck are a few ways to see the dunes. Even camels may be seen, which would further enhance the wonderful ambiance.

2. The famous Mount Fuji, Yamanashi

No matter if it’s from an aircraft window or the Tokyo Metropolitan Observation Tower, it must be done when visiting Japan. An iconic landmark and national emblem, Mount Fuji is a natural wonder in and of itself.

You may see it from Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi, and for a better view, you can even climb another mountain. Check out our Mt. Fuji climbing guide if you’d want to climb the mountain yourself. Nothing is more beautiful than the daybreak on a mountain, and nothing is more challenging to do!

If you still manage to visit Japan, don’t forget to download the Lily application. This is an app for identifying plants. With its assistance, you will be able to identify any plants, chat with specialists, read excellent growth advice, and so on.

New information is uploaded every day. Lily’s constant updates allow you to learn about new and interesting plant subjects. Discover intriguing species, plant families, and geniuses.

3. Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Okinawa

One of Japan’s most stunning tropical beaches, Kabira Bay on Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island draws tens of thousands of tourists each year. The coral reefs and other species that live just below the surface are just as stunning as the surroundings.

Swimming is prohibited owing to currents, jellyfish, and boats, but you may take a glass-bottomed boat trip to see the underwater world. There are also kayaking trips and cruises to uninhabited islands. Snorkeling is the only permitted activity in the waters surrounding the islands, and it is strictly regulated. Get more information about visiting Ishigaki.

4. The stunning Nachi Falls, Wakayama

With a height of 133 meters and a width of 13 meters, Nachi Falls, Japan’s highest unbroken waterfall, offers one of the most breathtaking views in the whole nation. This is one of Japan’s most breathtaking sights, and it is well worth the travel to Wakayama to see it with the Seigantoji pagoda in front of it.

While there, visit Nachi Taisha, a shrine near to the Buddhist Seigantoji Temple, by taking the Kumano Kodo route. The falls were formerly the holiest site in all of Japan, and the ancient Japanese revered them as a source of strength and beauty. There have been instances where infatuated lovers have jumped to their deaths to be with each other.

5. The bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Kyoto

In Japan, there are various locations where you may capture beautiful pictures. However, Arashiyama Sagano’s Bamboo Forest wins the prize. It’s really soothing with its dappled sunshine and swaying trees. Looking up at them may be very perplexing because they can grow to be up to 20 meters tall, especially in the wind. 

Since the stroll is just 200 meters long and there is a lot to see, including Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryuji Temple, you may take your time and unwind.

6. Iriomote’s mangroves, near Ishigaki, Okinawa

There you can feel the subtropical climate. Also take notice that Irimote, an uninhabited island, is not distant from this city. Adventurers will love exploring the variety of natural wonders on the mainly uninhabited island by kayaking, stand-up paddling, hiking, or swimming.

You may hire professional guides to give you half-day or full-day tours or you can explore the island on your own. The most well-known monuments may be found there. Water buffalo carts may also take you to Yubu Island, a subtropical wonderland with hundreds of different tree and flower species.

7. Alpine views of Mount Yari, Nagano

The unique mountains of the Japanese Alps are well recognized. Mount Yari is only one of them. It’s hardly surprising that it’s at the top of most hikers‘ must-do lists given the views of Mt. Fuji and breathtaking mountain scenery in the area.

Banryu, a monk and mountain ascetic, made the first ascent during the Edo period. The region was given the name Japanese Alps by a British climber by the name of Gowland, who arrived 50 years later, in 1880. These mountains are reachable by walking, and we advise doing it in the spring. After all, you will be able to view the most breathtaking scenery in April.

8. The volcanos of Aogashima Island, Tokyo (technically)

The island of Aogashima is approximately 358 kilometers from Japan’s capital, Tokyo. The island is a little volcanic marvel that can only be seen here. One of the world’s rarest twin volcanoes is found there. Japan’s smallest town, with only 160 residents and a tiny school and post office, is located on the island.

You may tent on Aogashima for breathtaking nighttime views and a genuinely unspoiled retreat from the outside world. The island is reachable by boat or helicopter from nearby Hachijojima. It is a natural miracle, however we didn’t say it was easy.

The sun will rise directly between them with Mt. Fuji in the background if you are lucky enough to get there in the summer. Due to the romantic significance of the rocks, it is common to see couples praying for happy marriages in front of them. You may do the same. Check out our guide if you’re looking for additional unusual ways to see Mount Fuji.

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