Planning a trip or simply curious about Japan? This comprehensive collection of websites serves as your essential guide to discovering everything from majestic castles and serene temples to breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural experie...
Sections
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Nature & Outdoors
Seasonal Attractions
Nature & Outdoors
Natural hot springs (温泉, onsen) are numerous and highly popular across Japan. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns, which come with them.
There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. Hot spring baths come i...
Japan Onsen
There are about 2,500 waterfalls which has more than 5m (17 ft.) high and the constant activity of water. Japan is also know as the country of mountain and forest which create many beautiful waterfalls all over in Japan.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Japan's mountains and highlands on this comprehensive website. Find information on everything you need to plan your high-altitude adventure in Japan.
Discover the diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes preserved within Japan's National Parks. This website offers comprehensive information on each park.
Magnificent mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, active volcanoes, emerald blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder. Visit these pristine natural environments and forge lasting memories in Japan's 35 national parks.
National Parks of Japan Official Site
Most of Japan's mountains are of volcanic origin. While volcanoes cause major destruction and inconvenience during their eruptions, many of them are also tourist attractions for their scenic landscapes, hiking trails and relaxing hot springs. Also re...
Volcanoes in Japan
Although probably better known for its traditional culture and technologically advanced cities, Japan is also a country of mountains. More than seventy percent of the volcanic archipelago is covered by towering volcanic peaks and snow capped summits;...
Hiking in Japan
Unlike most countries, Japan is full of campsites that are fee free, generally run by the local councils or businesses. This means mowed grass, free toilets and a groundskeeper who comes by once or twice a day. Despite not costing anything, the free ...
Map of Free Campsites in Japan 2024
• The camping situation in Japan
Camping started to become popular in Japan beginning in the 1960s. Today, there are about 1,300 campgrounds in Japan.
Although campgrounds dot the entire country, some sites close in the winter, as Japan is long in the north-south direction. Campgrounds that remain open all year are located in southern regions.
Especially in Hokkaido, which is located in the north, many campgrounds are only open from May until the end of September.
The fee system used by many campgrounds is a usage fee for the campsite plus an entry fee per person. Take note, as this is slightly different from the payment system seen in many countries where it is a matter of “how much per person.”
The average price nationwide is around 5,000 yen. In Hokkaido, which is popular with foreigners, prices are cheap compared to the rest of the country, with many campgrounds where you can spend the night for about 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
Japanese garden spaces created with a focus on the flow of water
For more than 1000 years, there have been many famous gardens throughout Japan, especially in Kyoto, which was the cultural and political center of the time.
There are various gardens throughout Japan that utilize space, water, and sound among other things.
The more you know about these characteristic and historic gardens, the more you will appreciate and enjoy them.
Japanese Gardens and Zen Gardens Around Japan
Seasonal Attractions
The seasons are a main theme in the Japanese culture, and flowers are like mirrors to the seasons, reflecting the passage of time. Fittingly, flower viewing is a very popular activity in Japan as most prominently seen in the annual festivities surrou...
Flowers in Japan
Colorful leaves (紅葉, kōyō) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots both in the moun...
Autumn leaves (koyo)
The cherry blossom (桜, sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a prominent position in Japanese culture. There are dozens of cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a few...
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Japan
Japan is a world-class ski and snowboard destination with abundant, high-quality snow, beautiful scenery and relaxing hot springs. There are over 500 ski resorts across Japan from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, whic...
Guide to Skiing in Japan
Winter illuminations around Christmas and New Year have become a popular attraction in cities across Japan. Illuminations are typically displayed between November and December, but some run longer, starting as early as October and running until Valen...
Winter Illuminations in Japan
Japan is a long, thin island country with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Japan and East China Sea on the other. The length of the country results in an extensive coastline with lots of beaches. It also means that the climate and swimmin...