When visiting Japan, most tourists tend to go popular places like the busy and highly urbanized Tokyo, majestic and historical Kyoto and Akihabara for anime lovers and otakus. Sadly, these popular destinations gave travelers a wrong perception to tourists that Japan is nothing more than a densely populated country with a unique pop culture and diverse architectural wonders. Apart from the knowledge of many, there are so much more in Japan, especially to nature lovers and here are some examples.
Hokkaido.This island is what you can call the snow capital of Japan. This northernmost island of Japan is the least developed place in all of Japan and visitors will be assured to be one with the nature like primeval forests, tropical-blue caldera lakes, fields of alpine wildflowers and untamed in-the-rough hot springs during summers, as per Mapping Megan. When the snow covered the place, snow sports are prominent and there are lots of ski resorts like Rusutsu, Furano and Niseko.
Mt. Fuji. The 3,776-meter tall mountain is the highest peak in the land of the rising sun and it is also an active volcano. It is credited for its wonderful scenery and its almost perfect shape, which is very evident in various artworks like Hokusai and Hiroshige's works during Edo period. One of the best easiest ways to take a glimpse in the volcano is via train trip from Tokyo to Osaka that can be enjoyed from Shin-Fuji station and beyond as stated by Japan Guide. To maximize the experience be sure to take the right-hand side of the train, however, poor visibility and clouds may block the view and luck will be a major factor when planning your visit.
Kitayamazaki Coast. Being an archipelago gives Japan thousands of kilometers of beautiful coastlines such as the Kitayamazaki Coast which can be found in the northern Iwate Prefecture. The eight-kilometre coastline boasts towering cliffs ranging from 150 to 200 meters high. Kitayamazaki Observatory would be the best place to enjoy the sceneries where tourists can indulge themselves into 3 amazing observatories, souvenir shops and few restaurants.
Takachiho Gorge. Further inland is the Takachiho Gorge of the Gokase River which is accessible by a 30-40 minute walk from the Takachiho Bus Center. The cliffs adorning the gorge was made of slow forming basalt columns which took forms of dragon scales. Visitors will also visit the 17-meter Minainotaki Falls along the gorge as well as the Takachiho Shrine which is a one-kilometer stroll on the paved path along the edge of the gorge.
Oze National Park. This protected national park can be visited in a day from Tokyo. It is popularly known for its marvelous hiking destinations in several mountain trails within the park. One of the main attractions of the park is the Ozegahara Marshland and the Ozenuma Pond. The trail is fairly easy for beginner hikers where there are no overly difficult inclines and can be done in six to eight hours by decent hikers. The best time to visit the park is during late spring where the skunk cabbages are in full bloom and during fall where the autumn colors paint the area.
