Japan

Japan

Enchanting Graceful Beauty Forest: Elegant trees, warm sunlight, inviting exploration of majestic natural beauty. Easy walk
Autumn

Bijin Bayashi: The Forest of Pretty Women

Where are these pretty women? In the forest of Bijin Bayashi! And they’re everywhere! Above, below, and all around you.

Some crowds
Morning visit / about 2–3 hours (the forest is compact; the ‘photo-spot game’ section can be done in ~20 minutes).
Explore Aokigahara: Haunting Beauty & Silence at Mount Fuji - A Unique Experience. Easy walk
Summer

Japan’s Suicide Forest: Aokigahara

Aokigahara, known as Japan’s suicide forest, is a unique place in other ways. Silent, no wildlife in sight, magnificent trees and shrubs, and really easy to lose yourself in.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for forest walks + one or two lava caves; full day if combining multiple caves/trails around Fuji Five Lakes
Discover the raw beauty of Oshima Islands volcanic landscape with Mt. Miharas dramatic crater. Hard hike
Izu Islands

Oshima and its Black Desert

Oshima is the largest island in the Izu peninsula. It has an active volcano surrounded by black desert... the only desert in Japan!

Some crowds
Full day (plan 6–9 hours). The crater loop is relatively quick, but crossing/looping around the black desert can take much longer than expected and can make you miss the last boat.
Tranquil sunset at Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Japan, with iconic torii gate. Lively
Ibaraki

Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway

Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.

New Year Sunrise
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Coastal sanctuary with 123 red torii gates along the Japan Sea, Motonosumi Inari Shrine. Easy walk
Summer

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is located in western Japan, far from the rest of the world. The nearest city, 80 kilometres away, is Yamaguchi. Never heard of it?

Some crowds
Half day (2–4 hours on-site plus extra time for driving/transfers); longer if visiting for sunset and allowing for parking/traffic.
Enchanting Nomizo Waterfall and Cave in Chiba, Japan: A breathtaking natural wonder. Easy walk
Chiba

Nomizo Falls: The Heart of Light

6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive.

Busy
2–3 hours (half-day trip from Tokyo, especially if visiting at sunrise)
Ritsurin Garden Dreamlike
Autumn

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu

Here’s a burst of colour for starters: Ritsurin in Takamatsu, one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

Autumn Colors
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Tranquil scene of nature reclaiming historic structure at Futtsu Park in Japan. Off the map
Chiba

Futtsu Park

Futtsu has something special to offer (who’d have thought it!) – a park on a small narrow peninsula. By stretching things a little (6 kilometres anyway), you can reach the seaport of Yokosuka on the other side and make a complete tour of Tokyo Bay.

Difficulty
Risk
Enchanting snow foxes playing in Miyagis winter wonderland. Frosty
Japan

Zao Fox Village

At Zao, in Miyagi prefecture, lies the answer to an eternal question: why do we say something is foxy!? With a hundred foxes roaming around, you'll have an extreme immersion experience.

Snow Monsters
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