Summer

Summer

Chasing salt air and cicadas, we slip off the map; lava islands, rice-paddy terraces, and sunlit shrines.

Lush emerald forest sculpture path Easy walk
Chubu

Shirakoma Forest: Magical Moss Wonderland

A mystical virgin woodland with 500 moss species, ancient trees, and the legend of the White Horse Pond.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for a loop walk and moss-viewing stops; Full day if combining with nearby Yatsugatake-area sightseeing
Shikinejimas Idyllic Cliffs and Turquoise Coves Some hiking
Summer

Shikinejima: Wild Onsen and Heavenly Beaches

From heavenly beaches to wild nature and hot springs, come and discover the hidden beauties of Shikinejima.

Some crowds
Full day (overnight recommended if coming from Tokyo by boat and to match tide times for onsen)
Scenic coastal hiking trail on Hachijojima volcanic island Some hiking
Izu Islands

Hachijo-jima: Island of Fallen Samurai

Hachijo-jima, though lying in the Pacific Ocean over 280 km from Tokyo, belongs to the Japanese capital. Visit this land redolent with history …

Quiet
Full day for main highlights; ideally 1–2 nights to hike Mount Hachijo-Fuji and visit hot springs without rushing.
Lush tropical coastal paradise view Some hiking
Summer

Ogasawara: Tokyo’s Tropical Islands

The Ogasawara Islands, protected from mass tourism, offer an unforgettable journey to reveal incredible landscapes!

Quiet
Multi-day trip overall (because of the long ferry); allow at least 3–4 days for Chichijima highlights, with a half-day to full-day for a Minamijima boat excursion and/or a Heart Rock hike (with guide).
Tranquil ancient forest path, stone staircase Easy walk
Japan

Momiyama Shrine’s Millennial Tree

Not far from Nagayu hot springs is a wonderful hidden shrine, as in a Ghibli movie. Guided tour.

Quiet
2–3 hours (half-day if combining with nearby hot springs or countryside sightseeing)
Rishiri Islands Volcanic Majesty: Towering Peaks, Serene Lakes Hard hike
Hokkaido

Rishiri Island

This wild island with its rich and protected fauna and flora is a nature lovers’ paradise. Guided tour available.

Quiet
Full day at minimum; 2–3 days recommended if you want hiking (e.g., Mount Rishiri) and to explore multiple viewpoints/trails.
Quaint Canadian village replica, rural Japan Nostalgic
Hokkaido

Nostalgia for Canada at Hokkaido

Welcome to a Canadian ghost town in the heart of Hokkaido. Formerly a theme park reproducing the fictional village of Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables has long gone.

Difficulty
Risk
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Some hiking
Kumamoto

The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cypress forest. Take the path with stone torii gates and discover this timeless place.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site including the climb and visit to Ugetoiwa)
Aerial view lush green soybean hills landscape Easy walk
Hokkaido

The Lovely Soya Hills

This pristine white path not far from Wakkanai is a popular destination. Let’s discover an unusual landscape.

Quiet
Half day (about 3–5 hours) for the hills and the 3 km White Path walk; full day if traveling from/returning to Wakkanai or combining with Cape Soya sights