Japan is a country with rich culture as well as natural beauty. From the northernmost point of Hokkaido to the southernmost point of Kyushu, many unique natural spots are worth visiting. The people of Japan have preserved their natural environment.

If you visit Japan, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful nature spots in the world. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular tourist destination for nature lovers. The country has a lot of nature, from volcanoes to hot springs to mountain ranges.

The best time to visit Japan is during the cherry blossom season, which usually occurs in April and May. If you are not a fan of the spring, you can choose the fall season instead.  The leaves start changing colors in October and November, which offers another opportunity for visitors to enjoy nature in Japan.

If you would like to read more Japan travel guides, make sure to check out Japanko Official. It may not be easy to visit all the nature spots in Japan, and it can be hard to pick just one to see. Here are some of the best ones you should not miss when traveling to Japan.

1. Tottori Sand Dunes of Japan

The first gem we are going to talk about is Tottori Sand Dunes. No, we are not talking about the cute chubby rabbit-like creature in one of Studio Gibli’s masterpieces. By the way that’s Totoro, not Tottori.

The Tottori Sand Dunes are a series of sand dunes in Tottori Prefecture. They are the second-largest dune system in Japan. The sand dunes stretch for about 50 kilometers and have an average height of 40 meters. The highest point is at 190 meters above sea level.

The dune system is made up of both active and dormant parts, with the active parts being constantly replenished by wind-blown sands while the dormant parts are not being replenished as they are covered by vegetation or water. Many people are unaware that there are sand dunes in Japan, so you will surely enjoy visiting this hidden gem!

2. Shiretoko National Park

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan, and it has a lot to offer for tourists. It is known for its natural beauty. Many nature reserves are worth visiting. The second hidden gem we are going to talk about is located in the prefecture.

Hokkaido’s most well-known nature reserve is Shiretoko National Park. Shiretoko National Park has some of the most beautiful coastline in all Japan. Besides that, it is best known as the home of Japan’s largest brown bear population.

Not only that, Hokkaido also contains abundant hot springs. If you often watch anime and notice that Japanese people love hot spring, you might want to try it here. After visiting Shiretoko National Park, you may want to visit some hot springs to experience it.

3. Hakone

The third hidden gem we want to talk about is Hakone. Hakone is a small town in the Kanagawa prefecture in Japan. It is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Hakone has been a popular tourist destination for centuries because it offers visitors spectacular views of Mount Fuji, beautiful gardens, hot springs and onsen, and a variety of other attractions.

As previously we also talked about hot springs, the Hakone area is most popular because of the wide variety of hot springs you can visit. If you visit with your family, you will enjoy konyoku, which is a mixed onsen bath. You can enjoy beautiful mountain views and relax from all-day exploration.

The Hakone Open Air Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Hakone. It was originally built to house all of the artifacts that were unearthed during construction for the Hakone Tozan Railway. Today, it contains more than 20,000 pieces from all over Japan, including pottery and swords from around 500 BC.

The Hakone Gardens are located near the lake shore and they feature plants from all over Japan, including cherry blossoms, plum blossoms and maple trees that change color with the seasons.

4. Mount Fuji of Japan

Everyone should have known about the fourth gem, which makes it not-so-hidden. But it is always worth it to put Mount Fuji in the list, because the mount always hides beautiful mysteries.

Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that makes up the highest point on Honshu Island and is an iconic symbol for Japan. Besides that, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. It is one of the most famous spots for viewing nature in all of Japan.

The mountain’s iconic shape makes it an easy landmark to spot from afar. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it an accessible destination for those who want a short day trip outside the city center.

You can hike to Mount Fuji’s summit and enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area or take an aerial tram to see it from a different perspective. Mount Fuji is also a sacred place for many Japanese people. It is a must-see for any tourist visiting Japan.

5. Japan Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route. It is made up of 88 temples and shrines that span across three prefectures. If you are looking for a way to disconnect from modern life and stress that surrounds you, make sure to learn more about Kumano Kodo.

To hike Kumano Kodo means to start ancient Japanese spiritual journey. You will witness mystery and mist by walking through the land of the gods. If you are a person who likes hiking and you have an interest in Japanese history, walking the Kumano Kodo route will be unforgettable experience.

Japan is becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With its rich culture and beautiful nature, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world come to explore this island country.

Japan is a country with rich natural beauty, mountains, forests, or beaches. It is also one of the few countries that still have large tracts of untouched nature, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

We hope you enjoyed our list of top nature spots in Japan! Let us know which one of them do you like the most!