Nature & Outdoors

Shosenkyo Gorge is known as one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan and counts among Yamanashi Prefecture’s most popular destinations for nature tourism. The gorge is part of the large Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which spans Yamanashi, Saitama, and Nagano prefectures as well as the Tokyo metropolis.

The Sengataki Waterfall is located at the foot of a towering rock formation in Shosenkyo Gorge. Formed by erosion across a fault line due to deformation in the Earth’s crust, the waterfall is roughly 30 meters tall and marks one end of the gorge.

Located on the Katsura River, the scenic Tahara Falls is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the city of Tsuru. It is associated with the famous itinerant haiku poet Matsuo Basho.

Stretching along the eastern side of the city of Tsuru are around 8 kilometers of hills and mountains, of elevations varying between 500 and 650 meters. In 2017, a local hiking club in the city finished creating a series of clearly marked hiking trails across the hills, and named them the Tsuru Alps.

At 634 meters high, Mount Iwadono is the same height as the Tokyo Skytree. Its northern and southern sides consist of precipitous cliffs. The hike to the summit is reasonably short, with the occasional steep section, and on clear days offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji along the way and at the top.

Shindo Pass, a ridge running high between Mount Nakatto (1,665m) and Mount Kurodake (1,793m), offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji foregrounded by Lake Kawaguchiko, the second largest of the famed Fuji Five Lakes.

The secluded Ryumon Gorge on the outskirts of Koshu is part of the Hikawa Valley. Easily accessed from the cities of Enzan and Katsunuma, the valley is one of the Koshu area’s most popular nature spots and a breathtaking natural wonder of Yamanashi.

Lake Motosuko is the westernmost and deepest of the famous Fuji Five Lakes, and the ninth deepest lake in Japan. Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Motosuko is popular for a range of activities including windsurfing, canoeing, and yachting.

The modestly sized, hilltop Rokujizo Park is named for the six statues of the bodhisattva Jizo standing within it. The park is also designated as offering one of the “100 Famous Views of Mount Fuji”: the country’s most revered mountain, 27.5 kilometers to the south, is foregrounded by the effigies.

Located in a region rich in both natural and human history, Masuho Furusato Shizenjuku invites groups and private individuals to stay briefly, and gain awareness and understanding of nature through study and immersive hands-on experiences.

Mount Mitsutoge is the collective name for a group of three mountains bordering the municipalities of Tsuru, Nishikatsura, and Fujikawaguchiko. Mitsutoge offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from its summit, while the cliffs of Byobuiwa just below the summit are popular with rock climbing enthusiasts.

Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the third-highest elevation of any lake in Japan. It is also the closest of the five to Mount Fuji and offers spectacular views of the iconic peak.

The village of Narusawa is home to many lava tree molds, hollow lava formations formed around large tree trunks, which were formed in the great eruption of Mt. Fuji in the year 864.

Lake Saiko is the second smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, though it is the second deepest with a maximum water depth of 71.7 meters. It is unusual compared to the other lakes in that it is surrounded by steep, wooded slopes on all sides.

Heidi’s Village recreates a slice of the Swiss Alps, themed around the Japanese anime version of the Heidi stories written by Johanna Spyri in the late nineteenth century. The park invites visitors of all ages to forget their modern-day cares and concerns.

Lake Otomeko is a roughly heart-shaped artificial lake set amidst unspoiled nature. The scenery is likened by some to the Swiss countryside, and in one spot even said to possess magical powers.

This sprawling cherry blossom tree is estimated to be about 330 years old. From its position in the middle of the river terrace of the Kamanashi River, among the stepped rice paddies of Nirasaki, the Wanitsuka no Sakura offers stunning views on all sides.

The 3,193-meter Mount Kita or Kitadake is Japan’s second highest mountain after Mount Fuji. Together with nearby Mount Ainodake and Mount Notoridake it comprises the Shiranesanzan group, referred to as the “leaders” of the Southern Alps.

The 2,230-meter Mount Mizugaki has an unusual jagged peak, making it particularly inviting for rock climbing and bouldering. The mountain also has a long history as a hiking destination, with the main road to the peak believed to have started as a pilgrimage trail more than 1,000 years ago.

The Kawamatagawa Valley is one of the most popular nature spots in Yamanashi Prefecture. Named for the Kawamatagawa River that runs through it, the valley is filled with trees and is home to attractions such as the famous Doryu Falls and the Higashizawa Bridge.

Utsukushimori means “beautiful forest,” and the Utsukushimori Lookout has some of the best views of these visually pleasing woods. It boasts panoramic 360-degree views of the Kiyosato Plateau and the surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, the Southern Alps can be seen along with Mount Fuji.

This magnificent cherry blossom tree at Jissoji Temple in the highlands of Yamanashi’s Hokuto region is one of the “Three Great Sakura Trees” of Japan. The tree is considered a symbol of long life and seedlings grown from it have been planted elsewhere in Japan and around the world.

Dragon Park in the city of Kai is a spacious, family-friendly destination, with fun elements themed around the mythical creature that gives the surrounding Ryuo (“Dragon King”) district its name.

The 2,057-meter Mount Daibosatsu is located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, a vast nature preserve on the border between Yamanashi, Nagano, Saitama, and Tokyo. The mountain is one of the “100 Famous Mountains” of Japan and is known for its untouched natural beauty.

Utsubuna Park, situated on a high hill overlooking the Fujikawa River, is famed for the abundant hydrangeas that flower in it in early summer, transforming the park’s rolling slopes into a carnival of blues, purples, pinks, whites, and myriad hues in between. At any time of year though, unspoiled natural beauty and inspiring views make this 2.5-hectare attraction well worth a visit.

Atop rolling hills west of the Fujikawa River, Oboshi Park offers superb views of Mount Fuji and has been named one of the 100 best cherry-blossom viewing spots in all of Japan. Around 2,000 sakura trees cover the grassy slopes, turning them various shades of soft pink when the trees bloom each spring.

The peaceful mountain village of Doshi in eastern Yamanashi is set amidst a lush, verdant valley around 28 kilometers long. Doshi has the distinction of having the highest density of campsites in a single area in all of Japan, and is a popular destination for nature-lovers.

Sakana Park in Oshino was established in 2001 as a theme park celebrating forests and water: a nod to its rich natural surroundings and the clear spring waters originating from Mount Fuji. A stroll through the green space takes you past streams and fountains using groundwater from the sacred peak.

As its name implies, this lookout point offers sweeping, panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanakako from an elevation of 1,090 meters. The views from Panorama-dai at sunrise and sunset are remarkable year-round.

Viewing Mount Fuji on its own is splendid enough, but it is in relation to the surrounding mountains that one can begin to comprehend the sheer scale and size of Japan’s most iconic mountain. This observation deck offers that opportunity.

By far the most visited of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko serves as the main point of entry to this famous lake region. The area surrounding Lake Kawaguchiko is well-developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, with many lakeside hotels, hot springs, windsurfing facilities, campsites, and excursion boats.

Lake Shojiko is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and was once dubbed the “Switzerland of East Asia” by visiting Englishmen for its uniquely beautiful views of Mount Fuji. The surrounding area is less developed than the other lakes in terms of tourist infrastructure, which gives it a tranquil and relatively untouched feel.

All throughout Aokigahara Forest are underground caves formed by lava from the massive eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 CE. One of these is the Fugaku Wind Cave, which has an average internal temperature of 3°C and was historically used as a natural refrigerator.

The Tokaichiba and Natsugari Springs are a collection of springs originating from Mount Fuji. When snow or rain falls on the slopes of the mountain, the water is filtered through many layers of volcanic ash and pebbles  before eventually resurfacing in these springs.

Ichinokama Waterfall is a hidden cluster of three powerful waterfalls, the most spectacular of which exceeds 20 meters in height. Down in this bewitching spot, each season brings its own particular charm to the scene.

Happiness Walk is a commemorative path dedicated to Professor Satoshi Ōmura, a biochemist and joint winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. It is the most scenic route from Nirasaki Station to the Ōmura Art Museum and features nine sculptures by different artists.

Ojiragawa Gorge is named for the Ojiragawa River and is one of the most famous nature spots in Yamanashi Prefecture. The gorge is popular at any time of year, but is especially beautiful when the leaves change in autumn and during the period of lush greenery in early summer.

The Ojiragawa Suspension Bridge and the Kaikomagatake Shrine beside it are two of the highlights of the Ojiragawa Gorge. Easily accessible via a five-minute walk from the gorge’s parking lot, the bridge is a popular photo spot that affords views of the Ojiragawa River and its clear mountain water.

The still, peaceful, and secluded Lake Mizugakiko is a popular destination for its sweeping views of nature and its proximity to the Masutomi no Yu hot-spring area. The pristine surface of the lake reflects the trees around it, making for a particularly colorful display.

Camping in the mountains, surrounded by nature, is the perfect way to relax and recharge, and Friend Park Mukawa makes the ideal destination for such a laid-back getaway. On hot days, the Omu River with its clear water from Mount Kaikoma is an ideal place to swim, while the park’s barbecue area provides a place to cook food out in the open.

Doryu Falls is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the Kawamatagawa Valley. The name Doryu means “Spitting Dragon Mouth” and, with water flowing in multiple paths down moss-covered rocks, it is not hard to imagine it gushing from the mouth of a dragon.

Located on the banks of the Hikawa River, the Hikawa Keikoku Leisure Center is a family-friendly place to enjoy the natural surroundings. There are several designated fishing holes in the river where visitors can rent a rod and reel and try angling for rainbow trout.

Located on Mount Hirogatake, Lake Shibireko fills a crater formed by the volcanoes that enclose Shibireko Prefectural Nature Park. Abundant flora and fauna mean the scenery changes dramatically with each season.

Oyanagawa Gorge, on the long, snaking river of the same name, features dramatic natural landscape navigated via a succession of ten rope bridges. Those with a love for swaying high above rocks and gushing waters will be in their element here.

Aokigahara is a dense, primeval forest of mixed coniferous and broadleaf trees stretching across 30 square kilometers. The forest floor consists of volcanic rock, which is hardened lava that flowed from Mount Fuji when the volcano had a major eruption in the year 864.

Mother’s White Waterfall is part of a small Shinto shrine of the same name located right next to the waters. For centuries, worshipers seeking to climb Mt. Fuji have purified themselves at this waterfall and prayed for safe journeys.

Located deep in the mountains of northeastern Yamanashi, on the western border of Greater Tokyo, the village of Kosuge is swathed in verdant forest. The village’s lush natural environs are ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking.

Taba Gorge runs from the village of Tabayama to the Yanagisawa Pass on the northern side of the Daibosatsu Ridge. As the surrounding mountains are covered in lush deciduous forests, the valley is ideal for watching the seasons change.

The expansive Makiba Park, located on rolling hills backgrounded by the Yatsugatake mountains, offers plentiful opportunities to reconnect with nature. Amiable animals including ponies, cows, and rabbits roam freely around, enjoying the purest air at elevations of 1,200 to 1,700 meters.

Takeda no Mori Forest Park occupies a 2,500-hectare stretch of verdant woodland and runs from east to west, directly facing Mount Fuji. The park enables visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities amidst breathtaking scenery and historical remains.

Nestled in a lush valley, the twin waterfalls of Taro and Jiro are fed by the Tokaichiba and Natsugari springs, the water of which originates from Mount Fuji some 30 kilometers away. The two falls are relatively gentle, with a 10-meter drop into the Hishakunagare River below.

Located just off a winding mountain road along part of the historic Koshu Kaido route, the Yatate Cedar is an impressive sight: the tree is 28 meters tall and 15 meters wide. The cedar is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

This sprawling 300,000-square-meter flower field transforms into a veritable sea of color between spring and autumn, backgrounded by Fuji in the distance. Depending on the month and season, visitors can enjoy an astonishing variety of flowers.

The Narusawa Ice Cave was formed around 1,150 years ago. Inside, some of the tunnel sections have a ceiling just 90 centimeters high, forcing visitors to crouch or crawl through. The cave is covered in ice all year, and the temperature inside averages about 3°C.

The Minami-Alps Hot Spring Lodge is an affordable and homey accommodation with hot-spring baths. A night or two spent here serves as a reminder that simple, back-to-basics lodgings can be every bit as enjoyable and reinvigorating as their more luxurious counterparts.

Nishizawa Gorge cuts through mountainous landscape and possesses some of the most beautiful scenery of Japan’s many ravines. It is famed for the succession of captivating waterfalls encountered on a wander through, backgrounded by the Tosakayama, Hafusan, and Tokusayama mountains.