Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, is an active volcano that stands 12,388 feet tall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is popular among locals and tourists for its breathtaking views and challenging hikes. There are many trails available depending on your skill level and some trails are only open during specific seasons.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of Yokoyu River in Nagano, Japan. It is home to the famous snow monkeys who can be seen bathing in the hot springs during winter months. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat while enjoying the beautiful scenery around them.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a natural forest located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. The vast bamboo groves are a beautiful sight to behold, and visitors can take a walk through the serene setting. The bamboo forest is open 24 hours a day and has no admission fee to enter.
Yakushima Island is home to one of Japan's ancient natural forests, and it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has an amazing ecosystem that is worth exploring, and the ideal way to do this is through a hike. There are many beautiful trails in the forest, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and scenic views of the mountains and the coastline.
Kamikochi is a beautiful valley located in the Northern Japan Alps in the Nagano Prefecture. This natural park is famous for its crystal-clear streams, beautiful meadows and special characters of plants, such as alpine flowers. People are afforded a quiet, tranquil space to immerse themselves in the stillness of nature.
Kegon Falls is located at the entrance to Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture. The waterfall is surrounded by a beautiful forest and visitors can make their way down a steep stairway that provides many viewing angles of the waterfall. Kegon Falls is one of Japan's three most scenic waterfalls.
Lake Kawaguchiko is a scenic lake that lies at the foot of Mount Fuji. Visitors can enjoy a kayak or boat ride, hot springs, museums, or can try hands-on experiences of traditional crafts such as glass-blowing or Japanese drumming. Moreover, it is also known for being one of the best places to view the mountain and cherry blossoms at the same time.
Transportation around Japan is reliable and efficient, with an extensive rail and bus network that connects the entire country. Tourists can buy a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR lines nationwide. However, some destinations may require additional transfers and fees. Estimated travel time and cost information for each location are provided above in the Time and Costs Estimate list.
For those who have more time, additional nature locations to visit in Japan include the Daisetsuzan National Park, Shiretoko National Park, and Akan National Park. For those who have less time, they may consider skipping Yakushima Island, which would reduce travel time and costs. Though, we strongly recommend visiting all places on this itinerary for a unique experience in Japan.
There are two major airports in Japan: Narita International Airport, Tokyo (NRT) and Kansai International Airport, Osaka (KIX). Narita Airport is located 60km east of Tokyo while Kansai Airport is located 50km south of Osaka. Both airports have direct rail connections to major destinations across the country.