Japan is a country of stunning landscapes and natural beauty. From the towering and awe-inducing Mt. Fuji, to the tranquil forests of the countryside and the crystal clear waters of the southern Pacific islands, Japan's landscapes are diverse and breath-taking in their own unique ways. Whether you're hiking through the mountains, strolling through lush gardens, or relaxing on a sandy beach, you'll find a wealth of beauty to explore in Japan. In addition to its natural beauty, Japan is also home to a variety of historical architectural wonders, along with their beautifully manicured gardens and parks. Together, they all constitute a rich variety of culturally significant landmarks that are waiting for you to discover them.
Top Scenic Spots With a View of Mt. Fuji
Undoubtedly, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s most recognizable national symbol, both within the country and abroad, even among those who have never set foot in Japan. Mt. Fuji’s timeless appeal is still a strong reason to visit Japan for countless tourists around the world. Here’s a selection of some the top places where you can enjoy the best sights of Mt. Fuji:
Mt.Fuji Radar Dome Hall
The Mt. Fuji Radar Dome Museum in Fujiyoshida offers a panoramic view of the mountain and is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset when the snow-capped mountain turns red and pink. The radar dome in the foreground adds an interesting and aesthetic contrast to the marvelous scenery. In addition to the great views, the museum is worth a visit! It opened in 2004 keeping the actual radar dome that was used since 1965 until 1999 as a weather detection system at the peak of Mt. Fuji. Nowadays it’s a fun learning facility where visitors can even experience a simulation of what the weather is like at the top of Mt. Fuji.
Songkoen Park
A small hidden gem, this spot offers great views of Mt. Fuji, gracefully towering above an idyllic rural landscape of rice fields. Here we can also enjoy a picturesque reflection of the beloved mountain when there’s water on the rice paddies. This peaceful area is home to a local farming community where the richness of the land allows for an abundance of different crops to flourish, in addition to rice. A beautiful and charming spot where the seasonal changes give us a wide range of sights throughout the year, from the lush greenery of rice fields in the early summer to golden ears of rice in the fall.
Fujimi Kotoku Park
A spot deserving of a visit in its own right, Fujimi Kotoku Park is officially designated as one of the "100 Best Fuji View Spots in Kanto" thanks to its scenic beauty an the superb views of Mt. Fuji year-round. The abundance of cherry trees in the park allows for stunning sights of Mt. Fuji framed with flowers during cherry blossom season in the spring; rich shades of green adorn the views during summer; an explosion of red and gold leaves delights our views in the autumn; and the understated beauty of pure white snow covering the majestic mountain during winter.
Kanadorii Gate
Kanadorii, in the heart of Fujiyoshida City, is an emblematic torii gate first built in 1788 that’s become one of the beloved symbols of the city. It’s located along a historical road where Shinto priests lived and assisted visitors making a pilgrimage to the mountain. The gate, whose name means "Golden Torii Gate," frames the view of Mt. Fuji and holds deep spiritual meaning, because it was considered as the entrance to the sacred grounds of Mt. Fuji and a symbol of Fuji worship culture, setting the boundary between the secular world and the religious world. As such, this is also a World Heritage site because of its meaningful cultural importance.
Mt. Shakushi
Mt. Shakushi is an unmatched spot for hiking enthusiasts. Challenging as much as rewarding, at 1,598 meters, the summit of Mt. Shakushi offers unparalleled panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and all the surrounding landscapes, including the Southern Alps, Okuchichibu, and the Tanzawa mountain range. It comes as no surprise, then, that Mt. Shakushi is designated as one of the top scenic spots in Kanto. Visitors may choose between two possible climbing routes, one following the Furuya River or the Toriiji Pass route, which is a bit more physically demanding but is considered to offer the best views.
The beauty of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea, also known as Setouchi, is home to a number of small islands and is surrounded by the main island of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It is a popular tourist destination for its calm waters, mild climate and stunning natural beauty, in addition to a rich history and vibrant culture, showcased through the ambitious Setouchi Triennale, one of Japan’s largest art festivals of the past decade.
One of the most popular attractions in the Seto Inland Sea is Mount Shiude, a sacred mountain located in Kagawa Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. From the observation deck, visitors can bask in the panoramic views of Setouchi. During cherry blossom season, the mountain landscape also becomes immersed in extensive waves of soft pink.
Another must-see destination in the Seto Inland Sea is Mount Misen, located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, and one of the highlights of the Golden Route. This mountain is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, which is famous for its "floating" torii gate. The shrine is set in a gorgeous natural setting, surrounded by forests and overlooking the sea. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of Mount Misen, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands.
The Mysterious Natural Beauty of Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho is a small town in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its stunning Takachiho Gorge, a canyon with columnar joints, and its rich history in Japanese mythology. It is a sacred place, home to two important myths: the descent of the gods and the myth of Iwato. Visitors can explore the locations associated with these myths and experience the spiritual power of the gods through night kagura dances performed by the locals.
The Takachiho Gorge is a sight to behold, with its 100m-high cliffs stretching for 7km and a mystical atmosphere created by the sunlight filtering through the trees and onto a clear stream. The Manai Falls, named one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, is a highlight with its 17m-high waterfall. The gorge was formed by volcanic activity in the Aso caldera, with the pyroclastic flow creating the cliffs of columnar joints and the Gokase River eroding them over time to form the V-shaped gorge. Visitors can enjoy the gorge on foot or by boat. In Takachiho, you can step back in time and connect with the spiritual and mythological roots of Japan. The town's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history make it a must-visit destination.
The Authentic Landscape of Japanese Castles
Japanese castles are relics of feudal times that over time have become local symbols for each of their respective locations, as well as Japanese cultural icons abroad. Nowadays, only a dozen survive with their original main keep from the Sengoku Period; among them, the following four are also designated as National Treasures of Japan.
Matsumoto Castle
Nicknamed by locals as "Crow Castle" because of its striking black colour, Matsumoto Castle is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Originally built in 1504, the current structure dates from 1594, making it one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic castles.
Inuyama Castle
Considered as the castle with the oldest keep still standing, Inuyama Castle was first built in 1469. It’s located in Inuyama City in Aichi Prefecture, overlooking the Kiso River from atop a hill and surrounded by beautiful cherry trees.
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. It was constructed in the early 17th century and is considered one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Its beautiful gardens with a plum tree grove and a wisteria trellis make it one of the local must-visit locations.
Matsue Castle
Matsue castle is located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. It was built in 1607 and it’s a majestic sample of the Momoyama style. Its solemn and imposing black facade along with its elegant design, earned it the nickname of “Plover Castle” among locals.
Tropical Paradise Resorts in Japan
For a laid-back retreat in a paradisiac coastal location, with white sand beaches and turquoise-emerald waters in Japan, look no further than the southwestern prefectures of Nagasaki and Okinawa.
Because of its remote location and tropical weather, Okinawa is usually the first thing that comes to mind in Japan when searching for idyllic beach destinations. And for good reason: over 150 islands brimming with natural wonders where visitors can enjoy warm and comfortable temperatures all year round make it a prime destination for island hopping, leisure aquatic activities or simply spending a relaxing time at one of their touristic lodgings. One of their highlights are the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa’s southernmost islands and home to the natural treasures of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
However, when it comes to the joy of remote discovery, the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki is still one of the best authentic hidden jewels for international visitors. Largely undiscovered by mass tourism, the Goto Islands are probably one of the top options for a genuine escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life. The islands are home to several impressive beaches, including Takahama Beach, Koura Beach, and Kojushi Beach. Takahama Beach is even considered as one of most beautiful beaches in Japan, because of its white-silver sands and crystal-clear waters enclosed in a small bay and surrounded by lush greenery. It features well-maintained facilities and beach houses, and offers stunning views of the ocean from the nearby Gyoran Kannon Observatory. And right next to it, the equally pretty Tontomari Beach is a perfect spot for families with kids thanks to its tranquil and shallow waters. On the other hand, Kojushi Beach is a small but popular beach because of its convenient location just 20 minutes from the city centre and good local seafood options nearby. Koura Beach in Tamanoura Bay is another scenic spot with very convenient facilities around it, such as public showers. There’s the possibility to reserve a canoeing experience to enjoy the calm waves of the crystal emerald waters.
Japan is a country blessed with a wide variety of marvellous landscapes, from snowy mountain peaks to tropical sandy beaches and everything you could think of in between. From the cherry blossoms of spring to the colourful autumn leaves, no matter the time or the location, there is always something beautiful to see in Japan. Whether you are an avid outdoors enthusiast or just looking to take in the sights, discovering the rich Japanese landscapes will surely be an unforgettable experience.
