Three relaxing outdoor activities to try in Japan
Japan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, offering world-class skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, and much more. However, outdoor adventures don’t have to be of the strenuous variety, and Japan’s varied and breathtaking natural scenery also lends itself to more soothing outdoor endeavors. From fishing off the coast of volcanic islands to spotting rare wildlife from the comfort of a cruise, here are three outdoor experiences to soak up the peace and beauty of nature.
Fishing
Japan has some of the best fish in the world. Surrounded by the sea, Japan has a long history of fishing and great access to a remarkable diversity of ocean life, so it’s no surprise that Japan is also an excellent destination for anglers. Fishing licenses are not required for sea fishing or freshwater fishing, although for freshwater fishing, a permit is needed for most lakes and streams (the fee goes towards the local fishing cooperative.) Regulations vary by prefecture and location, so it’s worth confirming the details with some additional research or through a travel agent before finalizing your plans. If you’re interested in seeing just what Japan has to offer anglers, look no further than Hachijo Island (Hachijojima). This lush, volcanic island is a wonderland for outdoor adventures. Lying around 180 miles from Tokyo, it is accessible in about an hour by plane or 10 hours by overnight ferry. Hachijojima is known as a rock-fishing paradise, with numerous fishing spots. Anglers come for ishidai (striped beakfish), hiramasa (yellowtail kingfish), kampachi (yellowtail amberjack), and shima-aji (striped jack), and the area has been known to yield particularly large fish. On numerous occasions, fortunate anglers have caught ishidai and shima-aji weighing over 20 pounds, and hiramasa and kampachi weighing over 40 pounds. However, due to the Kuroshio Current, the sea conditions vary greatly depending on the tide, so fishing conditions can be very unpredictable. Some days you can enjoy dreamy big catches, while other days you need to be patient. The swell created by the Kuroshio Current is much stronger than at ordinary rock-fishing spots, so safety first is the rule of thumb. After you make your catch, there are options for preparing or packing your fish, and the seven geothermal hot springs on the island make a great way to relax when the day is done.
Kayak and SUP
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are available in many places both in Japan and around the world, but you’ll never forget the experience when surrounded by “Niyodo Blue.” Consistently ranked #1 for water quality in Japan, the Niyodo River in Kochi Prefecture is a popular destination famous for the spectacular blue color of its water. Surrounded by mountainous hillsides, the relatively swift current cleanses the riverbed, keeping the water fresh and clear. Depending on the light, season, and depth, the colors vary from tropical aquas to deep mysterious cobalt along the 77-mile stretch of the river. At the Niyodogawa Outdoor Center, you can book Kayak or SUP experiences on a calm basin fed by the Yasui Gorge. Afterward, make sure to try Kochi Bonito! This delicious fish is a relative of tuna, and is a local specialty served tataki style, with the outside seared and inside raw.
Wildlife Watching
Although Japan is 26 times smaller than the United States, it is so rich in varied terrain and pristine natural environments that it is home to over 90,000 animal species. Ranging from subtropical in the south to subarctic further north, the flora and fauna of Japan contain an endless variety. Hokkaido, mainland Japan’s northernmost island, is an especially good spot for wildlife viewing, being relatively undisturbed (a large part of the island is preserved as natural parks) and containing many incredible species, some of which are quite rare, like the red-crowned crane. At Shiretoko National Park, you can go snowshoeing to the beautiful Furepe Falls. The area affords great opportunities for birdwatching and spotting Ezo deer, Steller’s sea eagles, and the occasional Ezo red fox. In the northeast of Hokkaido, take a cruise tour along the stunning Shiretoko Peninsula for a chance to spot Ussuri Brown Bears. You will also pass stunning waterfalls and can often catch a glimpse of seals, orcas, and whales.
