Experience the volcanic wonders of Mount Tarumae, relax in the soothing, open-air hot springs of Marukoma Onsen, and cruise the pristine waters of Lake Shikotsu—Japan's northernmost ice-free lake.

Experience the rugged beauty of northern Tohoku with a trek through the Hakkoda mountains, an early morning walk on the shores of Lake Towada, and a guided tour of the tranquil Oirase Gorge.

Explore a region shaped by volcanic activity. Take a helicopter flight over the active Aso Caldera—one of the world's largest. Go paragliding, ride in a hot air ballon, or simply relax in the hot springs of Uchinomaki Onsen.

Trek across the grasslands of the Kuju mountain range and taste the refreshing spring waters of Sashiyama Spring. Go horseback riding for an expansive view of the mountains, or relax in one of the area's many hot springs.

Explore a region of volcanic landscapes and compelling legends. Visit Kirishima Shrine while dressed in traditional kimono, explore its ancient ruins, and trek and camp against the backdrop of the Kirishima mountains—the setting of Japan's creation myths.

Trek across the lava plains of Sakurajima, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kinkowan Bay. Relax in the sand baths at Ibusuki Onsen, kayak on Lake Ikeda, and admire the emerald waters of Ogawa Falls at Cape Sata—the southernmost point of Kyushu.

Explore the rugged coasts of the Izu Peninsula and the volcanic landscape of Oshima with a sea kayaking tour, a hike among the strangely-shaped rocks of Cape Tarai, and a walk on the black desert sands of Mount Mihara.

Discover the enchantment of the remote Oki Islands. Explore sea caves beneath imposing cliffs by kayak, hike among ancient cedars and flowing waterfalls, and experience quiet moments of reflection at Oki Shrine.

Gaze upon the clear blue waters surrounding Tokashiki Island—the largest of the Kerama Islands. Take a nature tour around a lagoon, snorkel with sea turtles, and watch the sunset while enjoying stand-up paddleboarding.

Experience the natural beauty of Zamami Island. Take a leisurely stroll along Furuzamami Beach, see humpback whales breach clear blue waters, watch the sunset from Kaminohama Observatory, and relax under starry skies at night.

Relax in a paradise surrounded by water so clear it has its own name—"kerama" blue. Enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, and a guided walking tour of Aka, Geruma, and Fukaji islands.

Glide along Lake Shikotsu by canoe or dive deep into its sunlit depths. Enjoy the rich taste of kokanee salmon or delight in a steamed onsen-manju bun before soaking in the hot springs of Jozankei Onsen.

Explore the foothills of Mount Hakken on horseback year-round. Pick fresh, seasonal fruit at Jozankei Farm, and draw mineral water from the famous springs of Mount Yotei at Kyogoku Fukidashi Park.

Enjoy golfing at The North Country Golf Club or paddle the gentle waters of Lake Shikotsu in a clear-bottom kayak. Immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous Ainu at the National Ainu Museum.

Kayak in the waters of Kabushima Island while viewing black-tailed gulls. Enjoy a yoga session, tasty breakfast, and seaside view on the Tanesashi Natural Lawn, followed by a peaceful ride on horseback.

Discover a lesser-known side to Japanese culture in historic Nikko through Zen and waterfall meditation. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Chuzenji, hike the grassy wetlands of Senjogahara Marsh, and experience the beauty of the Kinugawa River with a guided tour by wooden boat.

Enjoy activities on the celebrated waters of Tochigi. Soak in the seven varieties of hot springs at Shiobara Onsen Village or in the medicinal baths of Itamuro Onsen. Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors through canoeing, fishing, and a nature walk through Shiobara Valley.

Experience a relaxing summer with a view of the sunrise atop Mount Norikura, a leisurely cycling tour around Norikura Kogen, and a soak in the open-air baths of Shirahone Onsen.

Explore a region shaped by volcanic activity with a hike around beautiful Lake Onneto, a "sea of clouds tour" at two of the park's calderas and a trek to Mount Iozan—the "sulfur mountain."

Capture the scents of the forest by making aromatic water from pine needles. Enjoy the charms of the outdoors while hiking and canoeing, and the expansive beauty of the night sky filled with stars.

Experience the rugged beauty of northern Tohoku with a trek through the Hakkoda mountains, an early morning walk on the shores of Lake Towada, and a guided tour of the tranquil Oirase Gorge.

Take in the coastal scenery of the Sanriku region while trekking along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Enjoy a serene view from atop the Samekado Lighthouse, savor fresh, local seafood, and walk along the soft sands of Osukahama and Shirahama beaches.

Experience the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and its surrounding lakes, forests, and waterfalls. Kayak on the clear waters of Lake Motosu, hike beneath a sea of trees in Aokigahara, and listen to the soothing sounds of Shiraito Falls.

Walk beneath towering cedars along the old Tokaido road—the most important route of the Edo period. Explore the geological wonders of Hakone at Owakudani, and take the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mount Koma for sweeping views of Lake Ashi.

Discover the beauty of the Japanese Alps with a hike through the forests and mountains of Kamikochi, sweeping views from Kappa Bridge, and a ride on the Shinhotaka Ropeway—Japan's only two-story gondola ropeway.

Explore a region of mountain ridges, deep valleys, and ancient forests by summiting Mount Norikura, climbing a refreshing mountain stream, and hiking beneath the fir trees of Goshikigahara.

Journey from mountain to sea through a variety of activities. Discover the natural beauty of Hiruzen while cycling, capture the starry skies above Mount Daisen with a professional photographer, and explore subterranean marine caves by boat.

Experience the diverse nature of Tottori and Shimane. Go sand sledding on the Tottori sand dunes, take a refreshing walk through the beech forests of Mount Daisen, and explore the medieval castle town of Matsue.

Enjoy the idyllic highlands of Hiruzen with a cycling tour and a panoramic view from the Kimendai Observatory. Taste fine wines at the Hiruzen Winery, or visit the delightful Shiogama Cold Spring.

Cycle the Shimanami Road while admiring the islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea. Experience a full day of canyoning in Nametoko Valley, and view the strange rocks of Tatsukushi through a glass-bottom kayak.

Explore both Setonaikai and Ashizuri-Uwakai national parks. See the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and observe the fast currents of the Kurushima Strait by boat. Cycle through the beautiful scenery of the Shimanami Road, and learn about pearls cultured in the Uwakai Sea.

Experience the wilderness of Hokkaido in mid-winter. Trek on a frozen lake, watch a dramatic Ainu "Lost Kamuy" performance, go snowshoeing, and join a fat-tire bike tour on the frozen surface of Lake Akan.

See beautiful, blue ice sculptures illuminated in colors at night at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Walk the icy shores of the lake and visit the moss-carpeted corridor of Kaedesawa.

Discover the beauty of northern Tohoku in winter. Snowshoe through the beech forests of Onuma Swamp, soak in the secret hot springs of Nyuto Onsen Village, and ski on white powder between the fir trees of Mount Hakkoda.

Explore the spiritual heart of Nikko at the shrines and temples of its World Heritage Sites. Experience the elegance of wearing a kimono, relax in the hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen, and photograph the illuminated snow huts at the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival.

Enjoy outdoor winter adventures in Nasu with a guided snowshoeing tour through the forest and an exhilarating fat-tire bike tour on Mount Nasu. Pick fresh strawberries at the "Strawberry Kingdom" and relax in outdoor baths while taking in the snowy landscape.

Explore the wonders of the Shiga Kogen Highlands in winter through guided backcountry tours for experienced snowboarders and skiiers. Observe the wild monkeys of Jigokudani bathing in natural hot springs, or soothe yourself in the steamy baths of Kanbayashi and Yudanaka-Shibu onsens.

Explore a landscape blanketed in snow with a nighttime snowshoeing tour of the frozen Zengoro Falls beneath starry skies. Hike through the forests of Norikura Kogen, and relax in the hot springs of Hirayu Onsen.

Discover the spiritual essence of Ise-Shima with a visit to the revered Ise Shrine, cycle to the Yokoyama Observatory, and join Ama divers in the sea to learn about the ancient art of pearl diving.

Experience the maritime heritage of the region with a walking tour of a Shima fishing village. Learn about the traditional method for making smoked bonito, visit the hut of an Ama diver, and take a leisurely stroll through Tomoyama Park.

Experience the deep connection between Ise and its seas with kayaking and fishing tours. Discover how pearls are cultivated, and create your own beautiful pearl jewelry with locally sourced pearls.

Explore a region distinct in its traditions and lifestyles. Cycle around Kushima Island and mingle with locals, visit a naval museum, learn about the cultivation of Uwajima pearls, and enjoy snorkeling and kayaking in the Seto Inland Sea.