Discover a region forged by volcanic activity at Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, two caldera lakes with spectacularly transparent water at the heart of a rare triple volcano. Explore a forest of towering trees on Lake Toya’s Nakajima Island and relax in the soothing hot springs of Lake Shikotsu.

Explore Mount Heisei-Shinzan—one of Japan’s newest volcanoes—and learn about Shimabara’s ongoing volcanic activity. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Unzen Onsen and enjoy delicious seafood, “kanzarashi” sweets, and even dishes created with local medicinal herbs.

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.

Experience the captivating blue seas of Zamamijima Island and relax on its white-sand beaches. Go snorkeling amidst colorful marine life, enjoy an exhilarating sea kayaking tour, and try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. See humpback whales breach on a winter whale-watching tour.

Experience spectacular ocean scenery from coastal roads and bridges as you cycle across Akajima, Gerumajima, and Fukajijima Islands. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Nishibama Beach, explore the quaint village of Akajima, and catch a glimpse of the elusive Kerama deer.

Experience the natural grandeur of Japan’s first island World Heritage site. Hike along trails under canopies of evergreen branches, enjoy a barbecue by the Kurio River, gather clams and abalone at Isomon-tori, and marvel at the island’s many hot springs.

Cycle along the Shimanami Kaido and enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Visit the charming port of Tomonoura, hike along forested trails on Sensui Island, and get up close to Miyajima’s iconic torii gate on a sea kayaking tour.

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.

Enjoy beautiful scenery and delicious foods at Unzen—Japan’s oldest retreat for international visitors. See colorful spring flowers and brilliant fall foliage at Unzen Nita Pass, listen to birdsong during a morning Nordic trek, and take delight in a luxurious afternoon tea service at an Unzen hotel.

Calm seas meet whirling tides in the Setouchi area of Setonaikai. Escape to a private paradise for a glamping experience like no other on Kujirajima Island and watch the sun set over the Seto Inland Sea on an island-hopping boat ride.

The waters of Ise-Shima brim with the bounty of the sea. Take a cycling tour along the coast or kayak the gentle waves of Ago Bay and observe pearl-farming and sea-lettuce farming operations. Enjoy the gentle pace of life in its coastal villages and savor amazing seafood at a local restaurant.

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.

Soak in one of the 56 natural hot springs at Jozankei Onsen as you stroll through the village in a yukata. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Toya from the Mount Usu Ropeway, and marvel at the primeval landscape of steaming fumaroles at Jigokudani "Hell" Valley.

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.

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 spectacular views of the Yambaru Coast on this one-day trip. Explore the deep connection between nature and Okinawan mythology on a spiritual tour at Daisekirinzan. View unique limestone formations at Cape Hedo, and even catch a glimpse of distant Kyushu on clear days.

Experience the natural wonders of Yambaru on a three-day trip. Visit a conservation center, take a guided walk at a discovery forest, and explore the mangrove forests of Gesashi Bay by canoe. Relax with an evening walk beneath the trees at Kunigami.

Explore the spectacular seas of Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park and enjoy the region’s fresh seafood. Embark on an adventure cruise along the Odo Coast, take a surfing lesson or go snorkeling, and try your hand at grilling skipjack tuna over an open fire.

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."

Experience the unique flora and fauna of Yambaru on a guided walk at a discovery forest. See the Okinawa rail—a bird found only in Yambaru—and explore the mangrove forests of Gesashi Bay by canoe.

Discover the diverse landscapes of San’inkaigan with a variety of outdoor activities. Enjoy a fat-bike tour or paragliding at the Tottori Sand Dunes, hike along the blue waters of Kumihama Bay, or soak in the relaxing hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen.

Immerse yourself in the fantastic geologic history of San'inkaigan with a trip through the San'inkaigan Geopark. Try sandboarding on the Tottori Sand Dunes. Discover the curious columnar jointing of the Genbudo Caves on a guided tour and glide on the clear waters of the Takeno Coast by sea kayak.

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.

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.

Experience the natural beauty of Higashitaisetsu as you explore the headwaters of the Ishikari River—Hokkaido’s longest river—on a cycling, rafting, or hiking adventure. Take in spectacular views of rugged mountains and deep forests from Mikuni Pass and Taushubetsu Bridge. Relax in a natural hot spring at the end of the day.

Connect with nature as you trace the journey of water in Daisetsuzan. The snow and rain that falls on the Daisetsuzan mountain range penetrates the ground and gushes forth at Lake Chubetsu before cascading over Hagoromo Falls. Learn about local lifestyles as you discover Daisetsuzan’s aquatic resources.

Embark on an epic outdoor adventure as you trek across the Jododaira Wetlands and canoe the volcanic lakes of Mount Bandai and Mount Azuma. Learn the precise art of bonsai with Azuma white pine, and watch the sun set over Lake Hibara as you soak in a local hot spring.

Explore a region of untamed natural beauty on the Kii Peninsula. Discover Nachi Falls—Japan’s longest vertical drop waterfall. Descend into the vast caves below the surface of the Sandanbeki Rock Cliffs by elevator and relax at Nanki Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.

Explore a region of primeval forests and towering waterfalls. Hike the Osugidani Trail and enjoy a vast panorama of mountains and valleys. Admire the beauty of Nanatsugama Waterfall as it descends into emerald waters, and discover a treasure trove of alpine plants on the Odaigahara Plateau.

Discover an otherworldly landscape sculpted from snow and ice as you explore Lake Shikaribetsu. Marvel at mountains silhouetted by moonlight, trek through primordial forests of snow-laden evergreens, and unwind in a soothing, open-air hot spring on ice at Nukabira Gensenkyo.

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.

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.

Catch a glimpse of a more ancient Japan as you hike along Ise-Shima's coasts, explore lush forests, and visit shrines and temples. Stroll the streets of coastal villages while savoring locally caught seafood. Discover Ise Jingu, a shrine considered to be a wellspring of Japanese culture and spirituality.

Hike between the temples and shrines of Ise-Shima while enjoying breathtaking coastal scenery. Make your way to Anori Shrine, famous for its annual bunraku puppet performance. Visit Izawanomiya Shrine, where locals pray for a bountiful harvest from the sea, and Mount Aonomine Shofukuji Temple, devoted to the protection of sailors and fishermen.

Discover the unique culture of the region on an overnight camping trip. Harvest fruits and vegetables at Shimabara Peninsula Farmhouse, learn how to dye cloth using leaves, wood, and knotweed, and make your own glass accessories at the Unzen Vidro Museum.

Delve into the world of “ama” free-diving—an ancient tradition of diving for pearls and shellfish that is nearly exclusive to women. Take the rare opportunity of diving with them and learn about their techniques. Enjoy a succulent meal of chargrilled seafood in Toba’s Osatsu, a traditional ama neighborhood.

Tour a coastline of towering cliffs by fishing boat, explore mysterious limestone sea caves by kayak, and delight in glass-bottled "bin-don" seafood—a unique Miyako specialty. Learn from locals about emergency management and their stories of recovery from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

Trace the footsteps of devoted pilgrims on a guided journey among the three sacred mountains of the Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage—Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono. Awaken your inner spirituality as you hike through cedar forests and wetlands, experience Yamabushi mountain asceticism and lodge at local temples.

Enjoy a variety of activities while island-hopping across the Seto Inland Sea. Delight in the seamless blend of art and nature on Naoshima Island, visit three temples along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route on the Goshikidai Plateau, and explore Shodoshima Island while hiking and sea kayaking.