The best of Japan’s natural beauty

Though known for its hectic, neon metropolises and technological prowess, Japan’s natural beauty is not to be overlooked.

Among the most extraordinary sights, valleys glow crimson and orange with autumn maple trees, and rare, red-crowned cranes stalk gracefully through the snow.

Here are the most highly rated destinations for nature in Japan, according to global travellers.

Shima, Mie Prefecture

Located within the Ise-Shima National Park, the coastal city of Shima is a launchpad for exploring ancient forests and crystalline cascades. It’s an area known for oyster and pearl cultivation, notably within Ago Bay, where over 60 pine-covered islands sit amid the fishing rafts floating on teal-coloured sea. Follow the 4km-long hiking trail that leads you to Akame 48, a collection of thundering waterfalls whose rapids form a habitat for giant salamanders. Stay at the highly rated Shima Kanko Hotel, located within the national park and overlooking Ago Bay.

Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture

Kofu is the capital of the Yamanashi prefecture, a region that lays claim to Mount Fuji and the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, made up of mountains, waterfalls and peaceful woodland. The city sits in the Kōfu Basin, a fertile valley that gets cloaked in pink peach blossom and azaleas come spring, with the snow-capped Southern Alps on the hazy horizon. There’s also the nearby Shosenkyo Gorge, a steep, granite ravine with the Arakawa River rushing through it, and clusters of glowing orange and crimson maple trees (momiji) come autumn. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous fresh produce while you’re there, going fruit picking in local orchards and farms in season – the grapes, pears and peaches here are beautifully juicy and sweet. Check into the elegant and classically Japanese Yumura Tokiwa Hotel, with its own zen garden.

Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture

Bordered by remote, forest-covered mountains and shamrock-green rice fields, the village of Shirakawa-go exudes a calm in stark contrast to Japan’s hectic cities. It’s known for its gassho-zukuri houses – small wooden farm houses with steep thatched roofs built to withstand heavy snowfall. Resembling hands pressed together in prayer, some of these buildings are over 300 years old; one has been turned into a museum, one houses a natural hot spring, and many take overnight guests and welcome them into the family with home-cooked, local Japanese meals. Soak in private hot springs surrounded by woodland while staying at Shirakawa’s Nakaodaira Inn.

Kushiro, Hokkaido Prefecture

On the eastern side of Hokkaido island, the Kushiro-shitsugen National Park encompasses Japan’s largest wetland; the only place in Japan where you can see the rare and endangered red-crowned crane (tanchō-zuru), a national symbol of luck and longevity. Though they’re present here throughout the year, winter is the best opportunity to see them, as they gather in large groups to feed while gracefully stalking through the snow. In summer, you can follow the circular walking trail to spot the park’s blooming wildflowers and thousands of other wildlife species, including the Siberian Salamander, Hokkaido deer and the white-tailed sea eagle. Or – for an even better viewpoint – hop in a canoe or a hot air balloon, or saddle up on a ‘dosanko’ (a Hokkaido-bred horse). Sleep on traditional Japanese futon bedding at the delightful Kushiro Guesthouse.

Akita, Akita Prefecture

From a sacred, active volcano to the deepest lake in Japan, Akita Prefecture’s natural beauty is both varied and captivating. Hire a bike and cycle around Lake Tazawa, the mystical caldera lake that’s 423 metres deep, or hike up part of Mount Chōkai, whose volcanic peak is cloaked in snow. The area is also known for the Hachimantai Plateau, a terrace of stratovolcanoes where you’ll find eerie swampland, beech forests and alpine flora. And finally, visit the Nyūtō Onsen, milky hot springs revered for their benefits for skin and digestive health. Relax in the on-site hot spring at Lodge Yodel after a day of cycling around Lake Tazawa (just a short drive away).