Best places: Scenic spots in Japan

Forested national park in the Japanese Alps featuring hiking trails, lodging & picturesque views.

Known for its fall leaves, this stunning river valley park offers wooded hiking trails & waterfalls.

Tranquil hiking trails in thick woods, with streams, valley views & abundant flora & fauna.

This 133-m. flow of natural water is considered the tallest individual waterfall in Japan.

Glacial landform with jagged edges & wildflowers, reached by cable car & popular for mountaineering.

👍👍 いつ行ってもここは本州の海とは思えないくらい素晴らしいエメラルドブルーの海です（宮古島～伊良部島間の伊良部大橋の海と似てると行っても過言ではないくらいのレベルです）。下関から車で１時間～１時間半ほどかかりますが、そちらに行かれる際は是非訪れて見てください。 なお、真夏の土曜日の真っ昼間に訪問しました...

Scenic route in the Northern Alps through steep walls of snow, with bus tours & cable car rides.

Active volcanic crater accessible by car, bus or walk that is sometimes closed due to toxic gas.

👍👍 It is a recommended spot with very nice and spectacular views. There are plenty of parking spaces.

Picturesque double waterfall in a forest setting plunging 88-m. into a natural pool.

Serene mountain lake noted for clear water with reflections of the surrounding peaks.

👍👍 I went here during the rainy season. It was not as beautiful as sakura season but i was not disappointed. It was still very green, the sound of stream and clean. The stream is so clean that there are fish crabs and ducks in it. There are 7-8 monasteries on the way and I recommend walking from ginka...

Central, man-made collection pool of geothermal water, surrounded by bath houses & traditional inns.

Massive dam completed in 1963 featuring an observation deck for dramatic river & mountain views.

A cablecar travels to the top of this hill featuring an observation deck for dramatic city views.

Vantage point with dramatic views of the Mt. Aso caldera & surrounding valleys, plus snack stands.

Popular seaside locale known for its expansive white-sand beach & laid-back atmosphere.

Scenic overlook with views across Amagaseto Strait & a bridge to Tsunoshima Island.