Japan is widely known for its big cities, but it’s also a destination that offers countless opportunities to get away from it all in some of the most remote and picturesque settings. From the country’s rural interior to its smaller islands and coastal regions, here are some of the best places to visit in Japan to experience its unique blend of serene natural beauty and traditional culture.
Yakushima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Situated off the southern coast of Kyushu, Yakushima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its subtropical rainforest climate and ancient Yakusugi cedar forests. The island is home to some of the oldest trees in Japan, with the gigantic Jomon Sugi cedar tree estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
With its unspoilt landscapes stretching from Yakushima’s subtropical coast to inland forests, this is one of the best places to visit in Japan to enjoy off-grid adventures, including hiking forest trails up to mountain peaks and visiting the picturesque Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine. You’ll also discover waterfalls around the island including Oko Falls, which plunges from the forests above into a natural pool.
Where to stay
Stay at the Sankara Hotel and Spa for modern spoils in an ancient forest, overlooking the ocean on Yakushima Island. Days can be spent exploring the nearby mountains and waterfalls, while at the resort you can relax with a spa treatment, enjoy fresh healthy meals, or simply retreat to your tropical suite or villa.
We also love the architecturally designed Banyan Retreat: The Nest (pictured above), a 10-minute drive from Hirauchi Kaichu onsen, and Fuku no Ki, a converted fisherman’s barn where you can sharpen your knife skills and slice some fresh sashimi with your hosts during your stay.
Shiretoko Peninsula (Hokkaido)
Jutting into the Sea of Okhotsk in eastern Hokkaido, the Shiretoko Peninsula is renowned for its rugged coastline wilderness. Shiretoko National Park is set in the mountains and cliffs of the northeastern tip of the peninsula and is one of the best places to visit in Japan for its scenic activities and wildlife encounters.
Against the backdrop of the Shiretoko mountain range, you can stroll along the boardwalks of the Shiretoko Goko Lakes – a collective of five small lakes with calm mirror-like waters, join a boat cruise to spot brown bears and seals, and even try a drift ice walk or boat tour.
With its thermal waters cascading into natural pools, Kamuiwakka Falls offers a unique remote onsen experience in the forest. The small towns of Rausu and Utoro are also great places to visit to enjoy the freshly caught seafood the region is known for.
Oki Islands UNESCO Geopark (Shimane Prefecture)
Located 60km off the coast of Shimane Prefecture and formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the four main islands of the Oki Islands offer dramatic coastal scenery and rugged volcanic landscapes. Hiking is a popular activity, especially along the Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima Island. Kuniga Coast is one of the best places to visit in Japan for its towering cliffs, magnificent rock formations, and crystal-clear waters, while the Tsutenkyo Arch is one of the coastline’s most iconic spots.
Other highlights of a visit to the Oki Islands Geopark include sunset views over Dogo Island, which is also home to Dangyo Shrine and Dangyo Falls, and Nakanoshima Island’s rice fields, red cliffs and Cape Kirogasaki Lighthouse. With its extraordinary biodiversity, the swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving is truly excellent.
Where to stay
Entô reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings with its attention to design – from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque coastal scenery to artfully positioned furniture. There is also an exhibition space within the resort where you can learn more about the Oki Islands before heading out into the wild to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the geopark.
Kamikochi (Nagano Prefecture)
Kamikochi is a remote mountainous valley in the Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture and part of the Japan Alps. The valley is especially known for its 15-kilometre-long plateau which follows the Azusa River, offering a great location for hiking.
In this valley that delivers beautiful ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons, visit Kappa Bridge – an iconic wooden suspension bridge – for views of the Azusa River, and the Hotaka Range which includes Japan’s third highest peak, Mt Hotaka, and the active volcano of Mt Yakedake. Hikes to the clear reflective waters of Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond are also a must to experience a truly serene natural environment. In winter, take the rare opportunity to try snowshoeing.
Where to stay
Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso is a mountain resort swaddled by nature in the heart of the Japan Alps. Enjoy the magnificent views, hot springs, and traditional French cuisine. All rooms offer views of the Azusa River, Mt. Kasumizawa, and Mt. Rokuhyaku, and the large public bath “The SPA,” uses 100% natural hot spring water from 150 metres beneath.
When it comes to the best places to visit in Japan, we also love this Guesthouse Garden Cottage in Ueda and the beautiful Sanson Terrace in the Kasuga Onsen area of Saku.
Iriomote Island (Okinawa Prefecture)
Part of the Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote Island is largely within the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park offering an idyllic location for an off-the-beaten-path jungle adventure, contrasting the colder climes of Japan. The island is sparsely populated and filled with dense inland jungles and mangrove forests, especially along the Urauchi River and Nakama River.
Imagine hiking jungle trails to hidden waterfalls including the journey to Pinaisara Falls – the highest waterfall in Okinawa – and kayaking or stand up paddleboarding through the mangroves along the meandering rivers. With Iriomote Island surrounded by white sand beaches and coral reefs, this is one of the best places to visit in Japan for snorkelling and diving to see marine life including tropical fish and turtles in the clear waters.
Far flung from Japan’s sprawling cities, this sparsely populated island also offers the opportunity to connect with traditional Okinawan culture through local music and cuisine featuring tropical ingredients and fresh seafood. Guided tours of the island are available to experience the best of Iriomote Island’s unique ecosystems and local culture.
Where to stay
Jusandi is a resort set within a lush tropical paradise, just steps from the famous Blue Cave on the southern island of Ishigaki. Its beautiful gardens conceal five private villas, each featuring a sea-facing pool with a cabana area. Groves of tropical trees and plants ensure privacy. Jusandi’s minimalist design features Ishigaki limestone and large windows that let in the sea breeze and give the whole property a tropical elegance.Â
Kii Peninsula (Kansai Region)
Spanning the three prefectures of Mie, Nara, and Wakayama, Kii Peninsula is renowned for being a spiritual hub and one of the most naturally stunning places to visit in Japan. While its rural areas are dotted with ancient temples, forests, and onsen, you’ll also discover a network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as Kumano Kodo. The trails journey through incredible forests and lead to the three sacred shrines of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
For an immersive off-grid experience, visit the mountaintop temple complex of Koyasan which offers temple lodgings (shukubo) where you can learn about Buddhist practices and enjoy meditation and wholesome meals with fresh produce. Plunging 133 metres, one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, Nachi Falls, can also be found on the Kii Peninsula, part of the Kumano Nachi Shrine complex. Meanwhile, you can experience one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Yunomine Onsen, or explore the Yoshino-Kumano National Park for hiking trails and scenic coastlines.
Where to stay
Set within a primeval forest and sitting along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Earth allows guests to kick back, relax and connect with nature. All suites have a private open-air spring-fed bath attached. The Earth’s common spaces are laid out and furnished in the traditional, floor-level tatami style, but the bedrooms are hotel-style for maximum comfort. The cuisine is traditional as well, a multi-course kaiseki presentation, drawing on ingredients from the land and sea in and around the national park.
