Discover one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Shinto shrines, blending centuries of history with stunning seasonal scenery.

A perfect blend of art, culture, and nature only two hours from Tokyo, exploring Niigata’s rich tapestry of outdoor exhibitions makes the ultimate itinerary for the adventurous art lover. (Photo: Ma Yansong /MAD Architects, 「Tunnel of Light」 (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field）Photo by YAMADA Tsutomu)

Participate in farming activities encircled by over 300 charming rice paddies.

Kamakura is a hotspot for some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines. Many of these revered locations are connected by beautiful hiking trails, and traversing them provides meaningful encounters with Japan’s natural beauty and Buddhist history.

Head out to Tochigi’s mountainous Furumine Shrine, where you can wish for good luck or good health under the stunning colors of fall, or any time of the year.

With both heart-pounding and leisure outdoor activities, museums, and views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is a one-of-a-kind nature destination.

Experience the exhilarating beauty of Kanagawa, taking in the shimmering of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji’s might, with a Hakone Mountain Ripper tour. After cycling or hiking with an experienced guide, you’ll truly have earned a long soak in the hot springs.

Grab a sturdy pair of hiking boots and get ready to explore the dazzling leaves and intriguing rock formations of Shosenkyo Gorge, about three hours from Tokyo (Shinjuku) by train and bus.

Only a short trip from Narita Airport, the Naritasan Museum of Calligraphy lies in Naritasan Park, near Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Enrich your journey into Japanese art and style by learning about the long history of Japanese formal brushstrokes, as well as the masters of the art form.

Everywhere you look around Nikko’s Lake Chuzenji promises to offer unrivaled views of nature at its finest. From verdant forests to volcanic mountains, there’s plenty to see, and just as much to do, in the area.

The cold winters in Chichibu transform the landscape into a frozen wonderland, which is home to the famous Three Great Icicles. These natural ice formations, sculpted by nature, offer spectacular scenery that are perfect for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers. With their ever-changing shapes and colorful illuminations, the icicles make for an unforgettable winter experience in Japan.

Extreme Onsen tours aim to bring you to pure, naturally heated hot spring water surrounded by gorgeous views at 1,250 meters above sea level in Fukushima. Take time to relax at a hidden onsen so deep in the midst of nature that even some locals don’t know about it.

With a full range of colors on display, Ashikaga Flower Park is stunning no matter the time of year. Marvel at the orange tulips, blue hydrangeas and the purple wisterias of one of Tochigi Prefecture’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re tired of the crowds and noise that are a side effect of big city living, Ibaraki is home to a stunning getaway right on the beach. Open your eyes to sunshine and sand by heading out to Oarai.

Explore marshland, forest, and lakeside trails and enjoy the peaceful presence of the encircling mountainscape.

Taste authentic maple syrup tapped straight from the surrounding Japanese maple trees at Chichibu Muse Park in Saitama.

With their otherworldly hues of cobalt and emerald and four seasons of natural beauty, these gorgeous ponds attract nature lovers from around the world. Take a trip into the mountains of Fukushima to see the exceptional natural beauty of Goshikinuma Ponds. The name “Goshikinuma” refers to the marshes and ponds of the area, each containing waters that range from emerald green to turquoise to cobalt blue. This difference in hue is due to the fact that each body of water contains a slightly different mix of minerals caused by the volcanic explosion of Mt. Bandai in 1888.

Take a seat on a train that blends stargazing, local hospitality, and breathtaking scenery. This unique ride is an unforgettable experience, redefining what it means to travel by rail in Japan.