Beyond Fuji: Japan’s natural wonders

By Samuel Smith
Published: Thursday, November 21, 2019

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the buzzing city streets of Shibuya, awash with neon lights.

Or maybe your stomach takes over, concocting images of fresh sushi and steaming bowls of ramen. You might even be swept up in the mysticism of Kyoto and its ancient temples.

Chances are, tropical beaches, glistening snow fields and gigantic golden sand dunes aren’t on your radar.

But they should be.

Outside sprawling metropolises like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, natural beauty shines.

Follow the trail less travelled and discover 5 of Japan’s most stunning natural wonders.

1. Hitachi Seaside Park

Just outside the city of Hitachinaka, an ever-changing blanket of wildflowers stretches across the beautiful Ibaraki coast.

The 350-hectare Hitachi Seaside Park changes colour with the seasons. In spring, thousands of nemophila – affectionately nicknamed baby blue eyes – mimic clear, sunny skies, while in autumn, a sea of spindly kochia bushes turn from green to blood-red.

The best times to visit Hitachi Seaside Park are from April to mid-May, and early to mid-October. Stroll along one of the park’s many criss-crossing paths, taking in a floral kaleidoscope of colours and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

How to get there: To get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo, take a Joban Line train to Katsuta Station, then transfer to a bus. The trip will take just over 2 hours.

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki.

2. Tottori Sand Dunes

Only in Japan would you ride a pink and white polka dot-saddled camel across a desert oasis.

Part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, the Tottori Sand Dunes span 16km and stretch to heights of 90 meters.

The dunes formed over 1000s of years, as sand from the Sendai River gradually washed out to sea and piled up along the coast.

Today, you can explore them by foot, by camel or, if extreme sports are your thing, by sandboard or paraglider. You’ll also find a uniquely Japanese sand museum nearby, exhibiting massive, multi-storey-high sculptures.

According to the museum’s producer, Katsuhiko Chaen, each artwork embodies “unprecedented creative man-made beauty”.

How to get there: To get to Tottori from Osaka, catch the Super Hakuto express train to Tottori Station. The trip will take 2.5 hours.

Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori.

3. Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort

In the frigid mountains of Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture, snow monsters roam free.

Zao Onsen – a popular ski resort and hot spring – is one of the only places in Japan where juhyo (ice trees) can be spotted. These snow-covered giants are born when super-cooled water droplets hit coniferous trees and freeze instantly.

Meet them, if you dare, by riding the ropeway from Zao Sanroku Station.

Snow monsters aside, Zao’s ski resort is one of the oldest in Japan and offers a variety of courses suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the volcanic waters of Zao Onsen. You’ll find a variety of bath houses around town, from traditional community baths to modern, private pools.

How to get there: To get to Zao Onsen from Tokyo, catch the Yamagata Shinkansen (bullet train), then transfer to a bus. The trip will take just over 3 hours.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Onsen.

4. Yakushima Island

Just off the southern coast of Kyushu lies the subtropical island of Yakushima. Here, in a sprawling cedar forest, stand some of the oldest trees on earth. Some, incredibly, have lived for more than 7000 years.

For centuries, Yakushima’s haunting landscape has inspired writers, musicians and artists including Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki – the mastermind behind internationally acclaimed animations Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Witnessing the island’s trickling waterfalls, gigantic, moss-covered cedar trees and towering mountains, it’s easy to see why.

Tip: no matter what time of year you visit Yakushima, bring a raincoat. There’s rainfall on a near-daily basis, with locals (humorously) claiming it rains 35 days a month.

How to get there: A daily ferry connects the city of Kagoshima to Yakushima Island. Trips run in the morning and afternoon and take around 4 hours.

Yakushima Island, Kagoshima.

5. Zamami Island

One of the crown jewels of Okinawa, Zamami is the second largest – and arguably most beautiful – of Japan’s Kerama Islands.

The island’s beaches (Ama Beach and Furuzamami Beach) feature stunning white sand and gentle, crystal-clear water.

Both beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. They’re just a 20-minute stroll from the island’s port, and are an easy walk from Zamami village, where you can stock up on supplies and dig into a pre or post-swim snack.

If you’re after a little more seclusion, take a 5 minute boat ride from Zamami Port to the uninhabited islands of Gahi or Agenashiku. Both offer excellent sunbathing and snorkelling, without a soul in sight.

How to get there: To get to Zamami Island from the city of Naha, catch a ferry from Tomari Port. The trip will take 2.5 hours.

Zamami Island, Kerama Islands.

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