The Blue Pond in Hokkaido
High levels of aluminum hydroxide turn this Hokkaido pond an incredible shade of blue. If it looks familiar, you may recognize it from Apple's OS X Mountain Lion wallpaper!
Hike the Mackerel Highway
Back in the day, getting ocean fish to Kyoto was back-breaking work. You can still hike the 1,300-year-old path that brought mackerel to the ancient capital.
A Walk through Tokyo's Great Outdoors
Believe it or not, beyond the concrete jungle, Tokyo is home to a World Natural Heritage Site, where treasured natural environments still remain.
Guardian of Travelers Now on Traffic Cones
These traffic cones are not only a sign of danger ahead, but will also protect you on your journey.
Gardens, Waterfalls & Onsen in Ibaraki
Ibaraki is home to Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, as well as Fukuroda-no-Taki waterfalls, which crash down 120 meters of terraced rock in an awe-inspiring spec...
Escape the Rat Race by Running in Shinagawa
Olympic runner Yuko Arimori lets us in on her best-kept secret—a dirt road in Tokyo's Shinagawa area that's perfect for a jog!
Ride With the Gods in Tottori Prefecture
Go for a ride on a Tottori road that's protected by a mountain where gods reside!
En-Gi Green Furniture by Mono Goen
This charming furniture design isn't just a place to sit and read a story, it IS the story!
The Oldest Beech Trees in Asia
With bright blue ponds and an 8,000-year-old biosphere, we invite you to witness the unspoiled splendor of one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Shirakami-Sanchi!
A Gold Medalist's Running Route
Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi gives us the lowdown on one of her favorite running spots—in the mountains!
Half-Day Canyoning Tour in Okutama
Challenge yourself on an exciting half-day canyoning adventure that features climbing, sliding, swimming and more—only 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station!
Shiretoko Five Lakes Walking Tour
Tour around the Shiretoko Five Lakes on a 3-kilometer course. The serene path, fresh air and magnificent scenery on the edge of the Sea of Okhotsk are sure to relax you.
Guided Mount Fuji Climbing Tour in English
Make your way to the top of Mount Fuji with an English-speaking guide. Catch the beautiful sunrise after a vigorous hike, all without worries about the language barrier!
Go Away for a Day to Oshima Island
Check out this video highlight of Fukuoka's Oshima Island—and then pack your bags!
5 Outdoor Autumn Activities in Karuizawa
Easily accessible from Tokyo and home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants, Karuizawa is a gorgeous year-round getaway. But autumn is when the town shows its true colors!
4 Outdoor Adventures in Gankoyama
Gankoyama has recently become a mecca for outdoors adventurers and eco-tourists.
All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku
Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.
5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!
5 Reasons to Go Off-Season Camping in Japan
With more than 3,000 campsites in Japan, there's every reason to get out of the city and find your new happy place. Even—or especially—if it's out of the official camping season.
