If you’re a lover of dramatic alpine scenery, you really need to make the trip out to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a path traversing the Northern Japan Alps in central Japan. The whole route is an impressive 90 kilometers, stretching from Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Shinano-Omachi station in neighboring Nagano Prefecture, climbing to an elevation of 3,015 meters as it crosses the peak of Mount Tateyama.

This spectacular route can be traversed via ropeways and cable cars, so children and those who are not avid hikers can also enjoy its incredible scenery. Each point where you change transportation has something to see and do, though the biggest stops along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are Murodo, Daikanbo and Kurobe Dam.

Murodo

Walled in by snow.

The famed Snow Corridor starts in Murodo, the highest point of the route 2400m up on Mt Tateyama, accessible by the “Highland Bus” from Bijodaira Station. It’s a mere width of two vehicles carefully cut out from the meters-high snow deposited in a place that gets one of the heaviest snow-falls in the world. This part of the route is probably the most well-known and widely photographed, drawing in many foreign tourists and domestic travelers alike during peak season. In mid-April, the road is opened for visitors to walk between the sheer snow walls often towering up to 20 meters high.

Autumn Colors in Chubu

The only hotel on the whole route lies here, with the restaurant serving day-trippers affordable and well-portioned hot meals. From Murodo, you need to take the Tunnel Trolley Bus, powered by electricity generated from the Kurobe Dam to Daikanbo where the Tateyama Ropeway starts.

Daikanbo

Take the Tateyama Ropeway for some epic vistas.

At Daikanbo there are a few stalls selling souvenirs and snacks like onigiri (rice balls) and soft-serve ice cream to enjoy whilst taking in the view of the surrounding mountain peaks from the observation deck. From here, visitors need to hop on the Tateyama Ropeway to continue on the route to Kurobedaira. The 1.7 kilometer-long ropeway connects Daikanbo on Mount Tateyama to Kurobedaira on the neighboring mountain. With no supporting towers in between, this is Japan’s longest one-span ropeway.

The Tateyama Ropeway has panoramic views of the surrounding alpine scenery—tundra and snow-covered peaks in the spring, alpine flowers and teeming foliage in late summer, and colorful leaves in the fall. The trip is worth it just for this portion of the route.

Kurobe Dam

Dam! That’s big.

A five-minute cable car’s ride away from Kurobedaira soars the 186m high Kurobe Dam, the tallest in Japan to which visitors can come in extremely close proximity to. Explore the spectacular structure from viewing platforms carved out on the top and sides of this monster which discharges up to 15 tons of water per second from the Kurobe lake!

Apart from observing the dam from above, sightseeing cruises are offered on the lake in front from June to November, making it the highest altitude boat ride in the country. The dam is walkable and has a few shops selling hot food and souvenirs.

From the dam, you will need to cross to Akasawadake, the final mountain on this route, just a short walk away. The second Tunnel Trolley Bus runs from here to Ogizawa on the other side of the mountain, also the final stop on the route from which taxis and local buses that service the wider Nagano area pass through. A popular choice is to take a bus from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omachi Station, which has many convenient train lines and buses ready to bring you to your next destination.

About less than an hour away from the capital of Yamagata Prefecture by bus, Zao Onsen is a ski resort and hot spring town with a long history. While the most popular season to come visit is undoubtedly in the winter to take full advantage of the quality of snow, there’s still so many things to do and see regardless of the season.

Skiing and Ice Monsters

Carve through ice monsters at Zao ski resort.

There are multiple ski equipment rental shops available as well as several ski and snowboarding schools in town. Lift tickets are valid on all of the lifts throughout the resort, ranging from a 4-hour ticket for ¥4000 to a 7-day ticket for ¥21,600. There are also season ticket options. Suffice it to say, you have no excuse not to spend your day zipping down the scenic mountain slopes. With 15 slopes and 12 courses, there is enough of a range to satisfy complete beginners as well as seasoned pros.

Take a cable-car to the top of Mount Zao to get an aerial view of the juhyo or ice monsters – rows of snow-covered trees that look like gnarled creatures out of a dreamscape which you’ll have skied or boarded through earlier. Temperatures can go as low as -20C so make sure to bundle up.

Zao Onsen Outdoor Hot Springs

Photo by: Zao Onsen Dairotenburo The epic waters of the Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo.

Once you’ve tired yourself out, wind down in one of the many onsen (hot springs) that give the town its name. Supposedly discovered in 110 A.D., Zao’s hot springs are the oldest in the Tohoku region. The waters are renowned for their high-acidity which helps heal skin conditions and gastrointestinal disorders – whatever the benefits, this is bath time at its most epic.

There are three public bathhouses and each hotel has its own fully fitted onsen too. However, it’s the three open-air onsen you should make time for. Sitting in a hot bath while looking out into the forest at any time of the year is an unforgettable experience.

The Dai Rotenburo (Big Outdoor Spring) sits deep in a mountain ravine. With views that overlook the surrounding snow-coated mountains and forests, it makes stripping off in front of strangers totally worth it. Plus, this particular onsen is one of our Top 30 Tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan.

Hiking Mount Zao

Most famous for having the shape of a pot, Okama crater can only be seen at a distance.

If you miss the winter season, Zao Onsen is a hiker’s paradise during the rest of the year. Mountain guides can be hired to show you around or simply choose one of its many courses and explore by yourself. Most routes lead to the enormous Okama crater, or the Five Color Lake, in the middle of volcanic Mount Zao.

Take the Zao Echo Line trail to Kattadake, from where you can get a view of the crater from a picture-perfect distance.

Zao is a magical place, filled with natural elegance no matter the season.

Shrouded in the valleys of northern Akita, the town of Fujisato is a gateway to one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Shirakami Sanchi. This charming town is famous for its diverse hiking trails, fishing spots, Suffolk lamb, and enchanting waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot to mark on a Tohoku road trip! 

Shirakami Sanchi

An anime-inspiring forest adventure awaits.

Just near the town center, the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center Fujisato Kan (Map) is a great starting point if you’re considering a day of hiking in Fujisato’s prestigious woods. You can learn more about the forest’s history and ecosystem through maps, pictures, and English descriptions. 

Shirakami Sanchi’s ancient forest partly inspired one of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films, Princess Mononoke.  

As the largest remaining beech tree forest in East Asia, Shirakami Sanchi was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 after locals protested a planned road that would cut through its woods. Today, much of the forest is protected and inaccessible. Luckily, a few trails in Fujisato wrap around the restricted zone, and any nature lover worth their salt would be remiss to pass them up.

For the anime fans, Shirakami Sanchi’s ancient forest partly inspired one of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films, Princess Mononoke.  

Morinoeki farmer’s market

Photo by: Akita Shirakami Tourism Bring on the lamb!

When you get hungry after hiking, drop in at Morinoeki (Map) right next door to Fujisato Kan. It’s a cute farmers market and restaurant where you can buy locally harvested vegetables and handmade wooden crafts. You can also taste Fujisato’s local cuisine, such as lamb don (rice bowl).

5 Famous Foods You'll Find in Akita

If you really want to get rustic, try catching your own dinner. At the Fujisato tourist information desk, located inside Morinoeki, you can buy fishing permits and find information on local fishing spots and other attractions.

Choshi Falls

Photo by: Tri Phan Take a look behind Choshi Falls for a unique view.

Don’t leave Fujisato, without seeing Choshi Falls (Map). This magical waterfall is hidden away behind the small, 400-year-old Yu no Sawa Shrine. Located near Fujisato Kan and Morinoeki, Choshi Falls only takes about ten minutes on foot to the trailhead, and from there, a quick three-minute flat walk.

Water plunges into a natural, mossy grotto and echoes off the cavernous walls. On sunny days, the light seeps in through the opening above and leaves the water sparkling. Visitors can even go around the basin and view the waterfall from behind. Looking up, sheets of water slide off the rocky shelf 18 meters above your head.

The Aizu region, covering the western part of Fukushima, is old-fashioned Japan at its best. In Aizu, you’ll find perfectly restored settlements from the Edo Era in a forested mountain landscape that still can largely be called truly wild. Make sure to respect the numerous bear warnings when heading up those hiking trails into the deep woods.

At the same time, Aizu is famous for its pristine lakes which are perfect for swimming and scenic boating. Just over two hours away from Tokyo and you are in a completely different world. Here are some of the top attractions.

Tucked along the coastline of a town called Mitane in Akita Prefecture is Kamayahama Beach. One of the few swimming spots in the area, and considered one of Japan’s 100 excellent beaches, Kamayahama is arguably Mitane’s best-kept secret.

The beach is framed by the Oga Peninsula to the south and the faint outline of the beautiful nature reserve, Shirakami Sanchi. In addition, impressive wind turbines stretch for miles along its shores.

The warm, gentle waves of Kamayahama Beach feel great during Akita’s humid summers, and its picturesque shores make it a popular place for watching the sunset. It was also one of the set locations for the 2019 Japanese crime film, “Day and Night.”

Beach season

Photo by: Akita Shirakami Tourism Bright blue skies all around

Kamayahama Beach’s beach season starts on Marine Day, a national holiday at the end of July. Though swimming is permitted throughout the year, swimming off-season should be done with discretion since Jellyfish migration occurs in early September.

From mid-July through August, Waikiki, a small food shack on the beach opens up for business serving dishes like curry, yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles), and kakigori (flavored shaved ice).

Sand Craft Festival

Photo by: Tri Phan Woah, cool.

The Mitane Sand Craft Festival takes place at Kamayahama Beach every year on the last weekend of July. Professional sculptors from all across Japan come to create large, detailed sand sculptures along the shore. They can be seen working on their creations up to two weeks before the festival. Afterward, the sculptures are left for display for up to two weeks following the event.

The festival consists of live music, taiko performances, swimsuit contests, and fireworks. Various vendors sell typical festival food including Mitane’s specialty, Mitane maki,  an incredible combination of awabitake (mushroom that’s flavor is similar to abalone) wrapped in bacon.

Lake Inawashiro in the Aizu Region of western Fukushima is Japan’s fourth-largest lake. Its cool waters make it an ideal destination for a camping or swimming trip.

The lake may be the most scenic in spring and fall when nearby Mount Bandai is covered by snow and the surrounding trees are sporting colorful blossoms or autumn foliage. Summer, however, is the most popular season to visit. Cool air from the nearby mountain provides a fresh breeze and nice reprieve from the sweltering heat.

Camping, biking, and swimming

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Shidahama Beach is a popular choice for swimming at Lake Inawashiro.

The Inawashiro lakeshore is dotted with campgrounds and swimming beaches. Shidahama Beach (Map) is one of the more popular ones, but you won’t have to look too far to find a more secluded place to pitch your tent or take a dip.

The Tenjinhama Auto Camping Ground (Map), a short taxi ride from either Sekito or Kawageta Station, is one such option. It’s generally more on the quieter side while still providing gorgeous lake views and much-needed shade.

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Camp with a view of Mount Bandai in the background!

The circumference of the lake itself is about 60 kilometers with small roads closely following the shoreline. Cruising around the lake on a bicycle makes for a nice, smooth ride with stunning views stretching to Mount Bandai and the surrounding mountains.

Around Lake Inawashiro

If you feel a bit of historic sightseeing is in order after relaxing on the lake, hop on the train to nearby Aizu Wakamatsu. This perfectly restored Edo-era samurai town is famous for Tsuruga Castle. In 1868, the Tokugawa Shoguns made their last stand against the modernization of Japan right here!

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsuruga Castle.

You don’t even have to leave the lakeshore to delve into the area’s history. The Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum (Map), Hideyo Noguchi’s birth house, is right at the northern shore.

You may recognize Noguchi as the guy whose portrait is on the back of the ¥1,000 note. He was an internationally active medical researcher at the beginning of the 20th century who discovered a lot of germs and found remedies for various serious illnesses.

The museum itself is a beautiful Meiji-era-style building surrounded by a Japanese garden with many exhibits detailing Noguchi’s turbulent life inside.

Shosenkyo Gorge, known in Japanese as Mitake Shosenkyo, is an incredibly scenic spot in Yamanashi Prefecture. The narrow gorge is lined with interestingly shaped rocks and cliffs with a comfortable four-kilometer long hiking trail.

Located about a 30-minute bus ride north of Kofu City, the Shosenkyo area encompasses not only the gorge with its rock formations but also the surrounding mountains.

Though the gorge is beautiful in all seasons, it is especially impressive during the autumn months.

Breathtaking views and hiking

On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the Panorama Platform.

The best way to explore the area is to take the Shosenkyo Ropeway on the upper, northern end of the gorge.

At the top of the ropeway is the Panorama Dai (Panorama Platform) offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps. You’ll even spot the expansive Chichibu Mountains in the distance. There is also a beautiful little shrine called Yakumo Shrine known for bringing luck in marriage.

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Up, up, and away.

Next, start hiking toward Shosenkyo Gorge from the ropeway ground station. You will first pass through a small village with stores selling colorful crystals found in the area, some of them quite large.

While you’re in the village, try the local mitake soba. We highly recommend the kinoko soba which comes with a large helping of wild mushrooms!

Explore Yamanashi

This isn’t the same Arakawa River flowing through Saitama and Tokyo, it’s a rather short river in Yamanashi Prefecture bearing the same name!

About those rocks…

The Ishimon is a great photo spot.

Cross the bridge over the river and immerse yourself in the world of the curious Shosenkyo rocks. Towering to your right is the Kakuenpo, a steep rock which monks were said to have meditated on.

Duck through Ishimon, a stone gate formed by two rocks extending from the cliffside and a riverside boulder. There is a tiny space where the rocks meet just big enough to put your hands in between the two colossal pieces of stone. People leave coins inside the crevices here for good luck.

The towering Kakuenpo.

Further ahead, the tall cliffs give way to a wooded valley. From there, you’ll see the strangely shaped rocks down by the riverbed rather than towering over your head.

Spot the neko ishi (cat rock), saru ishi (monkey rock), and rakuda ishi (camel rock). With a little imagination, you will discover that the rocks look exactly like what they have been named after. Figuring that out and discussing it with hiking partners is a great game.

Shiretoko Peninsula is one of Japan’s last untouched regions, with glittering alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful ocean views. Located on the northeast edge of Hokkaido, Shiretoko is ripe for outdoor activities like camping and even walking on drift ice floating down from Russia.

A family of sika deer in Shiretoko National Park.

The name Shiretoko is derived from the indigenous Japanese Ainu term sir etok, which means “end of the world.” The region is still home to one of the largest Ainu populations who are considered Japan’s original people. Many sites on the peninsula are spiritually significant to them.

In 2005, UNESCO named Shiretoko Peninsula a World Heritage Site due to its abundance of wildlife and marine ecosystems. Although UNESCO sites often bring hordes of tourists, the peninsula is isolated enough that it remains relatively untarnished.

Outdoor activities in Shiretoko

Take a stroll on the ice.

Most of the peninsula is designated as Shiretoko National Park. The park is a pristine expanse of wilderness and so remote that there’s not even a road to connect you to the outermost edges of Shiretoko.

The most popular attractions at Shiretoko Peninsula will have you appreciating nature on both land and sea. You can walk on the Okhotsk Sea during the winter months on drift ice that flows down to Shiretoko from Russia. This unique experience is something you can’t do anywhere else in the world!

Famous Foods You'll Find in Hokkaido

A few different hiking routes that circle the scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes region may steer you face-to-face with deer, raccoon dogs, and red foxes. Between May and July, you may even stumble upon a brown bear so be careful!

Oshinkoshin Falls and Oronko Rock

Oshinkoshin Falls in summer.

Natural sights on Shiretoko include Oshinkoshin Falls and Oronko Rock, which are considered sacred by the Ainu.

Oshinkoshin means “beautifully forked waterfalls” in the Ainu language and is known for its two wide streams. Oronko Rock, or Oronkoiwa, named after the indigenous Oronko people, is a massive rock formation jutting out of the sand. Visitors who climb the 60-meter staircase on the rock’s side will be rewarded with a stunning view of the sunset at the end of the day.

Shiretoko Pass is another popular destination. It marks the highest point where the east coast connects to the peninsula’s west coast. The observation deck at the pass has incredible views of some of the nearby islands and the snowy peaks across the peninsula.

Accommodation in Shiretoko

Rausu is one of the Shiretoko Peninsula’s last villages.

The best places to stay in the Shiretoko Peninsula are its gateway towns, Rausu and Utoro. Rausu is located on the eastern coast, while Utoro can be found on the western coast.

These are fishing villages-turned-tourist hubs, which both have natural hot springs perfect for keeping warm or relaxing sore muscles. Utoro is also home to one of Japan’s Godzilla rocks. It makes sense that the Shiretoko Peninsula would be the big guy’s stomping grounds.

These are the last large villages where you can find amenities like hotels, restaurants, and visitor centers. Aside from a few lonesome lodges and cabins, north of these towns is mostly pure wilderness (perfect for camping!). Both towns are well-connected to other sections of the Shiretoko Peninsula via tourist shuttles and busses and offer sightseeing boating tours.

Angel Road is a 500m long sandbar that connects mainland Shodoshima to three small islands in southern Shikoku. This lovely spot in Kagawa Prefecture is a romantic destination for couples.

Regardless of whether you’re interested in the Angel Road for its romantic undertones or not, the sandbar is a beautiful place to spend time.

Not only is it a stunning natural sight, legend says that if you walk across Angel Road hand-in-hand with your partner, it will strengthen your relationship. Flying solo? Walk across alone and make a wish for it to come true.

The Angel Road in Kagawa Prefecture only appears at low tide.

When planning your trip here be aware that visitors can only walk across Angel Road during low tide, two times per day. During high tide, the sandbar is submerged underwater and the view is nothing special, just another small island off the coast of Shodoshima. It’s best to visit in the warmer spring and summer months when the days are long and the weather is clear. In winter, the road only appears once a day for a short time.

Tips For Visiting Angel Road

To get the greatest view over Angel Road, head to the nearby Yakusoku no Oka, or the Hill of Promise. A short but steep flight of sandy stairs will bring you to a small observation point where you’ll have a picture-perfect view of the road and its connecting islands.

Even if you’re single, you can still enjoy the view.

You may need to queue to get a chance to ring the Love Bell at the top of the hill, which is another place you can supposedly strengthen your relationship. Top it off by purchasing a heart-shaped ema (Shinto prayer board) and writing a wish for everlasting love or you know, just self-love, on the back.

Regardless of whether you’re interested in the Angel Road for its romantic undertones or not, the sandbar is a beautiful place to spend time at low tide. Anyone can appreciate the breathtaking views of the sea.

Visit the other highlights of Shodoshima, including the Olive Park, the picturesque Kankakei Gorge and ropeway, or the quirky Yokai Art Museum while you’re in the area.

A group of cliffs with rugged honeycomb-shapes and tall columns called Tojinbo create a picturesque scene on the coast of Fukui Prefecture. These rock formations were sculpted millions of years ago by erosion and strong waves from the Sea of Japan. They’re one of the Chubu region’s most iconic and mysterious natural landmarks.

Facing the Sea of Japan.

Tojinbo shopping and island hopping

Before reaching the cliffs, you’ll pass a pathway with various shops serving fresh seafood, ice cream, and more. There are plenty of souvenir stores to grab a memorable keepsake from as well. Stop in at the cafe at the end of the alley and enjoy a cup of coffee as you take in the serene views.

A bit of shopping before your gazing?

Visitors can also join a cruising tour that allows them to get a closer view of Tojinbo, as well as its neighboring island, Oshima, which also has honeycomb-shaped cliffs. The excursion lasts for 30 minutes, and there’s a free mobile app called Tojinbo Cruise that provides information and pictures about the spots the boat tour passes by.

For those traveling with their sweethearts, there’s an observation deck called Tojinbo Tower that is known to bring luck in love. It’s because this tower houses a statuette of Hotei (the god of contentment and happiness), which gives good fortune to couples who stroke his head together.

Gaze out over Mount Hakusan and Oshima Island from the observation deck with sweeping views of the Echizen Cape.

Wait, the Tojinbo Cliffs are haunted?

Why is everything in Japan haunted?

The cliffs were named after a rather unsavory Buddhist monk called Tojinbo who was loathed by the locals. According to legend, the townspeople were angered by his despicable antics, so they threw him into the ocean. However, another story says that he fell in love with a beautiful princess. Unfortunately, he was duped into going to the cliff by one of her jealous suitors who then pushed him off.

Many believe his spirit still haunts Fukui’s cliffs, especially when there is heavy rainfall and strong wind. Perhaps Tojinbo just needs a prayer to calm his restless soul.

Get off the sofa and explore more of Japan’s Great Outdoors.