The high-tech glitz of Tokyo may be one of the major reasons Japan sees almost 30 million visitors every year. But there’s a lot more to the country than its bustling cities. Japan has an abundance of incredible natural wonders. Here are four of the most awe-inspiring ones.
1. Mount Fuji
Whether you view it from a distance, see it up close, or climb its rugged surface, you will be awestruck by the magnificence of Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji. The famous UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site is an active stratovolcano, which last erupted in 1708. Mount Fuji stands at 12,389 feet, making it the seventh-highest peak on the planet. The snow-capped mountain is Japan’s most iconic natural wonder. And it can even be seen from Tokyo, at over 60 miles away. For the best view of Mount Fuji, travel to the five-tiered Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida. If you prefer a view from ground level, then head to the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes District, where gorgeous vistas of the mountain can be seen beyond the waters. If you’re feeling fit and you’re looking to complete a significant achievement, you can even climb the mountain.
After travelling to Mount Fuji, Tokyo is the ideal city to have fun or relax come night-time. And there’s an abundance of hotels and resorts for all price ranges in the city. In the near future, you will be able to stay at Tokyo’s new casino resort and enjoy playing slots and table games. Japan’s gambling laws are gradually changing, which is why the casino resort now has the go-ahead. You may soon be able to play slots and other games at an online casino (オンラインカジノ) in Japan too.
2. Yakushima Island
If you are a keen hiker who loves exploring the natural world, you won’t want to miss out on visiting Yakushima Island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Japan’s best natural attractions, and it’s a haven for wildlife. You should be able to easily spot Yaku monkeys, as well as Yaku shika, which are small deer. You could also encounter venomous snakes, large hornets, and blood-sucking leeches! Japanese cedar trees, known as Yakusugi, cover the island. Many of the trees are thousands of years old. The oldest tree on the island even has a name. Jomon Sugi is estimated to be up to 7,000 years old. It’s over 82-feet tall, and its trunk is over 16-feet in diameter. The forest glade in which the tree stands is simply magical.
3. Naruto Whirlpools
Don’t get sucked into the vortex of the Naruto Whirlpools, or you may never return! But as long as you stand back far enough, you are sure to be enthralled by the powerful whirlpools in the Naruto Strait. They are formed by the enormous tidal surges that gush through the narrow channel, and the whirlpools can be as big as 65 feet wide.
The natural wonder occurs twice a day, but the times vary depending on the tidal patterns for the time of year. The best way to view the magnificent whirlpools is to get up close on a boat trip. Two tour companies offer excursions. Alternatively, if you want to see the Naruto Whirlpools from dry land, you can get an excellent view from the observation deck on the Naruto suspension bridge.
4. Nachi Falls
Waterfalls are synonymous with Japanese natural wonders. So, you will find plenty throughout the country. If you only visit one waterfall site, make sure it is Nachi Falls. With a drop of a little over 400 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall with a single uninterrupted drop in the country. Nachi Falls has also been a Japanese place of worship for centuries.
There have been religious shrines at the site ever since Japan became inhabited. And the location of the falls is still a place of pilgrimage for many today. Over the centuries, followers of the shugenja religion have leapt from the top of the waterfall in the belief that they’ll be reborn into paradise. However, visitors are advised not to follow suit. Instead, there are two observation platforms from which you can take in the awesomeness of Nachi Falls.
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