Mt. Fuji – The highest mountain in Japan, at 12, 388 ft it has long been the center of mountain worship of ancient Japan. Today, it is a popular mountain to climb. There are busses to take visitors to 5th station so everyone can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Fuji without having to climb all the way to the top.
Japan Alps – a prominent feature of the Chubu Region on the island of Honshu, they have several volcanic peaks and comprise of several mountain ranges, like the Hide Mountains, the Kiso Mountains and the Akaishi Mountains. The highest being Mt. Okuhodaka at 10,466 ft and Mt. Kita at 10,476 ft. Hiking is popular in the summer and spring months. Winter brings the famed powder snow appropriate for skiing. Notably, Japan hosted the eighteenth Winter Olympics in 1998 at Nagano. Japan also has a premier Japan Alpine Club of which the Crown Prince Naruhito, an avid climber is also a member. The best times for Mountain Climbing are from July to September.
Shiretoko – known as a "waterfall kingdom," many waterfalls can be seen from sightseeing boats including: the warm-water Kamuiwakkayu-no-taki Falls, which gives off steam; Furepe-no-taki Falls, which means "maiden's tears;" and Oshinkoshin-no-taki Falls, which flow alongside a road and drop towards the sea. There are also the Shiretoko-Goko (five lakes), which are small, quiet lakes surrounded by a virgin forest, and known as "the five jewels." Visitors can walk round these five lakes in about an hour. In winter, the coasts of Shiretoko are sometimes surrounded by ice floes.
Ogasawara-shoto – 30 islands of various size formed by the protrusions of an ancient volcano. Since the Ogasawara Islands have always been remote from the continent, animals and plants have evolved in their own way. There are over 100 types of indigenous plants and more than 14 kinds of animals that are native to the islands, such as the Ogasawara damselfly, all designated as protected species.
Taketomi – located a ten-minute boat ride away from Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama District, it is known for beautiful beaches and “star-sand” remains of tiny sea animals. The island is known for its traditional Ryukyuan houses, stone walls and sandy streets. Taketomi is a small circular island of about four miles in length, everywhere is within walking distance and there are also various places to rent bikes in the village.
Yakushima – enjoy the unspoiled richness of nature on this mysterious island where time stands still. It rains so much in this area that it is said that it 'rains 35 days of the month.’ Many rare animals and plants can be seen in this area due to the abundance of water and the changes in temperature at different altitudes. The wide range of flora, from coral reefs to alpine plants, and animals that display traits unique to Yakushima such as the Yaku monkey and Yaku deer can make for an interesting visit.
Shirakami Sanchi – a vast primeval beech forest, which is home to a precious population of animals and plants, is just like a forest museum.
Niseko – a large resort area encompassing Mt. Yotei-zan, which looks like Mt. Fuji, and has the Niseko Mountain Range at its center. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports throughout the year, including skiing, hiking and rafting. There are also so many hot springs that it is said to take six days to visit them all.
Okinawa – travelers can enjoy flowers and whale watching in winter and spring, marine sports and traditional performing arts in summer, and cultural events and field sports in fall. Some traditional festivals and events include the Hari Dragon Boat Race in May, an Eisa dance competition during the summer Bon Festival period, as well as tug-of-war competitions held each summer and fall.
