hiking
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Magome Post Town | Nostalgic old streets from the Edo period
Magome was a post town on the Nakasendo Route, which is one of the five routes that connected Edo with rural towns in the 16th-19th century. Pretty postcard-ready views are par for the course here.
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Nakasendo Trail | Unspoiled nature and beautiful countryside
If you are planning to walk a part of the Nakasendo trail to see the pretty old post towns and natural beauty in between, this travel guide will be of use for you.
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Tsumago Post Town | Elegant and beautiful streets with a sense of old Japan
Tsumago is one of the most popular old post towns to visit on the Nakasendo Trail because it is so well-preserved. Learn more about its history and what you can see there today.
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Mt Takao | Easy Hiking Near Tokyo
Mt Takao was introduced in the Michelin Green Guides for Travel and Tourism as a place that is relatively close to the center of Tokyo where you can discover the ‘real Japan’.
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Shimabara, Nagasaki | Beautiful nature and rich tourism resources
Although Shimabara has been plagued by (man-made) disasters in its history, it is a nice town to visit when you are traveling through Kyushu. The upside to being in a seismically active area is that there are many hot springs to be found.
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Iriomote Island, Okinawa | An island of rich and beautiful nature
Iriomote is part of the subtropical Yaemyama island chain in Okinawa, and this paradise for nature-lovers is one of the least populated islands in Okinawa. Find out what you can do here!
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Takachiho, Miyazaki | Beautiful land also called the home of myths
In the deep forests of Kyushu, there’s a village named Takachiho, which is where you can find the famously beautiful Takachiho Gorge. It is easy to imagine how ancient myths originated in this area.
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Mount Aso, Kumamoto | One of the world’s largest calderas and beautiful mountain scenery
Mt Aso is the biggest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest calderas in the world. Some of the most unique views of the world can be seen when you hike in the environment of this mountain.
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Yakushima, Kagoshima | The most beautiful and powerful wilderness
Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southwestern coast of Kyushu. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees called Yakusugi that became a World Natural Heritage Site.
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Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori | Beautiful nature as it is
The sand dunes of Tottori are giant dunes located on the coast of the city of Tottori along Japan’s western coast. They are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park and offer some great activities!
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Yatsugatake, Nagano | Beautiful mountain scenery
Yatsugatake is a mountain range in central Japan where you can enjoy trekking, skiing, and mountain biking. Learn more about this natural paradise in Nagano!
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Kumano Kodo | Walkable and beautiful world heritage
The Kumano Kodo is an impressive pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains with a total length of around 1000km. The routes radiate centering around the Kumano Three Shrines; Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi.
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Juniko Lakes, Aomori | Beautiful cobalt blue pond
The Juniko (12 Lakes) in Aomori are a place of scenic beauty in the middle of a forest area in the mountains. It is a great spot for hiking and discovering flora and fauna in the area.
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Matsushima and Naruko Onsen, Miyagi | Beautiful scenery created by Mother Nature
Matsushima near Sendai on the northern Pacific coast, is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan while still being off the beaten path. Just a one-hour train ride away is resort town Naruko Onsen.
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Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata | Peak of the Gods
The people who practice Shugendo asceticism on Dewa Sanzan are called ‘yamabushi’, and they are probably the most rigorous and stoic people in the history of Japan.
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Yamadera: a Hidden Gem in the Mountains
Yamadera is a temple in a mountainous region of Yamagata. It was founded over a thousand years ago, and now it is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Some of the most amazing views of nature can be seen from Yamadera.
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Yamagata City, Yamagata | A city surrounded by beautiful and magnificent nature
Yamagata City is a centrally located town within a short distance of famous sightseeing areas like Mt. Zao with its onsen, hiking spots, winter sports areas, and Yamadera.
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Oga Peninsula, Akita | Beautiful scenery of sea and mountains
Oga Peninsula, in the western part of Akita, juts out into the Japan Sea in the shape of an ax. Along its coastline are fantastic views of crags and boulders, and it is noted for its beautiful sunsets.
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Kawayu Onsen, Hokkaido | Unusual volcanic hot spring
Kawayu Onsen is a resort of hot springs in the middle of Akan National Park in Hokkaido. It is a good place to stay if you want to discover the natural bounty of the surrounding park.
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Noboribetsu Area, Hokkaido | Unspoiled and beautiful wilderness and activities that make the most of it
The area around Noboribetsu is best known for its mineral-rich hot spring area, but there are other attractions in the region as well. Learn more about this attractive part of Hokkaido.
