Traveling to the Middle East is a mystical adventure, delving into culture, visiting imperial temples, majestic landscapes, it can be fascinating and despite being such a small nation on this continent, Japan has many natural attractions that are worth knowing.
1. Shiraito Falls
It is located very close to the five lakes and Mount Fuji, in the Shizuoka Prefecture and since 1936 it is a Protected Natural Monument. The landscape looks like a postcard due to the combination of colors that make up the waterfalls and the lush vegetation that surround them.
2. Five Fuji Lakes
It seems like a hand-painted painting due to the amount of colors and shades that are combined in this beautiful landscape, which during the spring is covered with pink moss known as shibazakura.
These lakes were formed after the eruption of the Fuji Volcano and are located at the base of this sacred mount.
3. Hanami or Cherry Blossoms
The contemplation of cherry blossoms is an authentic spiritual experience of relaxation, so much so that the Japanese make a festival known as "Hanami" during the months of March and April, when the beauty of the gardens is combined with the natural flowering of these trees.
4. Giant Torii on Miyajima Island
It can only be accessed by train and ferry when the tide goes out and when the tide rises, the Torii seems to float on the sea, which makes it a landscape worthy of admiration, not for nothing has this site been a World Heritage Site since 1996.
5. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
It is one of the most spiritual places on the planet, perhaps due to the combination of sensory effects that occur with the penetration of the sun's rays and the gentle sound of the wind when the leaves of the lush bamboo trunks sway, which make the place a mystical space.
It is located in the town of Kamakura, northwest of Kyoto, it is home to more than 50 varieties of Bamboo and the best time to visit is during autumn when the leaves are in their fullness.
6. Mount Fuji
This majestic watchman is the most emblematic symbol of Japan and the most beautiful landscape it offers can be seen from the Chureito pagoda, in the Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Mount Fuji is the highest peak in the country and on days when there is not much fog, it can be seen from Tokyo.
7. Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku Ji
It is a Zen Temple whose landscape resembles that of a postcard, as it is reflected in the pond called Mirror of Water, and is part of the set of historical monuments of Kyoto.
It was built in 1387 and the outer walls of the two floors are covered with gold leaf; in 1994 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
8. Kamikoshi Landscape
It is a valley located in the highlands and is surrounded by high peaks, also known as the Japanese Alps. If you like hiking or outdoor walks, the landscapes of this place will fascinate you.
9. Kumano Kodo
It is a millenary path that connects three Shinto shrines formed by mountain trails of spectacular beauty. Despite being a very old pilgrimage route, it is still preserved. Walking around here is a unique and spiritual experience for those who love nature.
10. Nara landscapes
In Nara you will be able to appreciate the most beautiful landscapes of Japan, as it is a place that still preserves the spirit of traditional Japan in its streets, its architecture and its natural elements. It is an unmissable visit on your trip to this City of the Rising Sun.
11. Mount Asai
It is a destination very visited by tourists, in the summer for its landscapes and in the winter for its snowy paths, since it is very easy to climb and it is not necessary to have equipment or special skills. It rises to 2,290 meters and is the highest peak on Hokkaido Island.
12. Shibu Onsen
The hot springs - Onsen - were sheltered by the Japanese since ancient times, when there was no notion of medicinal treatments, and were used to heal injuries or treat diseases.
Today they are part of Japanese culture and have become places of entertainment and relaxation; he Onsen most famous is Shibu, which is located in the city of Nagano; and it is the only one where you can see wild monkeys enjoying thermal baths.
13. Kerama Islands
It is a group of 22 islands located 32 kilometers southwest of the island of Okinawa, only 4 of them are inhabited, which makes them an attractive habitat for numerous marine species, such as the humpback whale that can be appreciated during winter.
These islands attract visitors from all over the world who practice diving.
14. Nashi Falls
A majestic Buddhist Temple has guarded this endless waterfall for years, behind which an imposing wall of rocks rests.
It measures 133 meters high and is the highest waterfall in the country, it is located in the prefecture of Wakayana, on Honshü Island and is also part of the Japanese heritage of sites that are World Heritage Sites.
15. Yakushima
It is located in Kyushu, near the city of Kagoshima and among other attractions, it is worth visiting for the amount of onsen -hot springs- it houses.
These are just some of the landscapes that are worth knowing in the Country of the Rising Sun, whose inhabitants are so respectful of their environment, who have known how to maintain their beauty for the pleasure of travelers and those who seek experiences that only nature can provide.
Let us know in the comments which of these sites you would like to visit soon.
