Lifestyle, Travel

Make Moves to Make Moves Walks in the Nature in Japan: Leave No Trace

Tourists strive to pack as many activities as they can into each day of their trip by planning ahead with packed agendas. However, occasionally we forget to sit down, take a deep breath, and appreciate our surroundings since our lives are already so hectic. That is the essence of Japan. We don’t realize how beautiful nature is until we pause and give it some thought. Japan has breathtaking scenery as well as charming towns; it’s the ideal place to take a moment to appreciate nature.

  1. Shosenkyo Gorge

If you want to take “the scenic route” to a whole new level, stop and admire the views of Shosenkyo Gorge. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, the gorge features a hiking trail that takes you through vibrant plants and rock formations that resemble Mt. Fuji and other figures. Speaking of the mountain, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Japan Alps should you take the ropeway.

To get there, you can go to Kofu Station, a 90-minute ride from Shinjuku Station. From Kofu Station, the rest of the trip is a 40-minute bus ride.

  • Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a walk not to be missed. Mt. Fuji towers over the surrounding view and its reflection fills the caldera lake. Coupled with the Hakone Shrine, the scenery is staggering. Few sights in the world are as breathtaking. You can also go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats or on swan paddle boats that are available for hire.

From Tokyo, Lake Ashinoko can be reached via the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, take a 35-minute bus ride to Motohakone-ko station.

  • Nagatoro

This small town in Saitama Prefecture is a gem waiting to be discovered. Its rich history is nestled in between mountains and trees. Taking a boat ride down the Arakawa River and riding down through the Nagatoro Gorge can soothe any soul, but there are also more intense river rafting rides for those looking for a thrill. Nagatoro is a town designed for outdoor activities and has something for everyone!

Nagatoro can be reached by car through the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or by train through the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro station, both ways taking around an hour and a half.

  • Mt. Horaiji

If you are in the mood for soul-searching, look for the towering Mt. Horaiji. It envelops a forest and lets you experience colors that seem hand-picked by a landscape artist. Found in the Aichi Prefecture, this mountain mixes nature and spirituality, perfect for an introspective walk filled with facts about history and Japanese religion. Only a mountain this majestic can remind us that life is bigger than the things we do and that the beauty of the natural world is unmatched. Horaiji Temple located on the mountain was built in 703 and is believed to have curative powers.

Get to Mt. Horaiji by local bus from Hon-Nagashino Station, or by shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station, transferring to the JR Iida Line to Hon-Nagashino Station.

  • Nunobiki Falls

Nunobiki Falls may be reached by using a meandering path that winds beyond Shin-Kobe Station, passing a few homes and an odd local. One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan; the trek is worthwhile because of the vista from the top. There are several informative signs in English and a herb garden, making it a serene location. The Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway can be used to reach the top of the waterfall and provide an unparalleled perspective of the surrounding vegetation. The location offers a distinctive opportunity to experience peace with nature because it is remote from the typical bustle of Japan.

You may travel from Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station in about 12 minutes by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The falls are 20 minutes’ trek away from there.

Even if racing through urban jungles on vacation is exciting, there are moments when all we need to do is pause and take in the beauty. For those who take the time to search, Japan is blessed with a plethora of natural beauties. Anyone can create amazing memories and capture amazing photos with a little preparation, a talent for scrutiny, and a sense of adventure. To truly enjoy nature, one must seek it out, and in Japan, the land of boundless discovery, there is always more to see.

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