To obtain a better understanding of Japan, one must see the country's natural beauty. The spectacular surroundings and immense love for nature found here forms an important part of the culture.
The variety and richness of views you can encounter is impressive. Vast coastlines overlooking oceans and seas, ancient woods, volcanoes, natural hot springs, lakes and rocks – you can enjoy all of them in Japan. I really appreciate the approach to embracing nature here, since places are made to be accessible with minimal intrusion towards the natural landscape. Many scenic views are very popular in the spring and autumn months, when almost all Japanese go out to feast their eyes on the blooming sakura or the colors of the changing leaves.
I used to regularly travel the northern part of Honshu – specifically Nagano and Tohoku. In those regions, you'll find mountains (such as the Hida and Ou ranges) which are partly covered with woods, and the tops dusted with snow. There are many breathtaking views in Tohoku.
Miyagi Prefecture's Matsushima Islands are often considered to be one of the very best landscapes of Japan. There are hundreds of layered islands in intricate shapes scattered across the bay, with pine trees growing on them. A bit further to the north there are even more picturesque places including the rocky landscapes of Yamadera and Naruko Gorge. When travelling there, one can watch flowing streams in stone beds, the beauty of waterfalls, and wild impassable woods.
Tohoku and Nagano are also blessed with numerous natural hot springs, or onsen in Japanese. Small towns often organically incorporate their onsen into the surrounding landscapes. To me, relaxing in an onsen surrounded by nature is the best way to appreciate it!
Most of the temples and shrines of Japan are surrounded by nature. One of the best is in Nikko, surrounded by the Nikko National Park in a wooded mountain environment. In the Oku-Nikko region, there are plenty of ways to connect with nature. You could take a walk around Chuzenji Lake, pay a visit to Kegon Falls, or simply enjoy a hiking trail.
Even in the suburbs of Tokyo there are many picturesque views, and one of them is atop Takao-san. On the way to the top, you'll encounter some beautiful temples. In good weather the top of Fuji-san can be seen from Mt. Takao, but when I visited the view was impeded by clouds. The view of blue ghostly mountains was wonderful nonetheless!
I don't have enough words to describe the feeling of standing on the ocean’s shore or on a mountaintop with a spectacular view before my eyes. It takes my breath away - and that is the real beauty of Japan.
