Green Destinations in Japan

With forests covering an impressive 67% of Japan's overall land mass, you could almost say that the country's representative color is green. It's not just forests that add to the nation's verdant hue, though – lakes, ponds, buildings, and green tea fields also play their part. This list covers five green destinations to explore on your next visit to Japan, if you haven't visited some of them already!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is on many Kyoto travel itineraries, with plenty of folks vying for the perfect "green and serene" Instagram snap. Because of this, getting there early is a must if you want to avoid crowds – many people recommend arriving right as the sun comes up to enjoy the destination in quiet solitude.

Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385

Acros Fukuoka

Acros Fukuoka manages to be both green in color and green from an environmental standpoint. Designed by Argentinian-US architect Emilio Ambasz, the striking building is home to the Fukuoka Symphony Hall, the Fukuoka Cultural & Tourist Information Center, and more. The rationale behind the design was to combine business desires for a profitable use of space, and the public's desire for urban green space.

1 Chome-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001

Okama Crater, Miyagi

Okama Crater is part of Mount Zao, and the massive crater lake gets its name because of its resemblance to a cooking pot. The crater is a popular spot to visit during spring when various alpine flowers are in bloom, which add an extra pop of color to the lake's emerald green waters. The roads leading to the crater are closed during winter because of the region's heavy snowfall, so bear that in mind if you plan to visit.

Kuraishidakekokuyuchinai, Togattaonsen, Zaō, Katta District, Miyagi 989-0916

Green Tea Fields, Shizuoka

As Japan's number one tea producing prefecture, Shizuoka has no shortage of green tea fields to appreciate. For those looking to pair their green tea views with a glimpse of Mount Fuji, try Obuchi Sasaba or Imamiya in the Fuji City area.

1445 Obuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801

Monet's Pond, Gifu

If you feel like this pond looks pretty as a picture, you'd be right – and it was nameless until it gained traction on social media for resembling Claude Monet's art. Take a look at any of the works from his Water Lilies series, and you'll understand why!

441 Itatori, Seki, Gifu 501-2901