Beyond Fuji: Japan’s natural wonders
Posted 20 November, 2019
Samuel Smith
When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the buzzing city streets of Shibuya, awash with neon lights.
Or maybe your stomach takes over, concocting images of fresh sushi and steaming bowls of ramen. You might even be swept up in the mysticism of Kyoto and its ancient temples.
Chances are, tropical beaches, glistening snow fields and gigantic golden sand dunes aren’t on your radar.
But they should be.
Outside sprawling metropolises like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, natural beauty shines.
Follow the trail less travelled and discover 5 of Japan’s most stunning natural wonders.
1. Hitachi Seaside Park
Just outside the city of Hitachinaka, an ever-changing blanket of wildflowers stretches across the beautiful Ibaraki coast.
The 350-hectare Hitachi Seaside Park changes colour with the seasons. In spring, thousands of nemophila – affectionately nicknamed baby blue eyes – mimic clear, sunny skies, while in autumn, a sea of spindly kochia bushes turn from green to blood-red.
The best times to visit Hitachi Seaside Park are from April to mid-May, and early to mid-October. Stroll along one of the park’s many criss-crossing paths, taking in a floral kaleidoscope of colours and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
How to get there: To get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo, take a Joban Line train to Katsuta Station, then transfer to a bus. The trip will take just over 2 hours.
2. Tottori Sand Dunes
Only in Japan would you ride a pink and white polka dot-saddled camel across a desert oasis.
Part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, the Tottori Sand Dunes span 16km and stretch to heights of 90 meters.
The dunes formed over 1000s of years, as sand from the Sendai River gradually washed out to sea and piled up along the coast.
Today, you can explore them by foot, by camel or, if extreme sports are your thing, by sandboard or paraglider. You’ll also find a uniquely Japanese sand museum nearby, exhibiting massive, multi-storey-high sculptures.
According to the museum’s producer, Katsuhiko Chaen, each artwork embodies “unprecedented creative man-made beauty”.
How to get there: To get to Tottori from Osaka, catch the Super Hakuto express train to Tottori Station. The trip will take 2.5 hours.
3. Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
In the frigid mountains of Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture, snow monsters roam free.
Zao Onsen – a popular ski resort and hot spring – is one of the only places in Japan where juhyo (ice trees) can be spotted. These snow-covered giants are born when super-cooled water droplets hit coniferous trees and freeze instantly.
Meet them, if you dare, by riding the ropeway from Zao Sanroku Station.
Snow monsters aside, Zao’s ski resort is one of the oldest in Japan and offers a variety of courses suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the volcanic waters of Zao Onsen. You’ll find a variety of bath houses around town, from traditional community baths to modern, private pools.
How to get there: To get to Zao Onsen from Tokyo, catch the Yamagata Shinkansen (bullet train), then transfer to a bus. The trip will take just over 3 hours.
