Mount Fuji
The undisputed symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, is a near-perfect volcanic cone rising 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level. Snow-capped for nearly half the year, its breathtaking symmetry has made it the subject of countless works of art, poetry, and photography.
Located just 100 km from Tokyo, Mount Fuji has been a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people embark on the seven-hour climb to its summit. To experience its full spiritual significance, join the Japanese tradition of night hiking and witness the first rays of sunrise from the peak—a moment of pure magic in the "Land of the Rising Sun."
Mount Asama
One of Japan’s most active volcanoes, Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture is famous for its continuous plumes of smoke and stunning alpine scenery.
Starting from the chic mountain town of Karuizawa, Japan’s favorite summer retreat, the 4-hour climb takes you through lush forests, breathtaking panoramic views, and volcanic landscapes. After your hike, unwind in outdoor hot springs at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), surrounded by crisp mountain air.
For a truly otherworldly experience, visit Onioshidashi Park, a surreal landscape of jagged lava formations left behind by Mount Asama’s massive 1783 eruption. Known as "The Place Where the Devils Emerged from the Earth," it’s a must-see for adventure seekers.
Shiretoko Mountains
Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, the Shiretoko Mountains are a UNESCO-listed untamed paradise, home to breathtaking wildlife and rare drifting sea ice.
In winter, embark on an ice-walking adventure, treading across floating ice sheets along the rugged Shiretoko Peninsula. Brave souls can even take polar dips in the freezing waters.
Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall is a remote wonderland hidden gem, a cascading natural hot spring accessible only on foot. Trek through warm river waters that increase in temperature the higher you climb, culminating in a mystical, emerald-green sanctuary known as "Water of the Gods".
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Mount Aso valleys and Mount Aso
In Kumamoto, Mount Aso’s vast 100 km caldera is one of the largest in the world, offering rolling green landscapes and steaming volcanic craters. For an aerial perspective, helicopter tours provide jaw-dropping views of the active crater, while the Aso Volcano Museum unveils the volcano’s deep-rooted connection to Japanese mythology.
One of the area’s unique attractions is its Akaushi cattle, the source of Japan’s famous Wagyu beef. Explore the idyllic plains on horseback, then unwind in volcanic hot springs—including two located inside the crater itself.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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