8 Nature Escapes You Have to Try When in Japan: Drift Ice Walking, Melon Picking, & More!

Looking to escape the tall skyscrapers and busy streets of Japan during your vacation? There’s no better way to recharge the mind, body, and spirit than enjoying the fresh air and spectacular panoramas of Japan’s scenic countryside. With so many great options for Japan’s natural landscapes to visit, it can be challenging to narrow down the next stop on your itinerary. Don’t worry, we’ve created a list of exciting nature experiences to check out – no matter what season you visit! 

Covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests, Iriomote and Ishigaki Island is one of the best places in Okinawa to experience the wonders of the great outdoors. Both locals and tourists alike frequent the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park for the variety of outdoor experiences they can try within the landmark. The surrounding bodies of water allow visitors to both sea and river kayak, as well as snorkel, scuba dive, and swim at the beach. Hiking enthusiasts may want to challenge the various hiking trails on the island - the most renowned trail is one that starts at the Campire Waterfall on the Urauchi River and spans 20km, taking you on an adventure through the interior of the island. 

If you’re looking for a twist to the usual visit to Iriomote  and Ishigaki, we highly recommend checking out the star and jungle night experience! This tour takes you on a trek into the mangrove forest to explore the island’s jungle landscapes by night and meet the wildlife who call the forest their home. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled along the way for encounters with rare and fascinating subtropical creatures like the coconut crab! 

The popular Lake Shikotsu is one of Shikotsu-Toya National Park’s two caldera lakes, formed from collapses in the earth after volcanic activity occurred in the area. Most of the area is undeveloped except for Shikotsu Kohan, a destination small tourist town where people can enjoy fun outdoor experiences like cycling, scuba diving, and kayaking along the western portion of the lake. 

While the other activities on our list may be serene river cruises or treks along the forest, those who prefer a bit more high-energy action on the water may want to try out a clear-bottomed kayaking experience on Lake Shikotsu. What’s great about the kayak experience is that you can enjoy two different perspectives of the lake while you paddle – one from above the water and another from the clear bottom of the kayak! 

Home to the world’s largest primeval beech forest, Shirakami-Sanchi is often flocked to by visitors for the beautiful untouched nature the landmark has been able to well-preserve. The World Natural Heritage Site’s dense forest of beech trees creates spring water to help support the life of the rich flora and fauna of the area. The clear cool spring water and lush green woodlands of Shirakami Sanchi have made river trekking a must-do experience for anyone that wants to reconnect with Mother Nature again when in Japan! 

What we loved most about the experience (aside from the animals we spotted along the way!) was the swimming stop where we could wade in the pristine river water – definitely a great idea when you’re in need of some cooling down from the hot weather. 

The sweet flavours of the summertime are calling with the iconic melons of Shizuoka! Aside from tea, the prefecture is famously known for its signature musk melon or the “King of Fruits” in Japan. What’s the difference between these and your usual melons, you ask? This premium melon can be much sweeter and juicer than the honeydew melons and cantaloupes that we’re used to eating, making it a popular refreshing dessert when battling the rising heat of the season!

Travellers can enjoy eating these tasty melons and also visit the farms they’re cultivated and grown in with fun fruit-picking experiences around the area. We particularly loved visiting the farm because you get a chance to interact with the actual farmers that grow the musk melons! They’ll show you where you can pick the fruit and answer your questions about the farm and how the melons are grown. A delicious summer treat and an opportunity to learn about the local culture of Shizuoka? Sign us up! 

While Okinawa offers diving enthusiasts many spots to enjoy the beautiful underwater world of the Pacific Ocean, those that prefer not to take a dip in the cold blue waters still have a chance to meet the fascinating sea creatures of the island! From December to April, majestic humpback whales gather off the coast of Zamami Island, about 40km west of Okinawa, to swim around the area. 

Humpback whale watching has become a popular activity during this season as there is a high chance you’ll not only see the sea creatures travel alongside your boat but spot dolphins swimming by as well! We were particularly in awe when we were able to see water blow from their spouts, at about 3-5m high. The refreshing roundtrip cruise from the island and encounter with the friendly sea creatures made for a memorable day out! 

While the historic Goshikinuma Ponds of Fukushima are a popular tourist attraction during the summer and spring seasons, did you know that it’s actually recommended to visit the famed colorful ponds during different times of the year? Formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888, the colors of the Goshikinuma Ponds change throughout the year due to factors like the weather, time of day, season, point of view, and level of volcanic substance contained in the water. 

When winter comes in, the ponds’ are particularly magical as their colours darken and deepen against the snowy white woodlands scenery. Our recommendation on the best way to explore the area is by joining a snowshoeing tour of the ponds. Snowshoeing is a fun and simple winter activity that’s easy to do, especially for families traveling with children. You’ll surely be rewarded with awe-inducing views of the magical lakes, and also the smiles of your loved ones enjoying the winter adventure! 

River cruises may seem like an activity usually done during the spring and summer months, but when in Hokkaido, sailing down the Obihiro River during the winter is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on if you really want to experience the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes. The season usually sees the arrival of migratory birds, like whooper swans from Siberia, in the area. The picturesque backdrop of the birds flying overhead with the snow-capped trees of the forest makes for an unforgettable sight as you cruise the river. 

Consider joining the river cruise’s night schedule, as Obihiro’s serene and scenic evening surroundings actually add more to the feeling of peacefulness. The evening experience will have you immersed in the quietness of the river, only enjoying the sounds of the water, breeze, and animals moving in the dark.

On a clear day, the cruise becomes even more magical because you’ll be traveling under the glow of the moonlight and a sky full of stars. If a peaceful nature escape is what you’re after for your Japan trip, this is definitely the experience for you!

Considered to be one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful and unspoiled national parks, Shiretoko National Park is a must-visit, especially during the winter season! The park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula and is home to diverse wildlife of brown bears, deer, foxes, and more. During winter, Shiretoko becomes even more captivating as it becomes one of the northern hemisphere’s southernmost regions to experience drift ice or ryuhyo in Japanese. The astounding natural phenomenon of Shiretoko makes it one of Japan’s World Heritage Sites due to its great importance to nature and the peninsula’s ecosystem. 

The exciting part? You can actually walk on the drift ice! Travellers can experience the drifting ice up close with a trek on the frozen sea, alongside a professional guide and wearing a dry suit. The experience will have you crossing the sea and walking from one piece of ice to another. See and appreciate the drift ice move and change shape while you travel, transforming due to the wind and waves. Our favourite moment was climbing up the mounds of snow and ice – the perfect winter wonderland experience! 

Looking for more inspiration for your escape to Japan’s scenic wonders? Check out our handy list of experiences to try when in Japan or if you’re exploring western Japan check out our Setouchi and San’in experiences not to miss for attractions to miss during your visit! With the countless attractions, experiences, and sights Japan has to offer, you definitely won’t run out of exciting things to do on your adventure!