Mountain landscapes, island forests and a bird's paradise
Honshu
The Japanese Alps stretch over Honshu,and are easily accessible even on a shorter trip. From the train you can enjoy overwhelmingly beautiful mountain landscapes very comfortably, but the best thing is to put on the hiking boots to enjoy the scents and colours of nature. A visit to the Yamagouchi Onsen should not be missed. Macaques descend the mountain every day to bathe in the hot springs. These monkeys are so used to spectators that they enjoy undisturbed in front of the camera.
Yakushima
The entire island of Yakushima has been declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. There are many options to explore the island's wilderness and forests, from light day walks to arduous trekking. On the way to the top of Mount Kuromidake you will have phenomenal views over the island and the surrounding sea. Less strenuous walks are possible in lower forests full of giant, mossy cedar trees. On a kayak trip across the Anbo River, you can search for monkeys on its banks and for swimming water turtles.
Hokkaido
Bird lovers can enjoy themselves in many places, because Hokkaido is a true bird paradise. There are several bird reserves, so success can almost be guaranteed. The northernmost of the four major islands, especially in winter is a cold, snowy wasteland. But it is also the perfect place to spot cranes,owls and eagles in the wild. As in the Kushiro National Park, a park of no less than 26,000 hectares and home to the country's national symbol, the crane. Another unmissable natural highlight is the Shiretoko National Park.
Since July 2005, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not for nothing, because this is the last piece of real wilderness in Japan and here big and small game lives side by side.
