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Japan is much more than temples, skyscrapers, and cherry blossoms. To get to know the true soul of this island nation, you should head to the best adventure destinations in Japan, and there are a lot! There are plenty of less-visited places that beckon you off the tourist-laden streets and deep into the natural heart of the islands when you know where to look. 

Japan’s most adventurous destinations have all kinds of experiences to offer you, from volcano hikes to kayaking or rappelling deep, narrow gorges to biking winding cycling routes and following ancient pilgrimage trails. 

I’ve found that Kyushu, Honshu, and Okinawa are some of the best places to have a real adventure in Japan. If the idea of visiting Japan solo or venturing beyond the usual tourist sites intrigues you, you can read about my experience here: How I Spent 8 Days Solo Traveling in Japan Off the Beaten Path. 

Take a look at some of the best adventure destinations in Japan below! 

• Kyushu
• Hike the Mt. Aso volcano summit loop
• Visit Kurokawa Onsen hot springs
• Kayak & hike Takachiho Gorge
• Honshu
• Mt. Fuji adventures & Shiraito Falls
• Skiing in the Japanese Alps
• Hiking Mt .Yari
• Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
• Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road
• Okinawa
• Yambaru Forest & Hiji-Otaki Waterfall
• Kayaking through mangroves
• Jungle treks & canyoning
• Wild camping

Kyushu: Mt. Aso Volcano, Hot Springs & Takachiho Gorge

Kyushu Island is home to the majestic Mt. Aso volcano, one of the world’s largest with a caldera that spreads over 15.5 miles at its widest. Its ancient eruptions reached all the way to the Takachiho Gorge, a beautiful spot that feels almost enchanted with lush greenery and vines draping steep rock walls that hug the Gokase River.

Mt. Aso Volcano Hike

I hiked Mt. Aso during my last solo trip to Japan (watch the video here). It was incredible. The sheer size of the caldera was mind-blowing and entire towns lay out in the 75-mile circumference! Within Aso-Kuju National Park, the Mount Nakadake-Mount Takanade Loop is perfect to start exploring and make your way up the highest of Mt. Aso’s peaks and the central cone. 

It’s a 5.8-mile loop trail, moderately challenging, and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to finish if you move at an average pace. 

The trail is steep and you may run into slippery rocks along the way, but reaching the overlook to look down at the caldera as it billows smoke and gas is one of those rewarding moments we hope for on the search for adventure.

Kurokawa Onsen Hot Springs

Hot springs count as an adventure after an exhilarating volcano hike, right? Head just over an hour north to reach the Kurokawa Onsen hot springs, a haven for soaking and relaxing sore muscles that the best adventures can bring on. 

If you’re embracing your adventurous side, you can go into the hot springs nude—the traditional way. There are some customs in Japan that should be followed—since bathing suits can harbor germs, it’s best to do what the Japanese do and shower before and after you dip in the springs. Leave your suit in your room! Most ryokans seperate men and women into separate areas and some also have private rooms for rent for families or people with tattoos. 

Hiking & Kayaking Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is about an hour and 15 minutes from the Kurokawa hot springs, and it’s well worth extending your time in Kyushu a little longer to visit it. 

This gorge was formed and shaped by the volcanic forces and eruptions of nearby Mt. Aso, carving a deep, narrow canyon animated by waterfalls and the turquoise Gokase River at the bottom. Intense green plants and vines hang from the sides of the gorge, fertilized and fed by the rich volcanic soil from Aso’s long-ago eruptions. 

There are a few ways to get the full Takachiho Gorge experience. On my last trip, I hiked the path around the edge of the gorge. Another option is renting a boat to explore the gorge and its lush beauty, getting a closer look at the gorgeous waterfalls that pour over the edges. Boat rentals are available daily but sometimes close due to water levels in the river. Reservations can be made in advance on the official website. 

Honshu: Mt. Fuji, Skiing in the Japanese Alps, & Pilgrimage Trails

The island of Honshu is beyond iconic, with the dominating presence of Mt. Fuji creating its unique topography that makes it a great spot for hiking, climbing, skiing, and enjoying the area’s hot springs. You can visit any time of year (I last came in April), but if you want to ski, the season runs from early December to early May.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center & Shiraito Falls in the heart of Shizuoka

Mt. Fuji (Japan’s tallest volcano) stands as a symbol for Japan in the Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s open for climbing in the summertime, but just taking in the famous views from the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center observation deck is amazing. Walk around to old Oshi homes, lakes, and waterfalls in this massive WHS. 

I recommend visiting Shiraito Falls in the southwestern foothills. Otodome Falls is on your way, and Shiraito is just a short walk off the road, spinning ribbons of silky water from a 20-meter cliff. You can also spend the night glamping at the Mt. Fuji Eco Tours which has a few well appointed tents, a BBQ area, and lounge with views of Mt Fuji. I stayed at their rental property while visiting Shizuoka and learning about all the areas ecotourism. You can watch the video here to see more: Glamping Under Mt. Fuji!

Skiing in the Hakuba Valley

In the Nagano Prefecture, the Hakuba Valley is a famous skiing village with about 10 resorts in the Northern Japanese Alps. Between December and May, it’s ski season with abundant snowfall. Outside of the season, it’s a great place for hiking.

The 1998 Winter Olympics were hosted here, and you can still visit a stadium built for the occasion at the Happo-one resort. Hot springs offer a great way to warm up after you hit the slopes!

Summiting Mt. Yari

Up for a challenge? Hike Mt. Yari, one of the most famous of Japan’s Northern Alps. The pointed 10,433’ peak is near Nagano Prefecture. There are several trailheads and while a day hike is possible, I’d recommend staying overnight in the mountains so you can slow down and enjoy it. You can climb Mt. Yari from Kamikochi through Karazawa (two days) for a beginner-friendly hike that still rewards you with those stunning views.

Walking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

Another adventure on Honshu is the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. This network of trails leads to the Kumano Sanzan: Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Follow across the Kii Peninsula from Tanabe through the mountains of Wakayama, just south of Kyoto, to the Fudarakusan-ji Temple. 

You can walk as much or as little of the route as you’d like. Bring your pack and make your way along the trail, stopping at villages and guesthouses set up along the way. Reach the Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrines to complete it.

You’ll pass hot springs, waterfalls, and traditional ryokans along the way. It’s a great way to experience the more intimate side of Japan.

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road

Cyclists will want to follow the Shimanami Kaido cycling road that starts in Onomichi City. The full route crosses six Japanese islands, ending at the smallest (Shikoku). This is a great way to feel the wind on your face, get some exercise, and see the gorgeous Seto Inland Sea region up-close on a 43.5-mile trail. 

Plan on riding for about 10 hours to complete the trail with time to stop at the tourist areas and overlooks along the way. You’ll cross one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, the Kurushima Bridge. There’s even a special hotel just for cyclists on the route (Hotel Cycle, Onomichi U2 building)!

Check out this 1 day cycling tour from Onomichi to Imabari that includes a guide, bike rental and 7 destinations along the route. 

Okinawa: Yambaru Forest Hikes, Canyoning, & Kayaking

The birthplace of karate has a distinct cultural heritage and tons of adventurous options to get out and explore forests, beaches, waterfalls, and rappelling down steep canyons. 

Exploring Yambaru Forest

The massive Yambaru Forest in Yambaru National Park is a hotspot for thrills, but you can also enjoy the quiet beauty of the lush vegetation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow a boardwalk down on the Hiji-Otaki waterfall trail (about 40 minutes) and watch it plummet 84’ down. You’ll encounter wildlife like scarab beetles, frogs, and an awesome variety of birds. 

The Jawbone Ridge Loop is another popular trail in the park with a Hard difficulty rating. You’ll navigate with ropes in sections and it’s nearly a 4-hour hike. 

Kayaking Through Mangroves

In the Yambaru region on the main island, you can join a kayaking tour or rent a kayak to paddle the Keisaji River and its dense, tangled network of mangroves. This is where the jungle meets the ocean, and the wildlife and marine life here are spectacular (crabs, reef fish, mudskippers, and more). 

Some tours follow all the way out to the Pacific, where you can test your mettle on the open ocean after emerging through the mangrove forest.

Jungle Treks & Canyoning

Canyoning is popular on Okinawa, with some steep rocky walls opening up to raging waterfalls, tranquil pools, and technical sections that get climbers and rappellers excited. On a tour, it’s easy to get all the equipment you need to trek through the jungle and follow a riverbed upstream, climbing rocks and traversing the river as you go. 

Tataki Falls in Yambaru National Park is a popular spot for canyoning, and you’ll find a rope swing where you can zip out over the river for a truly unique experience. Arrange to rappel down the waterfall and get misted with spray on the way down! 

Wild Camping

What’s more fun than wild camping while you’re taking Okinawa on full-force? Okinawa allows wild camping with a few exceptions: no private property, no areas marked against camping or trespassing, and you can’t camp at national or cultural sites (like cemeteries). 

The northern beaches are one of the most popular places for people to wild camp in Okinawa, so find a secluded beach, bring a tent and fishing rod, and let the modern world slip away on your Japanese adventure. 

Visit the Best Adventure Destinations in Japan

Summiting the massive Mt. Aso and heading deep into Takachiho Gorge on Kyushu, journeying to the storied foothills of iconic Mt. Fuji on Honshu, and venturing into lush jungles and canyons weeping with waterfalls on Okinawa can all be on your list. The best adventure destinations in Japan can offer everything from heart-pounding thrills to a fulfilling sense of accomplishment and peace. 

After my last trip to Japan, it’s a place I’d enthusiastically recommend to any adventurous traveler. This country has a lot more to offer than is obvious at first glance, and while you’ll want to enjoy some of the tourist-centric activities and destinations, you’ll be so glad you took the path less traveled and went out into the islands in search of real adventure.

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