Nature & the Outdoors
Area
Season
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Shikotsu-Toya National Park Premium Private Early Morning and Evening Kayak Tour Carbon Neutral Clean Diving Tour Ice Palace Nanajo Waterfall Premium Night Tour
This is a premium, completely private tour of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido.
Clear kayaking is a daytime activity, but on this premium tour, you will be out there at night or in the early morning.
Watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee as you float on the caldera lake. If the wind is calm, venture out onto Lake Shikotsu and revel in the luxury of having the lake all to yourself before the crowds arrive. Enjoy the clear water while listening to the birds singing around Lake Shikotsu and the headwaters of the Chitose River. In the evening, see what the lake looks like with a nigh-vision scope. You may encounter some of Hokkaido's unique wildlife, such as Ezo deer and Ezo red foxes, and in the summer months, you can see fireflies glistening in the air.
By joining forces with local communities, the Clean Diving Tour will take you to remote locations that are usually under restricted access.
Participants must hold a diving license to perform underwater cleaning activities.
Immerse yourself in the clarity and mysterious beauty of the Lake Shikotsu's waters while taking part in underwater cleaning activities.
Participants will spend the day working to preserve the environment and will receive a certificate of appreciation documenting their activities.
The Nanajo Waterfall Night Tour takes participants to Nanajo Waterfall, which is not accesible by car without a forest entry permit, to observe the ecosystem of plants and animals with a simple-to-use night-vision scope, so as not to disturb the wildlife.
During midwinter, the frozen Nanajo Waterfall will be illuminated. Enjoy winter in Hokkaido by taking in the illuminated snowflakes and the ice sprayed with small, colorful lights.
Be sure to take photos in front of this natural ice palace. -
Make one last memory before you leave Japan at this cherry-blossom festival near Kansai International Airport!
1. When the regular festival comes to a close, special box seats will be set up to allow participants to enjoy gourmet cuisine beneath the cherry blossoms. The meal includes Naniwa wagyu beef, which was served at the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, and sake from Naniwa Sake Brewery, the oldest brewery in Osaka.
2. In addition, there will be 10 days worth of other food-focused events that showcase the delicacies of Hannan. Enjoy the cherry blossoms with light snacks on a special eat-while-you-walk tour.
3. A nighttime event at Jifukuji Temple with a special light display that artfully illuminates the temple's large weeping cherry tree. Complete with reserved seating and a sake tasting held by Naniwa Sake Brewery. -
Yokohama Sakura & Geisha Cruising
In Japan, there is a tradition of enjoying unique seasonal sights and sounds: cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks and cicadas in summer, colored leaves and the harvest moon in autumn, and snow in winter.
On this special tour, you will ride a traditional yakatabune boat with Yokohama Geisha to enjoy Yokohama’s spring pastime of viewing cherry blossoms at night.
The Ōoka River is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Yokohama, and is the perfect place for a cruise. In addition to the trees in full bloom, you can enjoy petals floating on the water’s surface and dancing in the wind like a snowstorm.
The cherry blossoms are not the only riverside sight. The nighttime view of the modern port city of Yokohama is bound to impress with its giant Ferris wheel, Marine Tower, Yokohama Landmark Tower, and other Minato Mirai waterfront structures.
The cruise will serve a unique blend of Japanese and Western cuisine that is befitting of Japan's first modern international trading port. The fresh seafood is sourced from Yokohama and other nearby fishing ports. Local alcoholic beverages such as Yokohama beer and wine will also be served.
Since the opening of Yokohama’s port, the Yokohama Geisha have served foreign guests and developed skills in foreign languages, Western dinner etiquette, and playing Western instruments such as flute and piano. They respect traditional culture but are not bound by it, thereby offering a unique blend of stylish Japanese and Western hospitality in this dinner party on a yakatabune boat. -
Kick back and enjoy the fall colors on one of Japan’s autumn foliage trains
Japan has an abundance of trains, ropeways and cable cars that provide great views of fall foliage, but a ride on the Watarase Keikoku Railway is a truly magical way to enjoy some spectacular autumn colors.
The route, which links Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture with Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, is especially picturesque in autumn when the mountain foliage is transformed into vibrant hues. Following the course of the Watarase River, the line runs through the steep sided Watarase Gorge affording passengers dramatic views over the valley. In addition to regular local trains there are also “torokko” – old-fashioned trolley trains – that include open cars without glass in the windows, so you can enjoy the clearest views. -
Panoramic views and autumnal splendor at Nihondaira
Located in Shizuoka city, Nihondaira is a famous location for visitors to soak in the beauty of Mt. Fuji. The area also provides views of Shizuoka’s renowned tea fields, the Izu Peninsula, the Japanese Southern Alps, Shimizu Port and Suruga Bay – the deepest bay in Japan.
Today, there are new Shizuoka views available with the completion of the Nihondaira Yume Terrace. Constructed with local timber from Shizuoka, the 360-degree observatory constructed by Kengo Kuma & Associates offers incomparable views of Mt. Fuji. The first floor hosts an exhibition showcasing the history and culture of Nihondaira, while the lounge on the second floor offers refreshments including seasonal teas and sweets.