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    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
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        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
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        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Food and Drinks
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
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        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

Hanami Guide and Map

“I wish to die under a cherry blossom tree, In full bloom under a full moon in spring.” ~ Saigyo

Before you can truly experience Japan, you must see, sip and sing your way through hanami, the annual cherry blossom festivities in Japan. Japanese cherry blossoms are a fickly and fleeting flowers, and the exact time of hanami depends on a variety of factors including temperature and location in Japan. Use our hanami map and guide as to find when the pink blossoms will be coming your way.

OKINAWA

Yaedake
Motobu, Okinawa
Yaedake Sakuranomori Park is known as having Japan’s earliest cherry blossom festival starting around Jan. 15.

KYUSHU

Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto-city, Kumamoto
More than 600 cherry trees; open until 9pm during hanami season.

Tateyama Park
Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki
More than 700 sakura trees.

Okajo Koen
Takeda-city, Saga
More than 2,500 sakura trees. One of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

SHIKOKU

Kochi Koen
Kochi-city, Kochi
More than 300 sakura trees. Also, during the Bonbori Festival, lanterns are lit in the center of town and around the castle to mark the beginning of Kochi’s hanami season.

Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama-city, Ehime
More than 300 sakura trees adorn this hilltop castle. At night the castle tower is spectacularly lit up.

Kameyama Koen
Marugame, Kagawa
More than 1,000 sakura trees

Seibu Koen
Tokushima-city, Tokushima
More than 500 sakura trees.

Matsue Castle
Matsue-city, Shimane
Built in 1611, the castle attracts people for picnics and to view the more than 400 sakura trees.

CHUGOKU

Hiroshima Peace Park
Hiroshima, Hiroshima
The peace park is home to more than 300 sakura trees.

Tsuyama Kakuzan Koen
Tsuyama, Okayama
More than 5,000 sakura trees!

KINKI

Maruyama Park
Kyoto City, Kyoto
Perhaps Kyoto’s most popular public park for hanami.

Heian Shrine
Kyoto City, Kyoto
The garden behind the main shrine building contains many shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees). Entrance to the garden is ¥600.

Kyoto Hirano Shrine
Kyoto City, Kyoto
More than 500 sakura trees.
Free Admission

Himeji-jo castle
Himeji, Hyogo
Japan’s most beautiful castle forms the perfect setting for the hundreds of cherry trees in the surrounding park. Entrance to the outer castle grounds is free.

CHUBU

Takato Koen
Takato, Nagano
More than 1,500 sakura trees.

Takada Koen
Joetsu, Niigata
More than 3,400 sakura trees are lit up at night.

Nagoya Castle
Nagoya, Aichi
The castle provides a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding park, which has many cherry trees. The entrance fee to the castle includes the park and is ¥500.

KANTO

Omiya Koen
Saitama-city, Saitama
More than 500 sakura trees.

Chidori-ga-fuchi Minakami Park
Kudanshita, Tokyo
About 300 trees around the moat of the old castle are lit up at night. Enjoy a boat ride or stroll over to Yasukuni Shrine.

Yasukuni Shrine
Kudanshita, Tokyo
About 1,000 trees. Three cherry trees at the shrine are used by the Meteorological Agency as the standard for forecasting the cherry blossom season.

Yoyogi Koen
Shibuya, Tokyo
One of the livelier places to enjoy hanami, although the quieter Sakurano-sono (cherry blossom garden) is located between the South Gate and the Shibuya Gate.

Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku, Tokyo
1,500 trees. Take a break from shopping and enjoy the many types of cherry and plum trees. There are also French, British and Japanese gardens.

Jingu Gaien (Meiji Jingu Outer gardens)
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
About 500 trees.

Sumida Park

Asakusa, Tokyo
More than 1,000 trees. The park features a 1 km. row of trees along the river.

Inokashira Park
Musashino, Tokyo
About 500 trees. Cherry trees surround the pond and there is a boat ride available, but be prepared for a long wait during the season.

Ueno Park
Ueno, Tokyo
About 1,200 cherry trees one of Tokyo’s largest parks. Also home to the National Museum and Ueno Zoo.

Kamonyama Koen
Yokohama, Tokyo
About 2,000 trees. This hilltop park gives can be a peaceful place to relax and enjoy hanami.

TOHOKU

Ogawara
Ogawara-city, Miyagi
More than 900 sakura trees.

Mogami Park
Mogami, Iwate
More than 10,000 sakura trees.

Hirosak-jo Castle
Hirosaki-city, Aomori
More than 2,600 sakura trees.

Kakunodate
Akita
This city is famous for its samurai district. It is also full of shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees) that line the river.

HOKKAIDO

Matsumae Park

Matsumae, Hokkaido
More than 10,000 sakura trees.

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