A commonly asked question among Japan travellers is what activities are available for the outdoorsy or adventurous types, so here’s my answer!
If you’re anything like me, then your main driving force for coming to Japan is for the outdoors. From spectacular mountain ranges to exclusive species of nature and wildlife, there is so much that Japan has to offer for the adventurous types. The best part is that there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Japan, no matter the season!
Take a Hike!
My favorite outdoor activity in Japan is, by far, hiking. More than anywhere I’ve been to in the world, Japan seems to have the most mountain hikes that are within easy access from its main cities. Whether it’s Kyoto City’s Mt. Daimonji or Sapporo’s Mt. Moiwa, there is always a nearby mountain to hike that offers a good workout and a spectacular view from the summit!
Hit the Slopes!
During winter, Japan has countless ski resorts available in areas such as Yuzawa, Nagano, and, of course, Sapporo, home of the 1972 Winter Olympics. I had the privilege of skiing at the GALA Yuzawa ski resort in Niigata back in 2014, and boy, was it a blast! I’m not a huge fan of chasing thrills, but skiing down the snowy mountains of Niigata at full speed was absolutely exhilarating, and the adrenaline was just awesome!
Surf’s Up!
Japan isn’t just great for winter activities, but summer too! You can hit up their stunning mountain-side beaches, such as Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach near Tokyo or Lake Biwa’s Omi-Maiko Beach on the cusp of Kyoto and Shiga. Japan’s summer can be absolutely brutal in terms of temperature and humidity, so cooling off with a swim or surf is definitely the way to go! For more information on how to make the most of the Japanese summer, check out my article -> Summer in Japan – 5 activities to make the most of the rising sun!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!