Japan is a mountainous region by nature, its tallest being Mt. Fuji at 3,776 meters. Here are 5 amazing mountain views that aren’t Mt. Fuji.
1. Adachi Cemetery – Kitakyushu
Kicking off the list with my personal favorite place for mountain viewing, we have the iconic Adachi Cemetery located just at the base of Mt. Komonji.
I never imagined one of the best viewpoints in Japan would be from a cemetery, but I must testify to the amazing blend of forest, city, and mountain that can be enjoyed when you climb up the long staircase of Adachi Cemetery. Truly remarkable!
2. Kokura Wharf Bay – Kitakyushu
The misty mountain scenery of Kokura Wharf Bay is one of the highlights of Kitakyushu prefecture, offering some of the best spectacles of awe and mystery on the southern island of Japan.
Just a short walk from Kokura Castle, this wharf area is an amazing place to sit and relax with a hot beverage as you watch the boats go by and the fishermen doing their thing!
3. Horomitoge Lavender Garden – Sapporo
Often regarded as Japan’s winter wonderland, Sapporo offers stunning snowy mountain views that bear a resemblance to what I would call a “mini Mt. Fuji.”
In particular, the mountains that surround Horomitoge Lavender Garden are quite spectacular, providing a close-up view of pure white snowy peaks and, depending on the season, lavender fields and cherry blossom trees!
4. Enmeiji Rinkai Park – Kitakyushu
Okay, I’m not done talking about Kitakyushu just yet, after all, I need to give an honorable mention to this incredibly magical seaside walk from Kokura Wharf Bay down to Enmeiji Rinkai Park.
The walking path is positioned at the optimal distance from the mountains so that you are close enough to feel their presence quite strongly but far enough that they remain a misty blue color to invoke a feeling of wanderlust along your journey!
5. Mukaijima – Kyoto
Last but certainly not least is the stunning countryside town of Mukaijima, offering brilliant mountainous backdrops that surround the crystal clear waters of the Uji River that flow elegantly through the region.
Akin to a farm-style setting with plenty of large rice fields surrounding the area, this town is about 10 kilometers out from the main city of Kyoto and showcases a more naturally beautiful perspective of Japan’s traditional capital.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!