Top 5 Outdoor Activities to Try in Japan

Japan is blessed with seasonal natural beauty and a diverse range of natural environments, including oceans, mountains and rivers. This attracts many travellers from home and abroad to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Physical exercise in nature is extremely beneficial for maintaining physical and mental health, and can also be expected to relieve stress and refresh the body. We hope that by delving into the appeal and characteristics of each activity, the places where they are held and the specific ways to enjoy them, you will rediscover the charm of Japan's outdoor scene. The top five outdoor activities in terms of implementation rate within the last three years are as follows.

Best Outdoor Activities to do in Japan

1. Fishing
2. Cycling
3. Mountain Climbing/Trail Running
4. Trekking/Hiking
5. Skiing

1. Fishing

Fishing is a popular outdoor activity in Japan. Japan offers a wide variety of fishing grounds, including sea, river and lake fishing, and you can catch a variety of fish all over the country. The fun of fishing lies not only in the simple act of catching a fish, but also in the series of steps involved in the process of cleaning, cooking and tasting the fish you have caught. Enjoying this whole process gives you a deeper appreciation of the real thrill of fishing. 

The fish that can be caught vary according to the season, so each season can be enjoyed differently. You can enjoy fishing for seasonal fish such as horse mackerel and scorpionfish in spring, sea bass and tuna in summer, squid and sunfish in autumn and cod and flounder in winter. There are endless ways to enjoy fishing all year round. Another attraction of fishing is the sense of achievement when you catch a fish. The thrill of pulling a fish out of the water is a special experience that cannot be experienced in any other outdoor activity.

2. Cycling

Cycling is a popular activity for many people as a great way to keep fit and refreshed. Riding a bicycle through the wind can feel exhilarating and refresh a tired mind and body. Riding in nature also allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, making it an attractive activity for many cycling enthusiasts.

There are many dedicated cycle paths throughout Japan where cyclists can enjoy beautiful scenery. In addition, a wide range of cycling tours and rental cycle services are available, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing and cycling at the same time. Cycling tours are a great way to enjoy hidden gems and delicious food unique to the area, led by local guides. Bicycle rental services help travellers to easily access bicycles, which can be rented at tourist attractions and major train stations.

3. Mountain Climbing and Trail Running

Mount climbing and trail running are also very popular activities that allow people to exercise their physical fitness in nature. Japan is home to many famous peaks, including Mount Fuji, each offering its own unique scenery and trails. Many people are familiar with this activity as it can be enjoyed by climbers of all levels, from low mountains for beginners to high mountains for more advanced climbers. One of the attractions of mountaineering is the spectacular views from the summit. The view down from a high altitude is exceptional and, combined with the sense of achievement you get when you reach the summit, it is an unforgettable experience. 

These activities also allow you to improve your physical fitness in a natural environment. They can be enjoyed by climbers of all levels, from low mountains for beginners to high mountains for more advanced climbers.

One of the attractions of mountaineering is the spectacular views from the summit. The view from a high vantage point is exceptional and, combined with the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the summit, makes it an unforgettable experience. For example, the sunrise and sea of clouds from the summit of Mt Fuji is a spectacular view that should be seen at least once in a lifetime. The mountains of the Northern Alps and the spectacular forests of Yakushima are also great attractions for climbers.

On the way up the mountain, you can enjoy the beauty of nature to the full, from forest bathing in the tree belts to the murmuring of the streams. The weather in the mountains is not always fine, but even if it is not, you can enjoy the ever-changing nature, such as the expanse of the sea of clouds and the peaks peeking through the breaks in the clouds.

4. Trekking and Hiking

Many people love trekking and hiking because they are fun activities that can be done with minimal equipment and in a short time. Unlike mountaineering, which requires heavy equipment and specialized skills, trekking and hiking are relatively easy to start and can be enjoyed by beginners alike. Even if you don't choose a challenging terrain, you can still enjoy the natural scenery of the four seasons at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for people who are not confident about their physical fitness or for those who want to walk little by little for their health. They are also popular leisure activities for families and friends, and is accessible to men and women of all ages. 

They are also highly effective as aerobic exercises, helping to maintain health by burning body fat, improving cardiopulmonary function and strengthening muscular endurance. Walking slowly puts less strain on joints and muscles, so the risk of injury is low and can be continued for a long time regardless of age. In addition, regular hiking will naturally improve your fitness and endurance, allowing you to tackle more challenging trails.

5. Skiing

Skiing is a popular and much-loved winter activity. Japan is home to a number of world-famous ski resorts, which attract skiing enthusiasts from home and abroad. These resorts offer a wide variety of ski courses for both beginners and advanced skiers, as well as ski schools and rental services. The main attraction of skiing is that it can be enjoyed in the vast, silvery white wilderness. Skiing in the snowy mountains offers a sense of freedom far removed from everyday life. 

Enjoying changes in snow quality and subtle differences in terrain offers a unique experience like no other. The spectacular views from the top of the mountain are another major attraction of skiing. On a clear day, you will be captivated by the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and open snowfields.

Conclusion

These are the top five most popular outdoor activities in Japan. Each activity has many attractions that can be gained through contact with and experience of nature. Japan is blessed with four seasons of natural beauty and a natural environment of oceans, rivers and mountains. Many outdoor activities can be enjoyed in this rich natural environment. We invite you to enjoy these activities and enjoy the natural beauty of Japan to the fullest.