Discovering Japan’s Most Unexpected Adventures

Each of Japan’s regions has its own unique adventures that go beyond the usual tourist sights. From whitewater rafting to camel rides, Japan offers a mélange of unexpected adventures.

The Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture has high water levels and swift currents, making it ideal for outdoor adventures throughout the year. Spring and summer are perfect for whitewater rafting, while fall and winter provide magnificent fall foliage and snowscape views on boat trips that include kotatsu (heated tables covered with blankets).

GETTING THERE: The Mogami River is approximately 3.5 hours from Tokyo to the Shinjo Station, via the JR Tohoku-Yamagata Shinkansen Line.

Aso-Kuju National Park offers the thrill of scaling the peaks of the Aso Caldera, one of the largest in the world, spanning 11 miles from east to west, and 15 miles from north to south. The highest peaks
are Takadake (5,223 feet) and Nakadake (4,940 feet). Half-day and full-day tours enable views of the central crater’s acidic, steaming pool of pale turquoise water.

GETTING THERE: Frequent two-hour flights operate between Tokyo and Kumamoto Airport, where visitors can rent a car or hop onto the Kyushu Odan Bus for the 50-minute drive to Aso Station. Alternate routes to Aso Station include taking the Kyushu Odan Bus from Beppu (a 3 hour and 30 min ride) or the Nippo Line to Oita Station and change to the Hohi Line (a 2 hour and 20 min ride).

Stretching almost 10 miles along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes are a marvel. The over 100,000-year-old dunes can reach upwards of 160 feet. Camel rides are recommended for all ages, providing panoramas of the vast seascape as well as the entire dunes.

GETTING THERE: From Tokyo, Osaka and other stations on the JR Tokaido and JR Sanyo lines, change at Himeji to the Super Hakuto Limited Express to Tottori City,
which takes approximately 90 minutes.

ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO)

As the official tourism board, JNTO seeks to inspire international travelers to visit Japan. Focusing on sustainability, diversity and preservation of its history and culture, JNTO encourages travelers to explore the country while supporting local businesses, learning about indigenous cultures, and helping conserve its natural sites.

For more information about travel to Japan, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us or the JNTO pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. To contact the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, please e-mail jntonyc_press@jnto.go.jp.