Japan’s mountains are filled with onsen (hot spring) villages that offer local food, relaxation and outdoor fun all year round. If it’s your first time visiting one this season, here’s what you can expect.
- Seasons
- Summer
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
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.
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.
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 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
Cycling the Kuma Valley
The Kuma River ...
The Mermaids of Mie
Overfishing, oc...
The Epic Northern Tip of the MCT
Hiking the enti...
Life on the Road in Japan
Our family—Xavi...
All Aboard Niigata’s Sake Train
Japan is famous...
- Winter
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
- Summer
- Regions
- Near Tokyo
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.
Ike-Sun Park Farmers Market
The Ike-Sun...
Paradise Found in No Man’s Land
Imagine startin...
Day Hikes from Tokyo
Whether you are...
Peak Cuisine on Mt. Iwatakeishi
Imagine sitting...
- Near Kyoto
Kumano’s Path Less Traveled
A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.
Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san
Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.The Mermaids of Mie
Overfishing, oc...
Take a Trip to the Wild Side : From Kansai to ...
Visitors flock ...
Kansai Canyoning in Kiho
Hidden in t...
- Near Tokyo
- Activities
- Ocean and Beach
The Mermaids of Mie
Overfishing, oc...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.
48 Hours in Katsuura, Chiba
Chiba’s stunnin...
The Landscape Hunter
Interview with ...
The Surfing Life – Hata Style
Intrepid su...
- River and Lake
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” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
The Submerged Forests of ...
Yamagata’s ...
Dig Deeper into Eastern H...
Hokkaido winter...Take a Trip to the Wild S...
Visitors flock ...
- Sky
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.
Shizuoka Road Trip: The Mt. Fuji Loop
As green season...
Hunan’s Floating Mountains
A crisp fo...
Paragliding, Camping and Caves in Japan!
As you drive in...
Q&A with Bungy Japan’s Charles Odlin
Japan’s highest...
- Snow and Ice
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.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.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
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.
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
Venturing into the Garden of the Gods
Japan’s new...
Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...
Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.Kumano’s Path Less Traveled
A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.
Okinawa Forest Adventure
Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.
Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...
Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
- Food and Drinks
Venturing into the Garden of the Gods
Japan’s new...Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...
Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.Kumano’s Path Less Traveled
A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.Okinawa Forest Adventure
Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...
Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
- Races and Events
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!
2023 Autumn Events & Races
RACES Sea to...
DD4D Brewing
In nearly e...
2023 Summer Events and Races
World Aquatics ...
- Ocean and Beach
