Discover East Hokkaido's lush nature during a canoe trip on Lake Kusharro and down the Kushiro River.

Hike the path around an active volcano and learn about the area's unique nature.

Learn about Ainu culture and take part in a woodcarving craft workshop with a friendly Ainu couple.

Enter the lush, green woods of the Teshikaga area to discover one of Japan’s wildest and least-explored landscapes.

From brown bears to whales to herds of deer, eastern Hokkaido boasts Japan’s highest density of megafauna. Join a local guide for a chance to spot these fascinating creatures.

Walk the shores of the pristine Lake Kussharo, and if you’re feeling brave enough, get a running start and dive in headfirst for an icy but invigorating jolt!

Eastern Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where temperatures dip low enough to freeze the sea solid. Enjoy this stunning natural phenomena from the safety and comfort of a drysuit.

Speak with local descendants of the area’s indigenous Ainu people and see and hear how their ancestors adapted to life in this remarkable region.

In Japan, coniferous taiga can only be found in Hokkaido. And in winter, these snowy forests become a dream-like wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visit an authentic temple lodge to receive a Yamabushi blessing before entering the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains.

Spend a day in the company of Yamabushi priests and learn about their philosophy of Shugendō, a blending of Zen Buddhism and worship of nature.

Taste the region’s freshest ingredients, including unique vegetables foraged from the local mountains.

Learn techniques for ‘zazen’ seated meditation in the company of real Zen monks.

Dine on authentic ‘shoji ryori’, the delicious, vegetarian cuisine prepared and eaten by Japan’s Buddhist monks for generations.

From how to hold the brush to the proper stroke order, learn calligraphy from a master before trying your hand at writing some beautiful ‘kanji’ characters of your own.

Accompany a local chef as you hike through the local mountains in search of wild vegetables, herbs, roots, mushrooms, and more.

In the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains, stay overnight at a charming, traditional inn famed for their cuisine prepared using only local ingredients.

From snow crab to tiger puffer fish, the cold, rich fishing grounds off Yamagata’s western coast provide tantalizingly fresh seafood rivaling that found anywhere in the country.

Sprawling castle grounds, picturesque geisha districts, samurai neighborhoods - Kanazawa is bursting with historic areas ready to be explored.

Inside the private workshops of some of Kanazawa’s most skilled craftspeople, you’ll create beautiful, handmade pieces as well as lifelong memories.

Visit a local market to gather fresh ingredients before learning how to transform them into a variety of Japanese home-cooking classics, from ‘tamagoyaki’ rolled omelettes to miso soup to sushi rolls.

In Kanazawa, echoes of Japan’s cultural past can be found around every corner, from historic neighborhoods with cobblestone streets to paper lanterns swaying outside of wood-sided teahouses.

Gain insight into the lives of Kanazawa’s craftspeople as you visit their private studios to hear their stories, learn about their craft, and view jaw-dropping works of art.

Providing a serene oasis of calm for the city’s residents for over a century, Kenrokuen Garden is the pride of Kanazawa. This expansive landscape garden is considered one of Japan’s best.

Join an expert local guide to learn about all facets of Kanazawa Castle, from the building techniques used to construct this impressive fortress to the noble rulers who once inhabited it.

Explore the historic Nagamachi District, where the city’s wealthy samurai built their manors. Enter the preserved home of the Nomura Clan, a rare chance to see how Japan’s legendary warriors lived.

Enter the private forge of one of Japan’s few, remaining swordmakers and watch as he transforms raw iron ore into a ‘katana’, as deadly as it is beautiful.

Get a crash course in Kagoshima’s remarkable, volcanic landscape from a local expert, and learn how these natural behemoths continue to shape the lives of the area’s residents.

In the bright sunshine and ocean breezes of Amami Oshima Island, time moves a little slower. Turn off your phone, kick off your shoes, and enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation.

With its warm, clear waters, Amami Oshima Island is the perfect places to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or simply stroll along endless miles of sandy beaches.

Join a local expert for an in-depth look at one of the most volcanically active places in the world.

In the Kirishima area, Mt. Karakuni offers commanding views of the surrounding area, including smoking summits and caldera lakes.

Enriched with volcanic ash, Kagoshima’s soil produces some of Japan’s best fruits and vegetables, from giant ‘daikon’ radishes to the region’s highly prized tangerines.

Growing for thousands of years and to staggering heights, the island’s famed ‘yakusugi’ cedar trees are the undisputed kings of the forest.

The island of Yakushima is truly an ecological marvel. Home to countless species of plants and animals, the abundant primeval forests are the perfect place to get lost among untouched nature.

Deep within Yakushima’s hilly, forested landscapes, lucky hikers may spot exotic birds, sika deer, and even troupes of Japanese macaques.

With soft, white sands and warm waters almost too blue to be believed, Ishigaki’s beaches are the best place to catch some sun and forget about the world for a while.

Paddle your way around rocky coastline lined with tropical vegetation and secret beaches only accessible by sea.

Ishigaki’s warm waters are teeming with sea life, from tropical fish to sea turtles to manta rays. Take the plunge for a chance to encounter these remarkable creatures.

Climb inside a kayak to drift peacefully down a river and explore Iriomote’s wild interior.

Iriomote’s jungle scenery may be its star attraction, but the beaches are second to none. When the jungle adventuring is done, there’s no better place to relax and recover.

Get under the surface of Iriomote, literally! Enter a labyrinthine network of caves to discover stalactites, stalagmites, echoing chambers, pitch-black squeeze points, and more.

Try your hand at centuries-old crafts and connect with the local community to learn more about Okinawan traditions.

Okinawan gastronomy differs significantly from Japanese cuisine due to the islands' unique history. Try some tasty local dishes and learn more about the local food culture.

From kayaking amid the mangroves to hiking through dense forest, explore Okinawa’s wild side.

Deep in the Japanese countryside, walk along a river gorge to uncover quiet temples secreted away in forested hillsides.

Visit the private studios of local artisans to observe techniques and traditions that have been handed down through the generations.

Far from the well-trodden tourist areas of Tokyo and Kyoto, you’ll encounter a more authentic Japan seldom seen by visitors.

At Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, learn about Japan’s native religion of Shinto and the invisible spirits known as ‘kami’ that inhabit nearly every object, both big and small.

Explore a charming ‘onsen’ town for a chance to soak in one of the many local, volcanically heated, nutrient-rich hot spring baths.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s tourist meccas, you’ll have a rare opportunity to slow down and truly immerse yourself in the unrivaled tranquility of the countryside.

From Shinto gods to local folk heroes, Shimane’s history is a rich tapestry of religion and mythology just waiting to be discovered.

Rub shoulders with the locals at a nearby shrine while watching a lively, nighttime ‘kagura’ performance.

Visit the studio of a master ‘kagura’ mask maker to see firsthand how these intricate works of art are made.