7 Unmissable Outdoor Activities In Japan For Thrill Seekers

Popularly known as “the Land of the Rising Sun,” Japan has a diverse geography and rich natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers. The country is beloved worldwide for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. The stunning cherry blossoms, traditional tea ceremonies, samurai culture, advanced technology such as bullet trains and robotics, as well as the anime and manga industries, draw millions of visitors to its shores every year. From huge mountains to vibrant marine life, here are seven of the best outdoor activities you can do in Japan.

Race Through The Streets Of Okinawa

Okinawa’s street karting experience is one of the most fun things you can do in Japan. For an hour or two, you will be guided along the city streets dressed up as one of your favourite anime or cartoon characters. This is a unique way through which you can explore the island but keep in the mind that you must have your Japanese or international driver's license with you to avail of the experience.

Hiking Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan's highest peak and a literal symbol of the country. Standing at 3,776 metres, there are various ways one can reach the summit, the most popular of which is the Yoshida Trail. The climb takes approximately five to seven hours to the top and another three to five hours to descend. There are plenty of mountain huts available for visitors to stay overnight. There is no fee to hike Mount Fuji but a voluntary donation of USD 7 (approximately INR 585.83) is recommended for maintenance and facilities.

Best time to visit: July to early September (official climbing season)

Explore The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyōto is popularly known for its unreal and calming atmosphere, with towering bamboo stalks moving slowly in the air. It's the best place for photographers keen on capturing scenic vistas. The grove is located near Tenryū-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where monkeys move freely.

Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds. The grove is open 24 hours a day.

Parasailing From Naha Or The North Of Okinawa

Parasailing surely deserves a spot among the top outdoor activities to do in Japan. Board a sea boat and strap into a canopy wing to experience what it's like to fly while taking in the views. Marvel at Okinawa’s stunning coastline and azure waters from 50 metres above land—we guarantee it will be an experience like no other.

Cycling On The Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido is a 70-kilometre-long cycle route that connects the Japanese islands of Honshū and Shikoku via a series of bridges. The route offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and takes you through charming island towns. The well-maintained network is marked and is replete with rest stops, rental stations and local canteens along the way. Completing the entire route takes around seven to 10 hours, depending on your fitness level. You can hire electric bikes and tandem bikes.

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best due to the pleasant weather.

Snorkelling And Diving In Okinawa

Okinawa’s clear and warm waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles and manta rays. Thus, it is a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers looking to get up close and personal with the underwater ecosystem. The best places to do so are the Kerama Islands, Ishigaki and Miyako-jima, where visibility can exceed 20 metres. You can avail of diving courses and book guided snorkelling tours.

Best time to visit: April to November

Experience Great Views With SUP

Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is an easy-to-learn and relaxing water sport that involves standing on a longboard and using a kayak paddle to glide across calm waters. The best place to do this activity is in Jozankei, Hokkaidō. The SUP sites here have shallow waters, which makes them safe even for children. Afterwards, head over to a farm for some fruit picking. The scenery and fruits change depending on the season, so you will be in for a different experience every time: in June its strawberries, in July you will get cherries, in August there will be plums, in September you can bite into prunes, while in October you can pick apples.