Arimine Lake is an artificial lake created by the construction of the Arimine Dam. The dam took five years to build. Efforts were taken to ensure that the natural surroundings were protected and the Arimine Forest Cultural Village was established. As a result, the area has remained unspoilt and has been designated as the Toyama Natural Park, National Rest Home and one of Japan's top 100 forests and water sources.
The fresh green and red leaves of the beech, oak and maple trees are wonderful. A sight of particular beauty is that of red leaves in autumn with the snow-covered Mt. Yakushi in the background. Wadagawa Valley, which lies between Komi and the dam, is so beautiful it will take your breath away. And it's not just the scenery that's so attractive, but the natural treasury of precious plants and wild birds.
The camping area at the shoreside is popular for people who like the outdoors.
Minamikitaura Coast, extending from Urashiro-machi to Kitaura-machi in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a beautiful ria coast facing the Hyuganada Sea. It is one of the main attractions of Nippo-Kaigan Quasi-National Park. As there area many capes and coves in the coastline and the offing is dotted with small islands, it is called “Matsushima of Hyuga.” The beach boasts its white sand and clear seawater.
As a suitable place for swimming and various outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and diving, it is crowded with a lot of tourists in summer. When it is cold in the morning, the surface of the sea is covered with mist and creates a mysterious atmosphere.
The Fudogataki Waterfall in Fudogataki-en Park in Koda Town, Aichi Prefecture, is an artificial waterfall with a height of 6 m and a width of 5 m. The park is a part of Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park.
Clear stream that springs out of Mt. Tobone flows down gently over an artificial stone wall built in the park. Though the water volume is small, water is cold even in summer and provides a fine and safe bathing pond for children.
Surrounded with fresh green trees, Fudogataki-en Park is designed to utilize natural land features. As the park is equipped with a camping site for 60 people, cooking facilities, kiosks and picnic shelters, visitors can fully enjoy various outdoor activities. The Waterfall Festival is held in July every year.
Lake Mikawa in Habu Town in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, is a 107 hectare dam lake formed by the construction of Habu Dam in 1963. The lake was named so by the governor at the time of the completion of the construction work.
Surrounded by lofty mountains, this large lake is famous for its magnificent landscapes that change from season to season. You can go around the lake along the promenade. On the way, you can rent a boat or stop to enjoy the views from a landing pier or the observation platform.
The area around the lake has been developed as a recreation spot, where people can get acquainted with nature. Various facilities such as vast parking lot, a camping site, a boat club, a fishing zone and private hotels are provided. On the lake side stands a stone monument to praise the accomplishment of Kotaro Kawai, who devoted himself in the conservation and development of the area and the construction of the dam.
Lake Okuyahagi located near the southern border of Gifu Prefecture is a dam lake formed by Yahagi Dam constructed in 1970. It functions as the downstream reservoir of Yahagi- Daiichi (No.1) and Daini (No.2) Electric Power Plants, which employs pumped-up hydropower. It is always full of water and provides water for the surrounding areas.
Nature remains intact in the area around the lake. A variety of small animals inhabit in the mountains, while Amago and pale chub live in the clear stream. The landscape of the lake changes from season to season. A lot of visitors come to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves from mid to late November. It is the scenic spot, where various outdoor activities can be enjoyed.
Lake Kushu is the only lake on the island of Rebun in the northern part of Hokkaido. The lake, 4 km in circumference, is the northernmost lake in Japan. Known as “the Island of Flowers,” Rebun Island is the treasure trove of alpine plants and wild birds.
Lake Kushu is a scenic spot where you can enjoy bountiful nature to your heart content. The wetland around Lake Kushu is covered with the community of skunk cabbages from the middle of April through the early May. In June, Rebun-atsumoriso (Cypripedium marcanthum var. rebunense), which is a variation of large-flowered cypripedium, produce gorgeous flowers. You can also enjoy watching various kinds of wild birds from the promenede.
The lakeside is suitable for outdoor activities. There is a camping site provided with cottages, bungalows and auto-camping sites. You can taste “Japan’s northernmost milk” in the nearby ranch.
Oyako-iwa Rocks (Parents and Child Rocks) are three large and small rocks, which seem to be afloat on the expanse of blue Pacific Ocean in the offing of Samani Town in southern Hokkaido. They are named so because they look like the father, the mother and a child resting close to each other. The group of rocks is counted as one of the eight scenic spots in Samani Town.
The rocks had been called “Unpe Repunke,” meaning “the parents and a child rocks” by the Ainu people, which was later translated into Japanese. According to an Ainu legend, when a village on the coast was defeated in a battle, the village head went into the sea and transformed himself into a huge rock, at which the pursuers shot arrows, until finally the rock split into three. You will be confused by these mysterious rocks because you might be able to find only one rock or two, depending on your observation point.
The coast area is arranged into a recreational area, where visitors can enjoy swimming at Oyako-iwa Fureai Beach and fishing from the breakwater. The rocks seen from Oyako-iwa Observatory at the sunset are especially beautiful.
The Tsuchiyu Cedars are a heavy growth of big trees, located in Tozawa Village, Mogami County, Yamagata prefecture.
The group of trees is to the left of Mogami Canyon. The district has been designated as Yamagata Natural Park and the hiking course is popular.
The Tsuchiyu Cedars are more than 1000 years old and are dotted around the district. The biggest cedar is 17.5m in circumference and 30m tall.
The district is called 'Fantastic Forest'. Mogami river, one of Japan's three major rapid rivers, runs through this district and the rich water is a source of life in the forest.
In winter, all the trees are covered with snow and the view from a boat is splendid. In spring, the blooming of the lily japonica warms your heart.