Resort Places with Magnificent Views in Japan

There are many attractive resort places in Japan. Whether you want to refresh yourself in the great outdoors, or relax on the beach or in an onsen, away from your daily life, a wealth of excitement awaits you in places all over Japan. 

Resort Places with Magnificent Views in Japan

Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture)

A famous summer retreat and cottage area, Karuizawa is a highland resort with a pleasant breeze and the comforting murmur of flowing rivers. Another attractive aspect of Karuizawa is that the area has many unique shops and restaurants. 

Karuizawa
Karuizawa

Harunire Terrace in Karuizawa Hoshino Area

A small town was created among about 100 wild Harunire (Japanese elm) trees. A total of 16 shops, restaurants, and cafes stand along the clear stream. Walk in sunlight through leafy areas, and take the time to search for your favorite shop. 

Harunire Terrace
Harunire Terrace
Harunire Terrace
Harunire Terrace
Harunire Terrace

Access20 min. by bus from Karuizawa Station
URLhttps://www.hoshino-area.jp/en

<Hands-on activity> Sawaya Jam Factory

Sawaya’s jams are popular because they are made with fresh seasonal domestically-grown fruit and are low in sugar. Its jam factory offers a jam-making class, where various kinds of seasonal fruit are used, including apricots and apples. 

Sawaya Jam Factory
Sawaya Jam Factory
Sawaya Jam Factory
Sawaya Jam Factory

AccessA pickup and drop-off service is available to and from Karuizawa Station. *A reservation is required.
URLhttps://www.sawaya-jam.com/jamkyoshitsu/english/

Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture)

Although Hakuba is famous as a ski resort, new places that can be enjoyed in seasons without snow are opening one after another. Feel the comfortable breeze of the highland and refresh yourself.

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

A sky terrace with a gorgeous panoramic view of Northern Alps (the Hida Mountains) from an altitude of 1,289 meters. The cafe at the terrace, “THE CITY BAKERY,” offers various dishes, such as sandwiches with local ingredients. 

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR
HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR
HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

A gorgeous view in winter! 

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

Gigantic swing “Yoo-Hoo! SWING” makes you feel like you are about to dive into the gorgeous view.

ヤッホー!スウィング
ヤッホー!スウィング

URLhttps://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH

Although a “beach resort on the mountain” may sound strange, the relaxing space with hammocks and beach chairs is basically a beach resort in style. From an altitude of 1,400 meters, you can get a panoramic view of Yatsugatake and Mount Asama, which are as far as 100 km away. 

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH
HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH

Try a rare gondola-shaped sauna!

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH

URLhttps://hakuba-mountain-beach.com/

Snow Peak FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN

How about having a glamping experience offered by Snow Peak, an outdoor product manufacturer? In a private space, which is limited to eight groups per day, you can fully enjoy the grand nature of Hakuba. 

Snow Peak FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN

The tent is spacious and comfortable! 

Snow Peak FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN
Snow Peak FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN
Snow Peak FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN

URLhttps://fieldsuite-hakuba.com/en/

Furano (Hokkaido)


Located nearly in the center of Hokkaido, Furano is famous as a place where movies and dramas are filmed. The beautiful hills and wonderful rural landscape create a gorgeous view.

FARM TOMITA

The view of the hill, entirely covered with purple lavender plants like a carpet from late June to early August, is simply overwhelming. At the expansive farm, visitors can also see many other different types of pleasing-to-the-eye flowers. 

FARM TOMITA
FARM TOMITA
FARM TOMITA
FARM TOMITA

A variety of food and drink is available, including lavender soft-serve ice cream!   

FARM TOMITA


画像提供:ファーム富田

Access7 min. on foot from Lavender-Farm Station on the JR Furano Line (this station is open only during the lavender season) /
25 min. on foot from Naka-Furano Station
URLhttps://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/

Ningle Terrace

This small village in the forest was created by So Kuramoto, a famous screenwriter who is best known for the drama “Kita no Kuni Kara.” Along the walking path, there are 15 triangular-roofed log houses, each selling unique nature-themed crafts that feature Furano. 

Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace

Access10 min. by car from JR Furano Station
URLhttps://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinfurano/facility/ningle_terrace/

Nasu (Tochigi Prefecture)

With a ranch where visitors can see and touch animals as well as visit historic spots and sights in nature, Nasu is a popular tourist area, especially among families. It is also known as a royal resort, since the area boasts an imperial villa. NasuNasu

Nasu Animal Kingdom

This zoo rears as many as 150 kinds of animals, including rare manul cats and sand cats. You can get close-up with the animals during petting and feeding sessions. Performance shows are offered every day, where you can see the physical abilities of animals closely—not to be misssed! You can also observe animals indoors, so you can have a fun time regardless of the weather. 

manul cat
sand cat
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Nasu Animal Kingdom

Access About 70 min. by complimentary shuttle bus from Nasushiobara Station *A reservation is required (until 17:00 on the previous day)
URLhttps://www.nasu-oukoku.com/

Nasu Ropeway

This ropeway runs from the base to the top of Mt. Chausu-dake, and takes about 4 minutes. In October, you can enjoy—in a relaxing atmosphere—the gorgeous view of colorful autumn foliage from above. 

Nasu Ropeway
Nasu Ropeway
Nasu Ropeway
Nasu Ropeway
Nasu Ropeway

URLhttps://www.nasu-ropeway.jp/

<Hands-on activity> Nasu Stained Glass Museum

At one of the largest antique stained glass museums in Japan, you can make your own stained glass. Various classes are offered, including one that is about 30 minutes in duration. Feel free to join! 

Nasu Stained Glass Museum
Nasu Stained Glass Museum
Nasu Stained Glass Museum
Nasu Stained Glass Museum
Nasu Stained Glass Museum

AccessAbout 20 min. by taxi from JR Kuroiso Station
URLhttp://sgm-nasu.com/taiken/

Niijima (one if the Izu Islands in Tokyo)

This island, beloved by surfers from all over the world, can be reached in about two and a half hours by high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier. With its high water visibility, you can also encounter various kinds of fish while diving. Habushiura Coast

Habushiura Coast

One of Niijima’s famous surfing spots. The beautiful contrast between the white building that is referred to as the “Main Gate” and the blue ocean brings additional excitement to your extraordinary experience on this island. 

Habushiura Coast
Habushiura Coast
Habushiura Coast

It is recommended to rent a bicycle to go around the island!

Niijima
Niijima

URLhttps://niijima-info.jp/

<Hands-on activity> Niijima Glass Art Center

“Niijima Glass” is beautiful light olive green-colored glass, which is made by melting a unique kind of volcanic stone that is only available on the island. This center offers a hands-on glassblowing class. 

Niijima Glass Art Center
Niijima Glass Art Center

URLhttp://www.niijimaglass.org/contents/centerEn.html

Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa is one of Japan’s representative resort places, attracting many travelers from overseas. It attracts people not only with its warm weather and beautiful oceans but also unique culture and history different from those on the main islands.

Kaichu-doro causeway and the islands

This road connects four islands, and starts from Yokatsu Peninsula in Uruma City, located in the middle part of Okinawa. Driving while gazing at the emerald-blue ocean on both sides is an amazing feeling. 

Kaichu-doro causeway
Kaichu-doro causeway

“Henza Island,” a tranquil island that is connected to the main island. 

Henza Island

“Hamahiga Island,” an island of Gods, filled with spiritual sites. 

Hamahiga Island
Hamahiga Island
Hamahiga Island

“Miyagi Island,” offering a great panoramic view of the ocean from Kafu Banta (Happy Cliff). 

Miyagi Island

“Ikei Island,” with its landmark bright red bridge.   

Ikei Island


提供:うるま市 

islands   
https://www.city.uruma.lg.jp/iina/2396    
Kaichu-doro causeway   
http://www.urumajikan.com/sea-road/

Hoshino Resorts Banta Cafe

One of the biggest cafes of Japan is now open in the middle part of Okinawa. You can choose one of four areas with different tastes to spend your time in a way that suits your fancy. 

バンタカフェ
バンタカフェ
バンタカフェ

There are lots to choose from the colorful menu with a tropical flavor!

バンタカフェ

URLhttps://banta-cafe.com/en/

Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture)

This major resort area is a popular place to enjoy the ocean, onsen, and local food. Once one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Japan, its popularity is perhaps in part because of its accessiblility from Tokyo—Atami is only about a 50 minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station. AtamiAtami

AKAO HERB & ROSE GARDEN

Beautiful roses of various colors are in bloom, and various kinds of herbs are grown in 12 themed gardens. This garden has many places to see, including a cafe at an elevated spot that has a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, as well as a souvenir shop and workshop. 

AKAO HERB & ROSE GARDEN
AKAO HERB & ROSE GARDEN
AKAO HERB & ROSE GARDEN

Access 15 min. by bus from Atami Station
URLhttp://www.garden-akao.com/index.php

MOA Museum of Art

This is an art museum with an ocean view, where you can enjoy various art works, including Japanese art. After taking a lengthy escalator from the entrance, you can immediately dive into the world of art. 

MOA Museum of Art
MOA Museum of Art
MOA Museum of Art
MOA Museum of Art

Access7 min. by bus from Atami Station
URLhttps://www.moaart.or.jp/en/

Hatsushima

Just 30 minutes by ship from Atami Port, this casually-accessible isolated island will add more excitement to your resort experience. The warm, clear ocean has colorful fish and is also popular as a diving and snorkeling destination. 

初島

A small island that you can go around in about one hour. 

初島
初島

URLhttps://www.hatsushima.jp/en/

PICA Hatsushima

Relax in a hammock surrounded by sub-tropical trees and flowers, and you can quickly feel an extraordinary exotic atmosphere of a tropical place. This resort place is fully equipped with air conditioning, offering a comfortable place throughout the year. You can enjoy fun activities, where you can be very active, as well as bathhouses using mineral rich water from the sea. 

PICA初島
PICA初島
PICA初島
PICA初島
PICA初島
PICA初島

URLhttps://www.pica-resort.jp/en/hatsushima/

<Resort places to visit on a day trip from Tokyo>

Okutama (Tokyo)

If you want to fully enjoy nature while hiking or camping on your day trip from Tokyo, Okutama is the place to go. You can easily enjoy exploring its hidden charms.

Lake Okutama

Fresh green leaves in summer and colorful leaves in autumn are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a beautiful shimmering effect. Don’t forget to try the floating bridge, which allows you to walk across the lake. 

Lake Okutama

Lake Okutama 

Kazuma Canyon

Kazuma Canyon 

Hatonosu Canyon

Hatonosu Canyon

URLhttps://www.okutama.gr.jp/site/

Minamiboso (Chiba Prefecture)

Minamiboso is a temperate beach-side area, located at the tip of Boso Peninsula. You can not only enjoy the beautiful ocean but also various kinds of flowers as well as seasonal fruit picking. MinamibosoMinamibosoMinamiboso

Kamogawa Sea World

This large-scale aquarium rears and exhibits more than 11,000 creatures of various kinds. Powerful performances by huge killer whales and dolphins in stadiums facing the Pacific Ocean are popular events among visitors. 

Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World

Access 10 min. by complimentary courtesy bus from JR Awa-Kamogawa Station
URLhttps://www.kamogawa-seaworld.jp/english/

You may also like this:

The information herein is as of Oct 2020

Nagano Article

Nature/spectacular views/scenery Article