Exploring Japan's countryside: nature and landscape photography tour

While Japan is famous for its vibrant cities and rich cultural history, its breathtaking countryside often outshines its peers when it comes to nature and landscape photography. From towering mountains to peaceful lakes, quaint villages, and fields that could be picturesque no matter the season, the land itself is as varied as it is beautiful. If you're a photographer looking to escape from the chaos of the cities and shoot the raw, untouched landscapes of Japan, this guide will take you through the must-visit spots in the Japanese countryside.

Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes

In the world of landscapes, few territories are more iconic than Mt. Fuji in Japan. Its perfect cone shape and towering presence dominate the skyline, offering a myriad of photographic possibilities. Surrounding Mount Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes area, which offers diverse perspectives-capturing the mountain reflected in the serene waters of Lake Kawaguchi, framing it with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, depending on the season.

The best times for a perfect shoot are at sunrise and evening, when the light is gentler and reflections across the lakes are at their best.

Hokkaido’s Rolling Hills and wildflowers

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, represents a visual feast for a nature photographer at most times of the year, but particularly in summer when large fields of flowers bloom. The rolling hills of Biei and Furano are famous for their colorful fields of lavender, poppy, and sunflower; the open, open spaces combined with the patchwork colours create perfect landscape shots.

Winter changes Hokkaido into a snow-covered wonderland. If you are after minimalist, snowy landscapes, then the region around Shiretoko Peninsula is the place to capture Japan's wild beauty.

The Japanese Alps

The dramatic peaks and valleys of the Japanese Alps await the photographers desiring shots of mountain ranges. This area is dotted with villages that are often hidden, like Shirakawa-go, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites characterized by its very traditional thatched-roof houses. These quaint villages nestled in the mountains are especially photogenic during winter when snow blankets the rooftops or in autumn when vibrant foliage transforms the landscape.

You would love it if you are a hiking enthusiast. Kamikochi has all one could ask for in landscape photography, with high mountains and pure rivers surrounding it.

Kyushu’s volcanic landscapes

Kyushu lies in the extreme southwest of Japan, with some of the country's most dramatic landscapes. Mount Aso has a wide, active volcano and is among the largest in the world; it should be on the bucket list for every nature photographer. Its expansive caldera and steaming vents should give an opportunity to make raw volcanic landscapes.

Kumamoto Prefecture is surrounded by a wealth of lush greenery, beautiful gorges such as the Takachiho Gorge, where shots of the dramatic landscape are against a background of towering cliffs with emerald-green rivers.

Okinawa’s tropical islands

For photographers seeking coastal and marine landscapes, the Okinawa Islands are a tropical paradise. The crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and pristine beaches offer endless opportunities for seascape photography. You can capture the vibrant blue waters of Kabira Bay or explore the uninhabited islands for untouched natural beauty.

The subtropical forests of Iriomote Island, known for their biodiversity, also offer a chance to capture lush jungles and waterfalls.

Tohoku region: hidden gem of nature

The Tohoku region of northern Japan is a hidden paradise for any nature and landscape photographer. Less traversed than the more famous areas, offering peacefulness during their escapes into Japan's countryside. One of the great things is Oirase Gorge, a forested river valley with several waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.

Thus, in winter, Lake Towada and Zao Onsen turn into dreamlands, their frozen trees, as locals called them, "snow monsters," creating fantastic landscapes. This makes Tohoku an outstanding destination for photography, for people who plan to venture to quieter and more secluded natural nooks in Japan.

Shikoku’s scenic coasts and vine bridges

The island of Shikoku is known for its rugged coastline and mountainous interior. One of the island’s unique photography spots is the Iya Valley, where you’ll find the iconic vine bridges hanging over rivers. These ancient bridges, framed by steep, forested mountains, create a mystical atmosphere for landscape photography.

The Seto Inland Sea, which separates Shikoku from the main island of Honshu, offers beautiful coastal views and islands that dot the horizon, perfect for capturing sunrises or sunsets.

Exploring Japan’s countryside offers a variety of stunning landscapes for photographers, from volcanic peaks and snow-capped mountains to tranquil lakes and tropical beaches. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, the diversity of nature in Japan will inspire you to capture breathtaking images at every turn. If you're looking for expert guidance to enhance your skills, Mino Di Vita, an Italian photographer renowned for his expertise in photo tours in Japan, can lead you to the best spots and provide valuable tips for capturing the essence of Japan’s natural beauty.