Named after the Japanese musical instrument the Biwa because of its shape, the 259 square miles' body of water located in the Shiga prefecture is the home of many freshwater fish and supports the pearl industry. But what visitors soon discover is that on the western side of the lake there is a strip of land that meets all the requirements of a natural beach.

A few rather popular activities here in Japan during summer are hiking, beach surfing and picnics. I present a summer’s day in Zushi, Kanagawa, consisting of a relaxing and scenic hike at Mount Takatori (with different start and end points), finished off with a stroll in the beach.

Here we introduce five beaches which can be your perfect weekend getaway from the notorious heat and humidity that the summer of Fukuoka comes with.

Located just a 10 minute boat ride from Ishigaki island port, Taketomi Island has a lot to offer travelers, including stunning beaches, magnificent views, hikes and water buffalo rides to name a few.

With a huge variety of accommodation, ranging from simple hostels to five star hotels with all inclusive packages, Ishigaki Island has something for every traveler.

If you're interested in heading off the beaten path and exploring one of the lesser-known Okinawan Islands, then Miyako-jima could be the destination for your next holiday.

At the north-eastern end of Japan’s Noto Peninsula, just a short drive away from the city of Kanazawa – known for its samurai districts, museums, and gardens, is the beach they call Goshikigahama or Five Colors Beach.

While popular attractions have their respective appeal, more esoteric destinations in Japan can whet the appetites of more seasoned adventurers. One such place is Enoshima, a quiet island off the Kamakura coast.

Daisekirinzan ( 大石林山) is an incredible natural wonder of Okinawa. Located in the island's remote north, the “Big Stone Woods Mountain”, as its name is translated, is a 200-million-year-old limestone “forest”, with bizarre rock formations and beautiful scenery.

Seifa Utaki lies hidden away in the cool, shady forests of Nanjo, accessible via a small, stone footpath through the woods.

Due to its position in the far south east of Japan, Miyazaki was largely undeveloped for most of Japan's history and as such is home to some beautiful untouched landscapes and national parks, as well as natural locations that tie into Japan's earliest mythology. Miyazaki City, the prefecture's capital, tends to be a little overlooked when considering what Miyazaki as a whole has to offer.

Sado, the largest island in Japan, is usually a quiet, peaceful island. But every year for the three-day Earth Celebration (EC) in August, the island transforms into a lively, international hub. Presented by world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble Kodo, EC is a music festival that brings performing art talents together from within and outside of Japan.